Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Byrd.
Tony, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After graduating with a degree in fine art, I realized I needed to find a job that actually paid money! So I approached an advertising photographer, and as luck should have it, his regular assistant was moving away, so he took me on. From that day forward, I have never had another job other than photography – I worked for him in the midwest for a handful of years and then moved to Los Angeles in 2004 – I still assisted on the west coast for a few more years then made the leap to shooting full time about 10 years ago – after 20 years in the business I still can’t believe I get paid to do something so fun and creative for a living.
Has it been a smooth road?
For the most part its been pretty good – I have been fortunate enough to work with and learn from some really talented and hardworking people early on, and I know that helped shape the career I have today – But as anyone who works freelance can tell you, your only as good as your last job so one still has to work hard every day.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
Tony Byrd Photography – today I work a lot in the fashion industry, but not exclusively – I shoot quite a bit of editorial and e-commerce fashion, but also advertising assignments for large household name companies, portrait assignments for magazine and still life product imagery.
Most photographers do specialize in one area, but I suppose that because I have worked with a variety of shooters over the years, I have learned to be diverse which in itself has helped me work with clients that have a variety of photographic needs.
I also think I am rather strong technically at creating natural and artificial lighting scenarios.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles certainly has a lot to offer a photographer or someone interested in learning the business; however, I suggest the best way to enter this field is by being patient and learning from others by doing. I spent many years assisting and learning and proving myself, and I don’t think any school could have taught me what is most important about being a photographer.
Also, I think that the accessibility of digital cameras, computers and retouching software has allowed many people to think they can instantly step into the field and call themselves a professional photographer – learning the craft is key, building those relationships with other photographers, producers, creative directors is just as important.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tbyrdphoto.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: tbyrdphoto
Image Credit:
Tony Byrd Photography
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