Rising Stars: Meet Tyler Merkel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Merkel.

Hi Tyler, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Since I was just a little sprout, snapping photos has been my obsession. Christmas was all about me begging my folks for those dinky disposable cameras. I captured everything under the sun – from serene lakes on family getaways to the quirky beauty of gas stations, even down to the tiniest bugs. As I grew, so did my obsession, upgrading to those flashy point-and-shoots, most of which met their untimely demise thanks to my epic clumsiness. Necessary to mention that my rockstar parents kept on feeding my habit, knowing full well the next camera might end up at the bottom of a lake. When college rolled around, I was itching to dive into photography full-time. But, alas, the naysayers chimed in, warning me about the perils of pursuing such a fickle career. So, naturally, I opted for something more “practical” for my major – creative writing. Cue the dramatic sigh. 

Post-uni, I found myself scribbling away for a German environmental documentary crew. Sounds cool, right? Well, on paper, maybe. In reality, I was quickly realizing I wasn’t fulfilled. Meanwhile, my passion for photography was still burning bright, with me sneaking every spare moment to indulge in my shutterbug tendencies. 

Then, out of the blue, a friend roped me into shooting pics for their hammock company. Payment? 15 bucks. But let me tell you, the minute I clicked that shutter, I knew right away – that photography was my calling, even if it meant living in that hammock for the foreseeable future. 

Thus began my wild ride into the professional photography realm. Sure, those early years were lean – I barely scraped by, and let’s be real, my skills were still a work in progress. But huge shoutout to the brands who took a chance on this rookie! Nine years down the road, I’m left wondering, why the heck did I think creative writing was a safer route than photography? 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
After the initial two-year rollercoaster ride, it’s been nothing short of a dream. Plentiful gigs with fantastic brands, and stellar relationships with marketers, stylists, and models. 

But hold onto your hats because those first couple of years? Picture this: me, shooting like a maniac, grabbing any job that dared to cross my path. My clients back then? Bless their hearts, they couldn’t afford fancy studios or props, let alone a full team. Startup companies for a startup photographer. So, there I was, braving the wild jungle that is LA, armed with nothing but my camera and a whole lotta determination. 

From accidentally trudging through industrial runoff to capture shots of a GoPro case (yep, that really happened), to the unforgettable experience of snapping pics of greeting cards inside a random fridge (don’t ask), I’ve seen a lot, my friends. 

And oh, let’s not forget the cherry on top – the time I got mistaken for an undercover detective while innocently photographing a statue in downtown LA for a video game developer. In retrospect, maybe I should have seen that coming. Anyways– cue the park chase scene, complete with heart-pounding adrenaline and a flailing tripod in my arms. 

But hey, as my talent grew the clients’ budgets improved and we could finally afford proper studios and a team, the crazy antics started to simmer down (well, mostly). If you ever meet me, ask about the time I accidentally worked for a potential murderer?? (Google your clients beforehand my friends). 

Above all, I’ve always lived by this truth in my pursuit of a photography career. If you love something enough, it will work out. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m all about capturing the essence of products with a special flair for fashion and lifestyle photography. I’ve had the pleasure of taking photos for dream clients such as Target, REI, and Coleman. My snapshots end up on websites or in advertisements, and to be honest, I’m proud as punch of every single one, no matter the client or context. Now, when folks ask me what sets me apart from the pack, I gotta say– it’s tough to answer. Instead, I prefer to focus on what connects me with the photographers I truly admire, which is a never-ending curiosity for creating images. I find sheer delight in every single step of the process – from crafting the mood board to meticulous planning, setting up the perfect shot, and diving into spur-of-the-moment creativity on set. And let’s not forget the cozy wind-down at the end of the week, diving into the editing process. 

Sure, it’s pretty darn sweet that photography pays the bills, but here’s the thing – I’d be snapping away even if I wasn’t getting a dime for it. 

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Exploring a new town with my camera(s) in hand, snowboarding in the Alps with my husband, drinking Nikka whiskey with my mom, cooking breakfast with my dad, globetrotting with my brother, listening to people tell their stories, devouring stacks of books, LoTR extended editions, hot tubs, cold plunges, and cheese. Lots of cheese. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tymerkel.com

Image Credits
Mycah Bain