Tyler Shields

Tyler Shields is a renowned photographer, filmmaker, and contemporary artist known for his innovative and provocative work in the world of visual arts. With a distinctive style that pushes the boundaries of conventional photography, Shields has consistently challenged the status quo, redefining the art of storytelling through his lens.

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Tyler Shields discovered his passion for photography at a young age. His body of work reflects a deep fascination with human emotion, vulnerability, and the exploration of the human psyche.  Shields' work is characterized by a fearless approach to capturing moments that are unapologetically real. His portfolio includes stunning portraits of celebrities, ordinary individuals, and even moments of political and social significance. He is known for pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and blurring the line between reality and fiction.

On shooting with Shields, model Allie Evans Shares, “Once you witness him in action behind the lens there are few words that can describe what shooting with Tyler Shields is like. Shields has had his models run from planes flying feet over their heads, and holding $100,000 Burkins on fire next to their faces. Not to mention his image titled Lady And The Lion where he had me dangle a steak over a live lion's mouth. The list of life threatening things we have  done in the name of art is a mile long. But not once have I been scared when shooting with Tyler. He makes you feel like the impossible is always possible. Perhaps that’s why his best work is nothing short of magic. The shots shouldn’t exist. People shouldn’t want to be set on fire or climb naked up an electrical tower during a windstorm, but they do and they do so happily. In fact most people show up asking Shields to push them.”

What sets him apart from many contemporary photographers is his unwavering dedication to shooting exclusively on film. He believes that film photography has a magical quality that captures the raw, unfiltered essence of a moment, unadulterated by digital alterations. Unlike the prevalent practice of heavy photoshopping and retouching, Shields eschews these digital manipulations, preferring to let his subjects and scenes speak for themselves. 

His work has been exhibited across the globe, being held in prestigious private collections. Today, he remains to be the only living photographer with an exhibition of his work, a testament to his success.