The “Photographer of the Week” series is dedicated to highlighting photographers within the SCAD community that demonstrate unique abilities behind the lens. This week, Tyler Vallar Basa, a third-year graphic design student, shares his recent projects and personal insight.
When did you start your photography journey, and what does photography mean to you?
I started my journey in photography sometime around 2017. I was doing a lot of music video filming and editing at the time, so I decided I might as well start doing photography as well. To me personally, I think photography means making what interests you. There’s quite a lot of different types of photo-work you can make, whether it’s fine art, product, concert photography or film-documentary style. It’s really doing whatever draws your interest.
An archived concept by Luigi Thomas @lui_archives, modeled by Kap @scottmoonn, photographed by Tyler Basa @tylerbasa.
Where do you attain your inspiration for your work?
I would say I attain most of my inspiration mainly through music, fashion and other artists. Artists credited with being ahead of the curve or having a really strong, specific artistic vision always inspired me. There’s a handful of musicians who always seem like they never succumb to the hype — Tyler, the Creator, Kanye West, Frank Ocean and some others that aren’t coming to the top of my head right now. They always make what they truly desire, and I find that assertive attitude inspiring. Coming through with an appearance that you were 100% confident in your vision and intent was always something really powerful to me. With whatever I put out, I don’t want to compromise with the audience. I want to feel that confidence.
What is your creative process like per shoot?
I never did a lot of planning. Things usually come to me on the spot. During fashion editorial or concert photography-type shoots where I also have creative control, I try to get into the mindset that I am the audience looking at the final photos— what do I think would be truly beautiful to look at? With this in mind, by the time I’m finished shooting one idea, another idea will have already manifested. Of course, sometimes I’m also keeping in mind how the final photos would look with a specific style of editing and how I’d execute it. In contrast, depending on what I’m trying to do (usually product photos or executing a concept), I will do a fair bit of planning. Although in many situations, my on-set crew are my close friends who also have great ideas, so ideas start bouncing off one another. It all depends really.
Fully realized concept by Luigi Thomas @lui_archives, modeled by Taj Hughes @tajhughes, Antoine Manning @manningantoine, Tiana Samantha @tianasamantha, Mariama B. @yamadoll_, Noble Pryor @killscottykill, @sakattackz, Trent @_trent0n, photographed by Tyler Basa @tylerbasa.
What impact do you want to have on the industry?
Honestly, I don’t think it was ever my goal to impact the industry, but if I happen to impact the industry in a unique and positive way while doing what I want to do, then that’s cool.
What project(s) are you currently working on?
Nothing too specific or big currently. I think that’s fine, I believe breaks from big creative pursuits are essential. Lately, I’ve been shooting product photography for OriginalFani’s brand, Thermal and K$ace’s “Whensmokeclears” brand and MaryImaj’s latest bag release. I’m working on a landscape collection of photos. I’m planning to release prints as soon as I can, but I’m making sure the quality is where I need it to be. Unrelated to photography, I’ve been practicing modeling and have been very inspired by this fashion design class I’m taking, so maybe that will lead to something.
Fashion editorial shoot for Luigi Thomas @lui_archives, modeled by Yvonne Phan @yvonnephann, photographed by Tyler Basa @tylerbasa.
Is there any advice you’d like to leave to other aspiring photographers or SCAD students?
I think the best advice I can give is to be confident, always be yourself, but also to always try to stay artistically uncomfortable. You know yourself best, however, I think it’s important to try things you wouldn’t normally try, as that is how you can grow as an artist. I believe close-mindedness or arrogance will only hurt that growth.
Concert photography taken between 2018-2019(pre-COVID) by Tyler Basa @tylerbasa, performances by Tahj Keeton @tahjkeeton, 6Dogs @6dogsgnarly, Lil Keed @lilkeed, Megan Thee Stallion @theestallion, J.K. The Reaper @jkthereaper.
To see more of Basa’s work, visit his Instagram, Twitter and website.
