Tyler Wirken is a documentary photographer, international educator, and photography curator with a heart of gold and a down-to-earth take on weddings and what it means to capture them. Talking with Tyler is always a joy and I am grateful he took the time to chat with me for this interview. Read on and learn about Tyler and how he approaches weddings from his unique perspective.

Blair: Can you tell me a little about you? Where do you live and where did you grow up?

Tyler: I live in Missouri .7 miles from the home I grew up in. My parents are a big part of my life, my neighbors are my friends, I’ve been married for 17 years and I have two kids ages 12 and 14, and my dog, Milo. 

Blair: How does your background inform your artwork?

Tyler: Family is at the center of everything I do so I approach each wedding looking to capture connections between family members and friends. I know that a wedding is one time where a family will be together, maybe for the first time in years and I want to capture those ties. I really don’t care about the wedding as a fantasy, I care about what’s real and what will endure 10 years from now and 30 years from now. I care about the photos that will matter to those that haven’t even been born yet. I think every couple should think about renewing their vows at ten years, because then they’ll really have something to celebrate.

Blair: I love how your work perfectly mirrors where you are coming from. Here are just a few of my favorite photos of yours.

Blair: Many photographers attend your Wirkshops from all over the world and I know you do a lot of teaching online. What do you focus on with your students? 

Tyler: I teach them to take a hands-off approach to documenting weddings and families and why it is so important. Topics include how to shift your perception of what wedding and family photography is supposed to be, getting clients excited for the experience, mastering the art of capturing moments from a technical perspective, and using light, moment, composition to build the perfect image. I also help them mentally prepare to find the best image possible in any given situation.

Blair: Other than photography, what hobbies keep you busy? 

Tyler: When I was ten I began restoring a 1963 Austin Healey with my dad. It took us ten years but that experience stays with me to this day. Now I have a Land Rover Defender that my dad and I built, and it’s my escape. I’ve been working on cars, hanging with neighbors, and enjoying my family since I was little and that is the life I am still living. 

Blair: How are you surviving the current crisis with COVID-19?

Tyler: I am keeping busy, being grateful for my life, and trying to think creatively. I’ve started offering quick iPhone lessons to photographers and clients for $25 and that is bringing in a bit in during this time. I also have a commercial photography business so I am working on improving that behind the scenes. I think it is a good time to take stock of your skills and what you want your future to be like. We all need to prepare and get through this.

You can follow Tyler on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wirkenphoto/ and Instagram, and if you’re planning your wedding and you’re all about connection, it’s a good time to book his services for 2021.