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Tyler Mitchell

 

Tyler Mitchell: Fresh Eyes on Portrait & Fashion Photography

Tyler Mitchell (born 1995) is an American photographer and filmmaker known for his vivid, dreamlike imagery that celebrates youth, identity, and Black culture. In 2018, he made history as the first Black photographer to shoot the cover of Vogue in its 125-year history, featuring Beyoncé. His work blends fine-art, editorial, and documentary influences, offering a poetic yet socially engaged vision of contemporary life.

Camera Gear

  • Began shooting as a teenager with a Canon DSLR, which he used to film skateboarding and travel videos before turning to still photography.

  • Frequently photographs with medium-format film cameras such as the Mamiya RZ67 and Mamiya 7 II for portrait and fashion projects.

Mamiya RZ 67

Mamiya 7 II

  • Has been seen using Leica M6 film rangefinder cameras in editorial and gallery work.

Leica M6

  • Often works with Kodak Portra and Ektar color film stocks for their luminous tones and natural rendering of skin.

Film & Technique

Mitchell favors natural light and soft color palettes, combining cinematic composition with the intimacy of personal documentary. His photographs often feature Black subjects in serene, sun-drenched settings that convey beauty, dignity, and joy. The influence of filmmaking remains central to his approach, visible in his attention to pacing, atmosphere, and sequence.

Legacy

Tyler Mitchell’s work has transformed how fashion and art photography depict Black identity. His images challenge traditional power structures of representation, opening space for tenderness and imagination. Exhibited in major institutions including the International Center of Photography and Foam Amsterdam, Mitchell’s vision has helped redefine the visual language of a new generation.

Books Featuring Tyler Mitchell’s Work

  • I Can Make You Feel Good — Prestel, 2020

see it on Amazon

  • Chrysalis — 2023
    Both monographs explore themes of beauty, youth, and the everyday sublime in the Black experience.

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