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1/04/14

Sarah Tyler Shoots

Where are you from?

Warm-blooded since inception. I am originally from Miami, Florida … swamplands and flickering neon. But interestingly enough, I was born in my pa’s chevy truck en route to hospital. Poor ma. I like to think that this fact does have some kind of influence on the movement in my life.

What’s your favorite color?

Black. or White. Sometimes Gray … see where I’m going here?

Where are you currently?

Currently back in la junglas of Panamá (more specifically Casco Viejo and Pedasí). I was able//lucky enough to spend almost half of 2013 in New York City to finish a few projects and reconnect with the creative circle and energy that I’ve missed while gone — over the past 3 years I’ve, literally, been off-the-grid. Knockin’ on wood, 2014 in Panama, thus far, seems to be a genuinely fruitful reunion. I need that immersion//isolation in the wild and Panama provides so much of that comfort.

What do you love about film making?

Ah, well that’s a long answer you’ve beckoned. I’ll keep it relatively short and start with a quote, “Filmmaking is a chance to live many lives” (Robert Altman). I’ve always loved storytelling, whether it be through the written word or around a campfire, the ability to explicate far-out scenarios or scenarios far removed from your realm of culture/identity — well, it makes every project an incredible learning experience on so many levels. The collaborative form to film making is exciting in and of itself because you appreciate all of the intelligence and talent you get to be surrounded with or astounded by. That said, I look forward to so much more stimulating collaboration in 2014!

What is one monumental moment growing up that shaped who you are today?

Hmmmm, I remember being nice to this little boy in my 5th grade class – “Joey”. He was rowdy and definitely a behaviorally problematic student but he was also chastised and harassed to an extent that didn’t exactly make sense to me. Anyway, one time the teacher instructed us to go around the room and each say something mean or stern to him, to let him how he made us feel when he behaved badly. I mean, really, the teacher wanted us to put a 10-year-old kid through a social ringer. By the time it was “my turn” — “Joey” was in tears. As you know, kids can be cruel and by today’s standards, this teacher would have probably been fired. But, I remember saying something to this extent, “Joey, when you interrupt class or behave badly, you affect the way we learn our lessons which gets the teacher mad. But I do know that when you are being kind and helpful, I like you and consider you my friend. I am sorry that you are crying because some of the things said would have made me cry too. And I don’t think the point was to make you cry. I hope you feel better soon.” Obviously, the class and its clowns and bullies were quiet for a few, heated seconds as their collective conscience was confronted. After class, as I was walking to the front of the school, Rudy came up from behind me and gave me the biggest, most unexpected and, longest hug I have ever received. In short, kindness and understanding go a long way — a really long and impactful way. And I think we all need to be reminded of that from time to time.

What has been your favorite project to date?

I will say Nick … our shoot in Montauk with ever-inspiring Kelly Framel and equally charming Zachary Lynd was one of the most spirited shoots I have been on in quite a while — from concept to creation, the whole process was really enjoyable and almost felt like we went on some kind of creative retreat! For now, Montauk Love takes the cake.

Where is the one destination that is at the top of your travel list right now?

Burma

What is your vision?

My vision for 2014 is to genuinely create — genuinely create work that inspires people to smile, travel, understand one another, take the beaten, off-kilter paths in life — and to also grow as a story-teller with projects that truly challenge me to push myself forward and expect more of myself, for the sake of learning. Crystal visions. That and to grow more of the food I eat.

Where can we find you on the internets?

@ShootSarahTyler for both Instagram and Twittershootsarahtyler.com for website — Google ‘Sarah Tyler Panama‘ and some very interesting moments do surface … hah.

 

LET'S CONSPIRE & CREATE

CULTIVATING YOUR VISUAL UNIQUENESS AND STREAMLINING YOUR BRAND'S EVOLUTION

Where are you from?

Warm-blooded since inception. I am originally from Miami, Florida … swamplands and flickering neon. But interestingly enough, I was born in my pa’s chevy truck en route to hospital. Poor ma. I like to think that this fact does have some kind of influence on the movement in my life.

What’s your favorite color?

Black. or White. Sometimes Gray … see where I’m going here?

Where are you currently?

Currently back in la junglas of Panamá (more specifically Casco Viejo and Pedasí). I was able//lucky enough to spend almost half of 2013 in New York City to finish a few projects and reconnect with the creative circle and energy that I’ve missed while gone — over the past 3 years I’ve, literally, been off-the-grid. Knockin’ on wood, 2014 in Panama, thus far, seems to be a genuinely fruitful reunion. I need that immersion//isolation in the wild and Panama provides so much of that comfort.

What do you love about film making?

Ah, well that’s a long answer you’ve beckoned. I’ll keep it relatively short and start with a quote, “Filmmaking is a chance to live many lives” (Robert Altman). I’ve always loved storytelling, whether it be through the written word or around a campfire, the ability to explicate far-out scenarios or scenarios far removed from your realm of culture/identity — well, it makes every project an incredible learning experience on so many levels. The collaborative form to film making is exciting in and of itself because you appreciate all of the intelligence and talent you get to be surrounded with or astounded by. That said, I look forward to so much more stimulating collaboration in 2014!

What is one monumental moment growing up that shaped who you are today?

Hmmmm, I remember being nice to this little boy in my 5th grade class – “Joey”. He was rowdy and definitely a behaviorally problematic student but he was also chastised and harassed to an extent that didn’t exactly make sense to me. Anyway, one time the teacher instructed us to go around the room and each say something mean or stern to him, to let him how he made us feel when he behaved badly. I mean, really, the teacher wanted us to put a 10-year-old kid through a social ringer. By the time it was “my turn” — “Joey” was in tears. As you know, kids can be cruel and by today’s standards, this teacher would have probably been fired. But, I remember saying something to this extent, “Joey, when you interrupt class or behave badly, you affect the way we learn our lessons which gets the teacher mad. But I do know that when you are being kind and helpful, I like you and consider you my friend. I am sorry that you are crying because some of the things said would have made me cry too. And I don’t think the point was to make you cry. I hope you feel better soon.” Obviously, the class and its clowns and bullies were quiet for a few, heated seconds as their collective conscience was confronted. After class, as I was walking to the front of the school, Rudy came up from behind me and gave me the biggest, most unexpected and, longest hug I have ever received. In short, kindness and understanding go a long way — a really long and impactful way. And I think we all need to be reminded of that from time to time.

What has been your favorite project to date?

I will say Nick … our shoot in Montauk with ever-inspiring Kelly Framel and equally charming Zachary Lynd was one of the most spirited shoots I have been on in quite a while — from concept to creation, the whole process was really enjoyable and almost felt like we went on some kind of creative retreat! For now, Montauk Love takes the cake.

Where is the one destination that is at the top of your travel list right now?

Burma

What is your vision?

My vision for 2014 is to genuinely create — genuinely create work that inspires people to smile, travel, understand one another, take the beaten, off-kilter paths in life — and to also grow as a story-teller with projects that truly challenge me to push myself forward and expect more of myself, for the sake of learning. Crystal visions. That and to grow more of the food I eat.

Where can we find you on the internets?

@ShootSarahTyler for both Instagram and Twittershootsarahtyler.com for website — Google ‘Sarah Tyler Panama‘ and some very interesting moments do surface … hah.

 

1/04/14

Sarah Tyler Shoots

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Where are you from?

Warm-blooded since inception. I am originally from Miami, Florida … swamplands and flickering neon. But interestingly enough, I was born in my pa’s chevy truck en route to hospital. Poor ma. I like to think that this fact does have some kind of influence on the movement in my life.

What’s your favorite color?

Black. or White. Sometimes Gray … see where I’m going here?

Where are you currently?

Currently back in la junglas of Panamá (more specifically Casco Viejo and Pedasí). I was able//lucky enough to spend almost half of 2013 in New York City to finish a few projects and reconnect with the creative circle and energy that I’ve missed while gone — over the past 3 years I’ve, literally, been off-the-grid. Knockin’ on wood, 2014 in Panama, thus far, seems to be a genuinely fruitful reunion. I need that immersion//isolation in the wild and Panama provides so much of that comfort.

What do you love about film making?

Ah, well that’s a long answer you’ve beckoned. I’ll keep it relatively short and start with a quote, “Filmmaking is a chance to live many lives” (Robert Altman). I’ve always loved storytelling, whether it be through the written word or around a campfire, the ability to explicate far-out scenarios or scenarios far removed from your realm of culture/identity — well, it makes every project an incredible learning experience on so many levels. The collaborative form to film making is exciting in and of itself because you appreciate all of the intelligence and talent you get to be surrounded with or astounded by. That said, I look forward to so much more stimulating collaboration in 2014!

What is one monumental moment growing up that shaped who you are today?

Hmmmm, I remember being nice to this little boy in my 5th grade class – “Joey”. He was rowdy and definitely a behaviorally problematic student but he was also chastised and harassed to an extent that didn’t exactly make sense to me. Anyway, one time the teacher instructed us to go around the room and each say something mean or stern to him, to let him how he made us feel when he behaved badly. I mean, really, the teacher wanted us to put a 10-year-old kid through a social ringer. By the time it was “my turn” — “Joey” was in tears. As you know, kids can be cruel and by today’s standards, this teacher would have probably been fired. But, I remember saying something to this extent, “Joey, when you interrupt class or behave badly, you affect the way we learn our lessons which gets the teacher mad. But I do know that when you are being kind and helpful, I like you and consider you my friend. I am sorry that you are crying because some of the things said would have made me cry too. And I don’t think the point was to make you cry. I hope you feel better soon.” Obviously, the class and its clowns and bullies were quiet for a few, heated seconds as their collective conscience was confronted. After class, as I was walking to the front of the school, Rudy came up from behind me and gave me the biggest, most unexpected and, longest hug I have ever received. In short, kindness and understanding go a long way — a really long and impactful way. And I think we all need to be reminded of that from time to time.

What has been your favorite project to date?

I will say Nick … our shoot in Montauk with ever-inspiring Kelly Framel and equally charming Zachary Lynd was one of the most spirited shoots I have been on in quite a while — from concept to creation, the whole process was really enjoyable and almost felt like we went on some kind of creative retreat! For now, Montauk Love takes the cake.

Where is the one destination that is at the top of your travel list right now?

Burma

What is your vision?

My vision for 2014 is to genuinely create — genuinely create work that inspires people to smile, travel, understand one another, take the beaten, off-kilter paths in life — and to also grow as a story-teller with projects that truly challenge me to push myself forward and expect more of myself, for the sake of learning. Crystal visions. That and to grow more of the food I eat.

Where can we find you on the internets?

@ShootSarahTyler for both Instagram and Twittershootsarahtyler.com for website — Google ‘Sarah Tyler Panama‘ and some very interesting moments do surface … hah.

 

1/04/14

Sarah Tyler Shoots

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If your message keeps shifting, your brand feels inconsistent, or your presence doesn’t match your capability yet. This is where you build the foundation before you scale.

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It’s an ongoing creative partnership focused on bringing your personal brand identity to life.

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All shaped as a direct extension of who you are. The work also includes a bespoke process of identifying and aligning the right experts when needed, so nothing gets built out of sync with your core.

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I’ve photographed Justin Bieber several times and seen fame up close. His stripped-down Coachella set showed the thing I keep relearning about creative work: production amplifies, and only artistry carries.

Calm Jamaican coastline, a nervous system coming all the way down in creative burnout recovery

You recover from creative burnout by treating it as a nervous system state: build real down-cycles, read your own signals, and return to the work you love.

Mountain landscape in New Zealand, one clear thread running through a magnetic personal brand

A magnetic personal brand comes from coherence and one clear through-line. Here is how entrepreneurs build one, in order, and the trap that keeps most brands scattered.

Hiking a New Zealand mountain trail, learning at your own pace in midlife

I spent a month training kung fu in Wudang at 47, the oldest and slowest learner in the room. What being a beginner again in midlife taught me about pace, comparison, and starting anyway.

Photographer walking a snow-capped mountain ridge in New Zealand, the long practice of seeing that develops taste

You develop taste through thousands of reps of looking closely and deciding what works. A photographer’s honest answer on how taste gets built.

Silhouetted figure leaping from a sea cliff at sunset, committing to one coherent personal brand identity

You make a personal brand more coherent by naming the identity underneath it, distilling a one or two word through-line, and bringing the four layers into agreement. The full path, in order.

Nick Onken travel image, Life Intelligence essay on travel as creative input that sharpens the eye

You cannot pour from an empty well. Travel is how I refill mine. Here is why new places are creative input rather than a break from the work, and why output without input runs dry.

Nick Onken portrait, Creative Intelligence essay on the creative act versus performing one

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Nick Onken portrait, illustrating that personal brand identity is human-built with AI as the tool on top

AI can generate endless brand content, but it cannot construct the identity underneath it. Here is the real line between what AI can do for your brand and what only you can.

Nick Onken portrait, Life Intelligence essay on nervous system regulation and creative recovery

Burnout is less a willpower problem than a nervous system running with no recovery. Here is what I learned about creative recovery from social media burnout and a reset in Costa Rica.

Elevated Realism brand portrait by Nick Onken, a subject looking unmistakably like themselves

Most brand photographers take good photos of you. Few capture who you actually are. Here is what to look for when hiring a brand photographer so your images match your authority.

Nick Onken portrait, Creative Intelligence essay on taste and the discipline of seeing

Taste is less a gift than a discipline you build through thousands of reps of seeing. Here is what twenty-five years behind a camera taught me about the art of seeing.

Nick Onken portrait illustrating visual frequency of authority, presence matching identity

Visual Frequency of Authority is the energetic signature your images transmit before anyone reads a word. What it means and why two people with the same credentials read so differently.

About the Blogger

I was born in a low middle class conservative religious family in the suburbs of Seattle. Art was and always has been my passion, and more than that a way of life. Starting as a graphic designer, I taught myself photography, built a commercial/editorial business shooting for the worlds biggest brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Adidas and more. I've also had the opportunity to photograph the world's biggest celebrities like Justin Bieber, Usher, Jessica Alba and more. I've curated a lifestyle around creativity and have learned a lot along the way which I get to share here. 

I was born in a low middle class conservative religious family in the suburbs of Seattle. Art was and always has been my passion, and more than that a way of life. Starting as a graphic designer, I taught myself photography, built a commercial/editorial business shooting for the worlds biggest brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Adidas and more. I've also had the opportunity to photograph the world's biggest celebrities like Justin Bieber, Usher, Jessica Alba and more. I've curated a lifestyle around creativity and have learned a lot along the way which I get to share here. 

NICK'S STORY