Whether shooting the cover of Vogue or capturing scenes at a skate park, Tyler Mitchell makes images with effortless beauty and thoughtful commentary on race in America. Tyler opens up about his art and the elements that go into making photos.

Learn how to use photography to tell personal and emotional stories through Tyler’s examples and instructions.

Tyler teaches the fundamentals of lighting, how to create moods through light, and how to shape and control indoor and natural light. Discover how lighting impacts composition and Tyler’s approach to creating strong frames for your photographs.

By getting creative with household items—think sheets and shower curtains—a photographer can adapt to any lighting condition. Tyler demonstrates how to manipulate natural light and make professional portraits using only a smartphone.

When shooting outside, a photographer is subject to changes in weather and the movement of the sun. Tyler shows you how he works with changing light quality and explains how it affects his images.

Tyler shares his method for selecting and processing his images.

Tyler breaks down how to take photos with a film camera and explains why he considers himself part of the “post-DSLR” generation.

Using a film camera, Tyler lights and shoots a pair of subjects in a professional studio.

Colors, props, and locations can help you express your story. Tyler breaks down the elements of art direction that infuse story, self, and symbolism into his work.

Finding a creative community online was crucial to Tyler’s early success. He shares advice on how to harness the internet to get feedback, showcase your portfolio, and get your work published.

Tyler details strategies for working through self-doubt—and staying inspired and productive as an artist.