Today, photographer Tyler Mitchell lends his expertise to the MasterClass platform, via a series of video lessons on “storytelling through portrait photography”. The 26-year-old photographer made his mark when the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery asked to take one of his portraits he created for Vogue, their first Black photographer to shoot a cover, for its permanent collection in 2019. Now, he is making history again as one of the youngest to appear on the acclaimed platform, where he joins fellow photographers Annie Leibovitz and Jimmy Chin. 

Tyler is a part of a new generation of image-makers that is taking their very personal experiences and transforming them into alluring images that speak to everyone. Mitchell’s MasterClass will give members an intimate look at his creative process and how he documents a new aesthetic of Blackness. 

“Tyler is reshaping the lens through which we see culture today,” said David Rogier, founder, and CEO of MasterClass. “In his MasterClass, he not only shares his process but shows members that they are already equipped with everything they need to take meaningful pictures—an eye, a personal story and any camera.” 

In his MasterClass, Mitchell will teach the fundamentals of photography such as lighting, composition, and camera equipment (just to name a few). Then he takes members with him into the studio as he shoots with a film camera and gives a behind-the-scenes look at his personal editing process. Throughout the 11 video lessons, he not only teaches the technicalities of photography but taps into the importance of members finding their own story and unique voice. 

Reflecting on his experiences is what inspires Mitchell’s image-making. “As a young artist myself, it’s always been important to me to share and to make accessible the information I’ve learned on my journey,” said Mitchell, exclusively to VMAN. With his MasterClass he hopes that he will help members take his lessons and apply them to their own lives and experiences behind the lens.

Gain access to all of Tyler Mitchell’s lessons now on MasterClass.com or via the MasterClass app.