Photography: Todd Anthony Tyler-The Power & the Glory
Todd Anthony Tyler, his wife, Karina, and their team are the force of nature known internationally under the name "TAT: Todd Anthony Tyler photography." Listed by xxlix.net as number 3 (of 20) fashion photographers, Todd’s star continues to rise. FYI, Mario Testino ranked 1st and 5th ranking, was Annie Leibowitz. Clearly, the reason for Todd and his company TAT’s position at front and centre of the media and fashion world, is that they offer complete, comprehensive packages for brands. TAT have set out to prove that MORE is more and to wit, they cover every aspect of their clients’ marketing needs, from social media, to web services, right through to creating fashion shows to support any brand's direction. (below: Todd's daily jogging schedule continues on location for "Fit for Fashion TV' in Malaysia).
Todd and his team stand by their reputation as being the industry-leader in media-consultancy, creation and photography and with his honest-to-goodness Canadian charm, honesty and exponentially fit and fashionable style, Todd is always his own best advertisement for the conceptual world of image-branding. No other creative will walk their talk in exactly the same way because few have that level of Virgo-an discipline mixed with (below: Chinese model Gao Jie, with creative direction & photography by Todd).
gentlemanly modesty that make Todd and TAT at large the name to watch in 2016. As a celebrity fashion photographer with legions of fans worldwide, it’s a simple fact that Todd Anthony Tyler represents the zeitgeist of his craft. This is why his client list includes designer Uma Wang, L’Oreal Paris, Adidas, Ports 1961 and Ritz-Carlton Hotels. Todd and his wife Karina Smith are long-term fixtures on the international fashion and fitness stage. You’ll see more of them in 2016. Fact. They’re the Brangelina of the fashion scene and the couple that everyone wants to be. No exaggeration. Hand in hand, at the top of fashion’s Mount Olympus, at the top of their game, Todd and Karina are regulars on the red carpet as “A-List” guests around the world at fashion weeks and other glittering events in London, Paris, New York, LA, Shanghai, Beijing, Sydney, Tokyo, Seoul, Toronto and of course in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Bangkok and more. (below: Todd working a winter look in the snow).
The world is their domain and their fans, their (fiercely loyal) subjects. It’s no overstatement to say that fans of Todd and Karina spend hours poring over their travel photos and of course, Todd’s artsy, powerful photo shoots. From the serious photographers to teen fashion fans across the globe, everyone’s commenting on TAT’s fashion shoots and candid shots as shown on their regularly updated media platforms. What will impress even the most cynical fashion-watcher is that TAT actually take the time to respond to almost all of their fans’ comments and mail; an impressive feat considering the fact that their legion is expanding weekly in every continent. What you’ll notice then about TAT is that this is fashion, art and style, with soul and sincerity, which is perhaps just what’s needed during politically turmoiled times and challenging global scenes. (below: Todd's fitness tips & photography tips are part of why he's such a fan-favourite. If you check him out online, you'll notice that he always replies personally to comments & questions from all of his followers).
When you speak with Todd in person, you realise that you’re dealing with someone who’s seeing the fashion industry from an insider’s vantage point. Having burst onto the world fashion scene at the couture shows of Europe, Todd Anthony Tyler quickly became an icon within the fashion and media realms and has never looked back. After completing his formal university-level education, Todd combined his love of travel and fashion, firstly, with a role as a menswear model. Taking the leading place on the runway all over Europe, the USA, Canada and Asia and walking for top name brands, meant that Todd learned about the fashion industry from within its inner circle. Exposed (pun intended) to the world’s best fashion designers and photographers, Todd absorbed absolutely every tip and piece of advice that a photographer could possibly give a model and then, made the photography tips his own. (below: Tyra Banks, producer/host of "Asia's Next Top Model," for which Todd was a judge & the resident photographer).
Swapping position to the other side of lens is often a natural progression for models who later become photographers, (known as “MTPS” ie “Models turned Photographers”) but catapulting to international renown as a serious photographer whose work is showcased in “Vogue,” “Elle,” “GQ,” and other glossy magazines is a unique occurrence. Then again, Todd’s talents and drive are at a unique level so his success just keeps exponentially expanding. In detail, Todd and his team step seamlessly into the following roles when and where their clients need them. Whether a client needs a digital and film photographer, editorial and consumer products photographer, photo editor, art director, stylist, Macintosh systems photo editor (using Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Sculpt 3D, Authorware, black & white or colour film processing and printing), digital image archive manager or someone who’s able to develop, establish and maintain a brand’s unique editorial tone and voice through photography, TAT hits their target, every time. To wit, Todd’s myriad fans and increasing international client base bear testimony to how TAT has become established as the “in-the-know” choice for those for whom quality, attention to detail and creativity are imperatives.
The icing on the cake is that Todd Anthony Tyler and his partner, Karina, are, put simply, “fashion-icons” of the international scene. Exuding sophistication, class and taste at every A-list, red-carpet event, TAT have developed a seamless reputation as a photographic and multi-media tour de force that’s not only one-hundred per cent reliable but deeply creative. It’s the kind of creative team everyone wants to be affiliated with. Top clients worldwide have already caught on to the buzz that Todd’s “eye” and his aesthetique will take their advertising and marketing campaigns into another realm. Daring to think outside the square and take the bar higher by involving his subjects and making them feel totally at ease so they can express themselves fully in any photo-shoot is clearly Todd’s trump-card. Part of Todd’s success is that he understands what makes people “tick,” what motivates them visually and personally and what will make a concept into a success. Being passionate about Life in general, Todd’s chose to complete university degrees in Biology and Anthropology: choices that are testimony to his deep understanding of human behaviour and all forms of life plus the beauty that surrounds us. Being able to understand, on so many levels, the world around us, Todd brings an insight and subtlety to his work as a photographer and brand consultant that well exceed the usual expectations one may have of other industry professionals in these fields. Being the original “Renaissance Man” having melded his fields of interest and experience into the powerhouse consultancy brand that is TAT means that now, with more than twelve years as a professional photographer, Todd has developed his skill set into not only his TAT brand as a whole, but also as a sought-after advisor. Working with other brands to develop their media including print, online content and live shows is a mix of services that Todd and his team can offer. The TAT team cover all aspects of production, including creative details, location scouting and casting. Naturally, Todd’s extensive contact-base and data base of models, stylists and makeup artists are on hand and ready to turn a concept into a polished final product that is a genuine investment in the future of any discerning brand. Todd is well-known for his background not only as a photographer for “Vogue,” “elle,” “GQ” and more, but also as one of the judges on the prestigious reality program, “Asia’s Next Top Model.” The success of supermodel Tyra Banks’ franchise, “Asia’s Next Top Model,” featuring Todd as a judge and photographer, catapulted him into the spotlight yet again and carved his way forward into television. Bringing together young models who embody the diversity and beauty of Pan-Asia, “Asia’s Next Top Model” set the benchmark for television and style, with Todd clearly a leading presence on the program and a definite fan-favorite. Again, Todd’s experience as a fashion model, photographer and stint as a personal trainer and nutrition expert combined to garner him critical praise as one of the tv show’s most respected fitness/fashion judges. His background in modelling, nutrition, plus certification as a personal trainer and extensive experience as an image-consultant and photographer combine to see Todd continue to be invited on board as resident photography and a judge on the hottest new must-see reality-television program, “Fit for Fashion!”
(below: Todd, Karina and their hosts on location in Thailand).
As his fans are well aware, Todd is himself also the co-owner, face AND body of leading fitness-wear brand, Aumnie, so “Fit for Fashion” is another avenue for Todd to promote not only the brand but the concept of wellbeing and fitness. Now into its second season, “Fit for Fashion” is far from being your run-of-the-mill reality show. This one shows regular citizens take center stage to undergo a complete makeover and personal image-transformation during the program. Viewers worldwide are glued to their sets as Todd and his co-star celebrity judges take their teams on a “fitness journey” with fitting into funky, fashionable threads as the final destination. Todd shares that, “After hearing what the show was about and how the goal of the show was to be inspirational and life changing I was in. The show is about transformation and individual journey; something I think most people can relate to.” He adds that, “The Fit for Fashion audience is rather broad. The contestants are not so much competing against each other as they are ‘competing’ with themselves and focusing on their transformations. The contestants are not all people with the same fitness goals. They start out at different points in their lives. Fitness-wise, some want to be more ripped and developed and going for peak conditioning, while others are looking to slim down and improve their health. This can also be said about finding themselves as people. Some of the contestants are trying to regain confidence while others are searching for it. So there is no ‘prime demographic’ for ‘Fit for Fashion,’” says Todd. “We hope anyone will find themselves being inspired by the show to lead a healthy lifestyle and be more empowered in pursing their dreams.” Looking ahead, Todd hints that he may be taking on some more exciting TV-based projects, sharing that, “I not only enjoy the process of being on TV, but alongside that, plus my fashion photography, I also have a strong desire to direct and act. I plan to get back to my roots and get involved with shooting some documentaries too.” With his schedule already filling up for 2016, A-listers will have to wait their turn if they want to hire Todd as a fitness and image consultant which is another string to his bow. As someone who can offer practical ideas you can use in your daily life at home for staying fit and dressing your best, Todd is an expert on the process of fitness-training and the transformative potential of using the right techniques for your age, current fitness level, body type and nutritional needs in order to re-energize your life, sensibly, safely and effectively. This is where Todd’s university qualifications in Biology and Anthropology come in handy: he is not only scientifically “in the know,” but also has the cultural understanding & sensitivity to take it to the international stage with ease and, let’s face it, a LOT of gentlemanly charm. Todd Anthony Tyler’s style-icon position not only informs TAT’s various projects but will also be the driving force behind the new TAT clothing brand. TAT’s fans are patiently waiting for the first catalogues to be released, showcasing Todd and Karina’s unique design sense. In the meantime, when asked about what his ‘top tips’ are for someone wanting to shape up their image, Todd shares these gems: “As a ‘quick fix,’ consider your hairstyle,” says Todd. “Ask yourself, ‘Is this the best look for me?’ and ‘Is it current?’ A new hairstyle that is the right one for you, can really be a make all the difference.”
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“Alongside that,” Todd adds, “an update in your wardrobe can also be a quick fix…but then again, consider what style is right for you. Just because a trend is current, may not necessarily mean that a certain look is the right look for you.” Looking ahead, Todd advises that an overhaul of your nutrition plan “may not be a ‘quick’ fix, but, starting today,” he suggests, “why not try learning more about how to eat better and how to incorporate some exercise into your daily schedule.” The fashion world is sometimes criticized for being shallow but you would be hard-pressed to find a more insightful fashionista than Todd Anthony Tyler. Subtle in his philosophical outlook, when quizzed, however, Todd shares some through-provoking insights about life, work and what inspires him. “Basically,” say Todd, “I am inspired by those who have found success in what they do. So I often read biographies for inspiration. Everyone from Ghandi. Mother Teresa to Arnold Schwarzenegger and Steve Jobs. Of course at the start of my journey as a Fashion Photographer I sought inspiration from a few successful photographers like Terry Richardson, David Lachapelle, Patrick Demelchier and Helmet Newton. At this point in my career I find a lot of energy and inspiration from my fans. It is incredible the things fans do for you or take on into their own lives from what you do. I enjoy interacting with my fans and in doing so find a lot of positive energy for my various endeavours.” The various professional endeavours and tasks undertaken by Todd and his wife, Karina, are not only impressive in terms of productivity but in terms of making a partnership work at home AND at the office. “Quite a few couples tell us that we are lucky to be able to work together,” Todd muses, “and then in the same breath, people say they think they could not actually do it! We are lucky that we get along so well in life and in business. Being able to spend time together like this is invaluable in our relationship as we would otherwise be spending a lot of time apart. Also since the job is so much about travel and meeting fabulous people around the world, we also get to have a lot of fun together WHILE we are at work and we are both grateful for that!” Being talented, creative and grateful, on a global scale, is evidently a formula for success as things are clearly continuing to be on the rise for Todd and Karina and the team at TAT. To wit, Todd’s personal motto is, therefore, “Veni, Vidi, Vici!” (“I came, I saw, I conquered.”) Understated? Not really - and I don’t have a problem with that. GM Find Todd and Karina at the following instagram and twitter spots to keep up with TAT in 2016: @theperfectchemical (for Todd’s style images) @toddanthonytylerphotography @toddanthonytylerfitness @toddanthonytylermodels (Todd & Karina’s own modelling agency) (below: Todd's fashion photography demonstrates his ability to capture the best moments in lighting & movement).
