This week we’re featuring Tyler Wirken of Wirken Photography in Kansas City, Missouri. Tyler’s background in newspaper journalism drove his passion to tell stories in a photojournalistic way, and influenced his goal to “bring an honest, truthful and unbiased approach” to capturing the wedding day. See more of his work below.
How did you get started in photography?
My dad technically first got me into photography. I actually remember it well. I was about nine years old or so and we were at a car show. I wanted to take photos of models there and he taught me how to use his Canon FTB. I can still remember the first photo I ever took. It was on that day out of the door jam of his van. It was totally out of focus! I then kind of fell into it by default as there was nothing else I was good at or interested in during high school. So I got involved in the newspaper and yearbook as a photographer. Then when I got to college I could not think of anything I wanted to major in so I chose photojournalism. The rest is, as they say, history.
Many photographers talk about the importance of personal projects. Is personal work important to you and if so, how does your personal work affect or inform your professional work?
I guess I am one of those folks that does not feel that way about personal projects. I would love to do them but I simply do not have time. You know it’s funny I don’t shoot for myself. I never have. If I am not under pressure photographically I do not perform as well. So when I see my friends out shooting street photography just for fun I get jealous. I want to be that guy and I think I need to do more of that but at this stage of my life I just can’t bring myself to do it. I have a family with two awesome boys and I choose to commit that time to hanging out with them as much as I can. I figure I have plenty of time when they are not kids anymore to shoot more for myself.
How does your background in photojournalism benefit or enhance the wedding and portrait images you take?
My background completely drives every decision I make photographically as well as how I run my business. I think because I did not have a huge career as a photojournalist I am more committed to the principles of pure documentary storytelling. Not a day goes by that I do not regret leaving photojournalism as early as I did. I wished I had more experience in that world. I have to believe that has something to do with my never ending fight in this industry to be as pure about what I am doing as possible. I think that passion for the moment in its purest form helps me stand out a little bit from the crowd. At least I hope it does.
What is the most important thing for your continued success?
It is to simply commit to constantly pushing myself to be better. The beauty and curse of it all is that the journey to be the best you can be never ends. Fortunately I am very involved in a community of the best wedding photojournalists in the world that push me to better myself constantly. I cannot tell you how important that is. As soon as you stop pushing and become compliant is the day it all ends.
Was there a photographer (or anyone else) who inspired or influenced you?
I have had so many people and photographers that have influenced me over the years, it is hard to list them all. I would say my photo family comprised of the folks involved in the Foundation Workshops are all people I respect deeply and have influenced me in one way or another. But, if you are looking for a single photographer I would have to say currently it is Damon Winter. I call him my compositional idol. The way he sees and build photographs astounds me. I strive to see in such a simple but effective way more and more each time I shoot.
What marketing tools do you use for your business, and what do you find to be most effective?
Well it’s funny you ask me that as just today my wife Pam and I were talking about how to improve that. Honestly, the only thing I have found that really works for us is word of mouth and simply sticking to who we are, and who we want to work with. It is not easy at times but a few years ago I made the decision to cut all portraits out of our business and just focus on being purely documentary. It was not easy and still is not, but I am a much happier person with my work. Now all I gotta do is figure out the best way to market that and viola I am set! By the way I am open to any ideas on that!
For more information on Tyler Wirken, visit his website, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter. If you’re interested in taking any “Wirkshops” from Tyler Wirken, please visit www.wirkshopseries.com.
