Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyras Downey.
Tyras, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m from North Dinwiddie, Virginia. How I first found my passion for Film and Photography was at Virginia State University Majoring in Mass Communications.
Winning “Best Short Film” in a class course named “Intro to media and technology” sparked my interest and began my journey.
I jumped straight into film and starting shooting music videos for local artists on my iPhone8 because I couldn’t afford a camera at the time while still being in college. Having shooting 12 plus music videos without a camera, I wanted to up my production level bad. Suddenly what could have been my biggest downfall became my biggest blessing, I got kicked out of college. I know some people question how is that a blessing?? Well, I learned a lot about humility, self-discipline, leadership, and most importantly having faith in GOD.
Violating the school policy by having illegal items in my dorm made me stand up and be a leader, Accepting full responsibility of my items in the room because I had a roommate.
After college, I had to go deeper within myself and find my purpose. I began stepping out on faith and starting my own film and photography production company “TD Production”.
In 2019, the same year I got kicked out of “VSU” I brought my 1st camera, the “LUMIX G85” and became a Publisher Photographer,
getting published in “Don Solo Magazine” as well as perfecting my craft in directing music videos shooting for some of the top local artist’s in the tri cities of the “804”. Elevating my production quality as well.
Within the years Of 2019-2021, I was traveling back & fourth to Atlanta for Networking as well as for photography and Directing Music videos.
By being in the city seeing how passionate people are about their craft and seeing the power of networking, I knew I was destined to launch my career in Atlanta, Georgia.
GOD’s Grace, Mercy, and Devine Purpose lead me here to relocate in 2022. I’ am beyond blessed and ready to continue Networking, Shooting films, photography, music videos, weddings, commercials, ANY VISUAL NEED, BOOK TD PRODUCTION.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely Not. Life is all about ups and downs. The bumps in the roads along the way, I look at it as little climax’s in the Story of my life. They are turning points. The way I react to them determines how long I will make this chapter in my life be, whether good or bad.
I have had a lot of struggles along the way, with the main two being myself and entrepreneurship.
1st with being an entrepreneur, you have to know that it will be ups and downs in your business. One month your bookings are through the roof, so much business coming in, and the next month, your phone doesn’t ring. A struggle I sometimes may face till this day.
Next, as an entrepreneur you have to know it’s a possibility that you may miss a payment or be late on a bill, or may have to cut back on expenses because you are not guaranteed a check every 1 or 2 weeks like a 9-5 job, without knowing you can end up in a situation like those may lead you to give up.
Another struggle along the way was within myself. Battling my thoughts that’s telling me I’m not where I’m supposed to be in my business when in reality everything is a process, your business will not elevate to its peak in a few months. Sometimes maybe even years, but when you keep faith, your business will strive and it will come at a time unexpected but will be perfect timing
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Director, CEO, and Published Photographer. I specialize in Directing short films, films, and music videos.
My main focus in Photography is Fashion Photography.
With having my own style Directing and photography, I’m most known for my elegant fashion photos as well as my style of run and gun/nonplanned shoots, turning them into production/movie like music videos.
I am most proud of the elevation in my craft as well as my faith in GOD.
What’s separates me from others in my field of profession is my passion for helping others with my talents and gifts.
Most people go into a profession because of money, I went into this profession having a passion for creating, Directing talent, and bringing people ideas and thoughts to life with my God giving gift.
Also, I create separation by referring to myself as a “ 1 stop shop for all your visual needs” because I also shoot Weddings, Commercials, Event Photography, and Event videography.
How do you think about happiness?
Seeing My Mom and Dad happy, Makes me happy. When they have a smile on their face, I have a smile on mine.
Filming also makes me happy. No matter what I’m going through, when I get behind that camera, I go to another world where nothing on earth exists except what I see on the monitor.
Contact Info:
- Email: Tdproduction3@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ty_the_director/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tyras.downey.7
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCenuaLQxd5tunKM8ZZiqlog
- Other: https://youtu.be/GBC93jH-EVo
Image Credits:
@Cap.vis @highfrequentproductions
