Life & Work with Tyler Darland

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Darland. 

Hi Tyler, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story began when I was in high school attending the career line tech center in 2012. I took a media production course to avoid a math credit in school, I was never great at math and I always thought media has always interested me. I there found a passion for telling stories through videos and photography. A representative, later on, came to visit and told us about a small film school called Compass College of Cinematic Arts. I then decided to attend Compass from 2013-2015. After attending the college, I realized the education they provided wasn’t what I really was looking for so I then decided to pursue other career avenues such as comedy and music. After pursuing those careers for a few years, I began to develop some connections in both industries meeting many friends. As time went on around 2019, I was working at a marketing job for an auto auction. We were all then let go due to covid and I knew I had to figure out a way to make money. I then decided to focus back on film and photography and decided to teach myself through YouTube. Through the previous years, I had reached out to the connections I had developed in other areas and reached out to numerous comedians and one Youtuber I had learned guitar from and started editing videos and shoot photography for them. In addition to the creative scene, I started meeting numerous friends that also shot photos and videos and started networking. This all began my company In the Moment Media, where we strive to produce visual stories to those around us. In the last year, I have met so many friends, from helping a few open up Black Pigeon Studios here in Grand Rapids to shooting for film premieres out in LA. All due to the connections and friends I have made throughout my time shooting. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, no it has not been a smooth road at all. There have been many many many struggles along the way. The college I had attended did not prepare me for what this industry had given at all, but most problems I solve by reaching out to the friends I have made along the way, and I would be nowhere without them. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in Photography, events, weddings, engagements, real estate, pretty much anything to do with photography. I have started to branch out more into the video realm though. I’m most known for either my networking ability or photography work. I am most proud of how much I have accomplished in such a short amount of time and the network of friends I have made along the way. I have had to teach myself every skill I currently have, and when I can’t figure it out, I reach out to one of my friends for help and they are always more than happy to help. What sets me apart from others, is definitely my ambition to assist others with their careers as well. I believe that yes, we are all in the same realm, but there is a place where everyone can succeed. 

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I might seem very outgoing and an “expert at networking”, but I am actually really shy around new people and am not a huge party person. Big crowds and parties are definitely not my scene in the slightest. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://inthemomentmediallc.squarespace.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylerdarland94/

Image Credits
Tyler Darland