With the emergence of self-indulgence photography has increased in its validity of necessity. Today, visual media has given status to the aspiring, confidence to the introvert and publicity to the well-known at very low investment cost because all they have to do is show up and the picture is taken. Photography is the warm blood of branding for personal and professional reasons.
Although the art of picture taking has been around for quite some time, within the last half decade the genre has become somewhat a new phenomenon for the night life. The photo area also known as “the booth” with the graffiti back drop and the “picture man” has mutated into another sort of beast. It is not uncommon to walk into an event and notice people with cameras around their neck in the attempt of capturing the moments. Poses are struck, logos are displayed, hand signs are thrown up, bottles are popped and money is tossed when the camera comes around. If the previously mentioned are only for that one night, a picture makes it last forever. The etch in the stone of memory is done with photography.
However, due to the current trends in nightlife entertainment it is very easy
for a particular field to become over-saturated. Separating camera holders from actual photographers is not always easy because everyone thinks having the top of the line Nikon and editing program makes them a photographer Unfortunately, no, unless you are Terrence Tyson: The Eyes of Hip Hop.
Last time UrbGasm chatted with Terrence Tyson he was running on the same high level of octane for his passion; telling the story of hip hop through his camera lens. Traveling between major cities such as Atlanta and Miami, Terrence is continuing on the steady upward stride branding himself as “The Eyes of Hip Hop”. With an all access pass to the major entertainment events in Florida and Georgia, Terrence Tyson is the who, what, when, where, why and the how of the night. If you want to know who was there, if you want to re-live the night, or if you missed the event the place to go is http://www.terrencetyson.com. Or if you are an iPhone, iPad, iPod owner, at the beginning of 2013 Terrence Tyson release his very own photo app to his supporters?
The highly sought after photographer took the time to speak with UrbGasm; check this dude out….
UrbGasm: Tell us how did you decide to create an app to market your product?
TT: “About a year ago I didn’t want an iPhone, but my good friend D.J. D-Strong told me I needed to get an iPhone. I still have my Blackberry (chuckles). When I got the iPhone the first thing I noticed is everything was an app. I was like hmph! My website is a pretty good platform but I thought I should recreate it into an app. I came up with the idea and shared it with another good friend of mine, gold-selling artist J-Dash who also doubles as a computer genius. He gave me a price for the app and every dollar I spent was worth it. He gave me a quality product.”
UrbGasm: Will your app be available for non-apple owners?
TT: “Absolutely! Right now I am building a firm foundation on the iPhone but there are future plans to expand”
Android users our chance to share in the goodness of the Terrence Tyson app on our phones is in the works, stay on the look out. I actually have the app downloaded on my iPad and it is indeed a more efficient and convenient way to view pictures. Great job Terrence.
Terrence Tyson is a very busy photographer, when he is not snapping shots at an event he is planning projects; he is always working.
TT: “The grind is non-stop and for a lot of reasons it is non-stop. You can have over 100 people gunning for your spot, it’s always new avenues to explore and for the sake of bettering yourself. I try to always better myself as a photographer.”
UrbGasm: What are some methods you use to better yourself in your craft?
TT: “I am a big time student. I study the greatest photographers and what they have done but mostly what they didn’t do. Each of them have their thing that made them great therefore I try to do what they didn’t do and tailor it to make me great. I mean I study everything. If you’ve heard anything about Eminem he studied everything from the words to the slang, everything; that keeps him a great artist.”
UrbGasm: Who are some of the photographers you study?
TT: “As far as what I am doing I study Jonathan Mannion, Zache Wolfe in Atlanta, Derick G in Miami and many more from the photography stand point. As far as marketing/business I’ve always been a fan of Elric “E-Class” Prince owner of Poe Boy Music 
Group. His branding tactics are of a marketing genius. He is responsible for the success of a lot of artist. Branding is very important. When people start to see something consistently it’s going to peak their interest.”
Currently, Terrence is on his branding tour. He is visiting cities within his business radius promoting his new app and pushing his brand on new people.
TT: “I model my branding tour like an artist. The internet is a good tool but like Ross (Rick Ross) you have to be in the people’s face. The people want to see you. They want to joke with you and laugh with you, they want to have some sort of personal experience with you; they want to know you. If the people feel like they know you and especially if you are a cool dude then they will check out the product and support you. It is not a difficult thing but it is very demanding. If you are an at home type person then a branding tour is not for you.”
The entertainment industry has become extremely diluted making it tough for pure talent to shine through the dark agenda of cooperate business. Terrence Tyson is no amateur to his field of play. From the very bottom Terrence Tyson sacrificed a lot to get where he is today. But his investment of time, money and dedication has rewarded him with the wisdom of a true businessman and an insight of the entertainment industry that speaks of his experience.
UrbGasm: Why do you feel that photography is relevant in the entertainment industry?
TT: “You need photography for any industry not just entertainment. Anything that needs branding needs photography. If people can’t see it how can they know what it is? Photography makes a product relevant. In the entertainment industry specifically everything is visual. For instance my website is catered more to people who goes out to events, they like to see what happened or his happening. On the other hand you World Star Hip Hop which is all videos. Both websites are very successful because the people want to see what’s going on. You can’t just tell people anymore. If Rick Ross say he spent $1 million in the strip club or someone say they bought 100 bottles in VIP people want to see.
“The music industry itself is a very disappointing place. It is the ultimate example of when an artistic mind meets corporate interest it always equals heartbreak.”
~ Terrence Tyson
Why Terrence Tyson you ask?
TT: “A lot of promoters, event planners knew me when I had nothing; years ago when I was traveling everywhere and doing gigs for free. These people know my track record. When I say I am going to do something I come through with it. I respect the game and the dudes who have been in it before me. The respect my intensity and consistency. Now since the visual element is so dominant they look at me as a leader of the new school. “With his current success Terrence Tyson could easily fall into the trap many do once they experience a different side of life and the additives that come with it. Terrence has a very simple yet concrete method of remaining humble.
Instagram of T-Pain
TT: “I have people who keep me grounded. The people who know me outside of the TerrenceTyson.com element. It is sort of like a celebrity who is very camera shy; well that is me without the fame. I didn’t get in to photography to be famous or to be “the man” I just wanted to display my craft and be the better me I can be. Everything I’ve worked for to attain I know it can be taken away from me. I believe what the Lord giveth the Lord taketh away. Since I come from nothing I always know there is that outside chance that everything could go all wrong and I am back to nothing. That’s what keeps me grounded.”
Terrence’s skill set is not limited to taking and editing pictures. He has delved into varies forms of visual media & journalism making him a very hot commodity.
UrbGasm: Where is Terrence Tyson headed? What is the ultimate goal of TerrenceTyson.com
TT: “I am taking it one day at a time. If the opportunity presents itself I will be ready. However, from day one my goal has always been to shoot major label album covers for artists. I said this January 2005 and it has not changed. I was inspired by a Jonathan Mannion album cover. I have never met him before but I hear he is a cool dude.”
Now that 2013 is here Terrence reflects on 2012 as one of the biggest year for himself. He states that his biggest accomplishments was being able to take care of his loved ones.
TT: “That was one of the most memorable things, just being able to take care of others than myself. It felt good.”
Terrence Tyson will always be one of those individuals I will drop everything for, erase my calendar and if I am in the city make sure I support because not only is he a very cool and humble dude he is also the inspiration that set me on fire to believe in UrbGasm.com. Make sure you find him on FaceBook, Twitter, Instagram, and Apple Store.
Radio Shotouts and Affiliations
93.3 The Beat, 102 Jams & 95.3 in Orlando, Cindy WEDR 99 Jam in Miami
Links
Download App (click on pic)
Website: http://terrencetyson.com
Twitter: TerrenceTyson
FaceBook: TerrenceTyson
Vimeo: TerrenceTyson
YouTube: TerrenceTyson
Tumblr: TerrenceTyson
By Parker B!
Editor -N- Chief
ParKer Bryant 