Mitchell's name had recently blown up due to the fact that he is the first black photographer to ever shoot the cover of Vogue. To add more to the amazing achievement, he was only 23 years old. Technically, Mitchell's use of bright colors and beautiful exposure have garnered him an iconic aesthetic. Most of his subjects are black, ranging in skin tone. He has strong consideration on how to light them and how to emphasize their many different undertones. Mitchell's photos are also very colorful and heavily saturated. His sense of color theory makes his photos more pleasing and harmonious. His set design and locations are also very simple, but they way he composes his subjects in these environments communicates the ideas that simplicity is more. They are centered and the compositions are mostly symmetrical creating balance and focus.
One of the most striking things about all of Mitchell's photos (across all series) is the empowerment felt in each photo. He almost exclusively photographs black people and people of color. He brings attention to marginalized people who deserve it. While the photos can stand alone as editorial or art, there is still an underlying political tone that he proudly displays. He made history with Vogue and photographed Emma Gonzalez and her friends from Parkland. Mitchell displays resilience and beauty in situations that were seen as hopeless.
Personally, Tyler Mitchell is one of my biggest inspirations. He has achieved so much at such a young age. The power and elegance that he captures in his photos makes me feel hopeful. I also appreciate how he mostly photographs minorities. It creates a strong connection and solidarity with his viewers. It also instills feelings of pride. Even in his subjects that are posed naturally, there is still a feeling of honor that is evoked in the viewer. Mitchell's photos are emotional but in a subtle way. They are quiet and invite the viewer to stay within the frame. I admire his ability to create an already iconic aesthetic and message with very simple techniques in capturing them.
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