Tyler Ross is a man who is comfortable in his own skin, brilliantly colorful skin, as a matter of fact. This California native has carved out his own special place in the photography world. Tyler has combined his love of photography and comedy, documenting the alt comedy scene masterfully. His photographs capture the subject in a fun, engaging way. Just some of the comics he’s photographed include Robin Williams, Hannibal Buress, Nikki Glaser, Marc Maron, John Mulaney, and Sarah Silverman. When he’s not tending to his duties as in-house photographer for the “Meltdown Show” at Meltdown Comics, Tyler produces a comedy show of his own, “Comedy by The Pool“. Taking place during the Cali summer months, this show is exactly what its name advertises. CBTP is the “first poolside stand-up comedy showcase” of its kind and welcomes the best comedians and swimmers. Tyler’s enthusiasm shows through in every project he attacks. So it should come as no surprise when he wins you over with his photos and words.

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Tyler Ross

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Serial Optimist: So tell us about growing up a Southern California native. Your kind is hard to find around these parts.

Tyler Ross: Yes. I can be considered an alien these days. It’s fine. We’ll rebuild the So-Cal gang back up one day.

Looking back at it, I feel really spoiled for how nice I had it. I was born in Los Angeles, but raised in San Diego, Escondido to be exact. Growing up there was a delight. The weather was near perfect. The surf is fantastic. The punk rock scene was great while I lived down there. And although times were tough early in life, I grew up with two of the most incredibly supportive parents on the planet, at the same time as having a tight knit relationship with my brother, Eric, which continues to this day.

SO: It’s not so bad to be a native. Did you always have an interest in photography? Who are your photography influences?

Tyler: I did, but not to the extent as I do now. I didn’t really consider myself a photographer until 2006. It was at Warped Tour where friends, drum tech Rikki Hunter and drummer Jordan Mancino of As I Lay Dying suggested I photograph their headlining set. It all changed after that.

I’ve never really had any photography influences from at least dating back to as long as I can remember. There are photographers I have followed or work I have admired, but nothing I can say has influenced me. Maybe there are people who can see similarities in my work compared to others. However, a few that I admire – Dorothea Lange, Mary Ellen Mark, Mark Seliger, Annie Leibovitz, and Joseph Rodriguez.

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Robin Williams at The Meltdown

Robin Williams at The Meltdown

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SO: It is nice to hear you dance to the beat of your own drum. How long have you been a photographer at the Nerdist Theater? How did you get the position as in-house photographer for the “Meltdown Show”? What’s it like working with Kumail, Jonah and Emily?

Tyler: I have been the Nerdist theater photographer for a little over a year now. I was attending the “Meltdown Show” regularly and noticed they didn’t have a photographer. At UCB and other shows, I would see photographers quite frequently, so after a slight push from my girlfriend at the time, I decided to ask Emily Gordon for the job.

I couldn’t ask for a better group to work with. Kumail Nanjiani is one of my favorite comedians working today and it’s an upmost joy to watch him rule the stage. Jonah Ray is one of the coolest and passionate comics in the business. He and I also come from a similar punk rock background, which I feel brought us closer from the get-go. Working with Emily is the best. She has always supported my craft, made me feel welcome, super duper kind and easy to get along with, and in my opinion, there isn’t a better program director than her.

SO: I guess it’s true that a strong team produces great work. I love your fish eye lens shots from the Nerdist greenroom. Do comics tend to get silly waiting around to perform?

Tyler: Thank you so much! Wow! That means millions.

At times, yes. I like to let the comics react naturally when I set-up to take the fisheye photos. Some get goofy, while others stand very proud. Either way, that’s the beauty in capturing your subject organically. Let the chips fall as they may. Rarely do I direct them differently. There are exceptions though when it’s a comic I’m closer with.

SO: Well, it certainly looks like the comics are comfortable around you. What is your camera of choice? How would you describe your style of photography? What’s the secret to getting a spontaneous, honest shot?

Tyler: I shoot and prefer to use Canon, but have used other brands and models as well. I shoot old digital with my Rebel. Eventually I’ll make way to own a 1DX or Mark III.

I’d describe my style as raw and organic. I don’t know. I feel like those who follow my work have a better idea of describing my style. It can have a punk rock feel to it at times and other times a very documentary style to it I suppose.

There really isn’t a secret…I could give away (Ninja Vanish).

To me, it’s all about knowing your subject and trying to capture the balance of action and emotion. Also answering the questions of “what the focus is” and “what are you trying to tell your viewers? “

SO: Sound advice. What are your thoughts on Instagram?

Tyler: I used to dislike it because I saw it as another annoying medium of technology where most people have this idea they are photographers. But who cares, right? Let them. To me it was taking away from the actual art of owning a camera, setting out, and respectfully documenting your subject while working your ass off.

Eventually I let my qualms go and caved in. I made an account for myself. It’s just a way to have fun and stylize your phone photos anyway, so that’s all I look at it as. Fun.

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Matt Braunger

Marc Maron

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SO: Do you ever tweak your raw photographs with other applications?

Tyler: I have with Instagram from time to time, but never one of my canon photos, unless an original has already been established. I come from a journalism background and doctoring a photo is a taught no-no. So I take altering photos very seriously.

SO: A true purist! I find myself often getting nostalgic for film-loaded cameras. When do you think photo processing will become completely obsolete?

Tyler: Obsolete? Nooooooo!!! (Brain running out the door for the car, like Homer Simpson) I think that depends on your definition of obsolete. Completely done away with, no. I don’t think so. There will always be those who prefer to photograph with film. It’s expensive, but I myself like to dabble still from time to time.

SO: Will there always be a curiosity for the past and thirst for retro style cameras like the popular Diana and Holga?

Tyler: I think yes for some. For a lot of people those cameras are fun. It’s a great way to get people interested back in film. Some may even take themselves seriously with what they produce with those cameras. I just see them as toys in this odd scheme of further commercializing photography. Urban Outfitters sells them, right?

SO: Yes. Yes, they do. UO, are you listening? Free plug. You’ve had the chance to photograph some real heavy hitters on the comedy scene including Louis C.K., Sarah Silverman, Daniel Tosh, Robin Williams, Aziz Ansari, & Marc Maron, to name a few. Are you ever nervous when big name comics pop by for a show?

Tyler: Not one bit. I grew up around the baseball world where my dad played and coached professionally, so I was always taught to look at everyone as just people. But, when Robin Williams hung out backstage, I tried to soak in everything that man had to say just out of the respect I have for him as an artist. That night you could hear a pin drop. It was astonishing!

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Jerrod Carmichael at CBTP

Reggie Watts & T.J. Miller “Mash Up”

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SO: I bet! Do you have carte blanche access when you take photos? Do any comics ever ask that they not be photographed?

Tyler: I do, but didn’t at first. I had to warm up to the comics and earn their trust. I feel I have paid my dues in order to get some of the access I’ve gotten. There are also the connections that help too.

As for comics not wanting to be photographed, there has only been one that didn’t want to be photographed. It was halfway through the set and I didn’t quite understand what it was all about, nor did any of the other comics. It was strange.

SO: Everyone is unique. Which comedians make you laugh? Did you ever make an attempt at comedy yourself?

Tyler: Oh, no! I leave that to the professionals.

Besides the greats from the past, there are so many talented individuals working today that I have had the privilege of working with, but currently – Neal Brennan, Kumail Nanjiani, Nikki Glaser, Aparna Nancherla, Byron Bowers, Sara Schaefer, Hannibal Buress, Hampton Yount, Baron Vaughn, Jesse Case, Sean Patton, and Adam Cayton-Holland to name a few…

SO: What does Tyler like to do when he’s not working?

Tyler: I like to encourage my neighbors to mosh with me, while playing hardcore music throughout my apartment jumping around like a madman. I’m an adult, trust.

Seeking adventure is one of my hobbies. I love the ocean, hiking, biking, and playing music. I also enjoy breaking out the baseball gloves and throwing long toss with my brother like old times.

SO: It’s nice to know folks still mosh. It seemed to have died down after Grunge. Tattoos! You have a slight penchant for them. Was there one tattoo that motivated you to continue inking up? Are they all music-based?

Tyler: No way!! I was born like this. What ever do you mean? Every so often, my skin generates art. It’s kind of a mutant power of mine. I’m just a Jew decorating my temple. I’m weird.

I always had an interest in them. In elementary school, I can remember always drawing on my body with Sharpie. My mom hated it. Sorry Ma!

There are a couple, which are music based, but the rest are just art I created or had drawn up. Every tattoo has meaning to me. They all represent me and tell a story.

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Moshe Kasher & Nikki Glaser

Eric Andre at FYF Fest

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SO: You are, in essence, mobile art. You are the founder of the “Comedy By The Pool” show or CBTP for short. What prompted you to start your own comedy show?

Tyler: Photographing the “Meltdown Show”, “Neal Brennan & Friends”, “Power Violence”, etc. gave me the incentive and push to start my own. Plus I’ve watched Emily for sometime work her incredible magic. I just felt that with the Valley’s reputation for not so great alternative comedy, there needed to be a unique, fun show that was egoless, inexpensive, and a place where people could swim and laugh during the summer. I’ve learned from some of the best. I thank them for paving the way.

SO: Do most people who attend the show go swimming? Are the comedians ever freaked out by folks splashing around during a set?

Tyler: I wish! There have been some, but it’s not what you think. Their needs to be more people keeping cool if you know what I mean – swan dives, flips, and cannonballs. I’ve been thrown in though. That was great!!!

The comics don’t get freaked. The audience near the “splash zone” has shown signs of dislike, but they understand it’s a pool comedy show. They laugh themselves dry.

SO: Riff or swim. Snort. Admission is based on donation. Have people been generous to your cause? Can you explain the red chair?

Tyler: Yes. There has been quite a bit of generosity. CBTP has developed a great following thus far. The audience has been fantastic to us and we love them all.

The red chair was created for the absent Howard Kremer. He was away in Humboldt doing comedy, so we printed out a photo I took and taped it to the chair. He has been a great supporter of the show since day one; so I figured let’s pretend he never left.

SO: That’s very sweet. Do you see yourself branching out into other ventures like producing shows, etc? Will photography remain a life long passion for you?

Tyler: I do to an extent. I love comedy. I love those involved in it and I think it houses some of the most talented individuals on the planet. That house, I want to continue to build on and document it as long as this life will allow me to. I’m really passionate about being behind the camera and documenting this world as I see it. Photography and comedy will always be a major passion in my life.

SO: We will enjoy following your work along the way. Keep capturing those smiles!

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SO Note: Headline photo by Misael Virgen. All other photos by Tyler Ross and cannot be used without his permission. Check out Tyler on his site here, play in his Flickr stream here, and follow him @atrossity!