Corey Lynn Tucker

Corey Lynn's photography balances truth, concepts and vibrance with production values that are second to none. From real life moments to portraits conveying unique character and high concepts to a touch of magic and fantasy, there is something for everyone in Corey Lynn's portfolio.

What inspired you to become a photographer and if you could pass on the some words of wisdom that really helped you when you started out, what would they be?

There is so much beauty in the world, thus my motto, “eye sea beauty.” My curiosity for the natural world is constant from the changing weather to the seasons. I would say being fearless is a huge part of the adventure of photography. Don't be afraid to talk to strangers or go shoot at an abandoned building or cabin you stumble across in the woods. Most of my inspiration comes from my bike rides or hikes through the woods or while driving in the car down roads I've never been before. Find your adventurous spirit and let it fly. “To achieve all that is possible, you must attempt the impossible. To be as much as you can be, you must dream of being more.”

You have some very highly styled images with strong themes such as the 1950s nostalgia shoot that we represent. How much research do you do yourself and how big a team do you work with?

Thank you. I've always had an interest in fashion and art. I'm a sucker for tag sales, thrift shops, antique stores and dump scores. Much of what comes to me or I find creates it's own story. It's almost as if the object itself wants to be recognized one last time before being discarded. I love to recycle and give something a fresh new life of it's own. I'm trying to let go of stuff, so usually I donate my items to the local Goodwill or give to friends when it's time to say goodbye. I have the photograph as a memory. For the 1950's drive-in shoot, I worked with a vintage stylist for the first time. Most of the time, I use my own wardrobe and that of the models. I had two models in mind and I have several make-up and hairstylists that I work with. I shoot all the time because I love it. It's fun to collaborate and create something beautiful and meaningful. I was trying to save our local drive-in from being shut down. I believe in preserving history.

You use very unique, real people in your photo shoots. How do you go about casting and do you find it difficult getting people to sign model releases?

Most of the models that I work with are my friends, and they love to have their photos taken. We always have a ball creating something unusual and fun. When I have an idea for a shoot, usually someone comes to mind based on their look. Or, I could meet a total stranger and ask them if they are interested in working with me. I've really become very comfortable asking strangers to take their photographs. I love to hear their stories and share that beauty with the world.

How long does a typical shoot take from conception to having the finished images and how much editing do you usually do?

If I have an idea, it's usually based on the lighting and the weather or location so it needs to happen quickly. Most of the time, I use myself as a model and set up my tripod and throw on an interesting outfit to suit the environment and a wig because it's fun! I love creating outfits and costumes and hope to someday elaborate my concepts in that arena. I use Lightroom and Photoshop to edit my photographs. Occasionally, I edit in camera raw. I am self-taught from camera to lighting to editing and enjoy the process. My style seems to constantly be evolving and is different based on the mood of a shoot. A conceptual shoot can last anywhere from 1-4 hours and the editing takes longer than the shoot itself. I'm usually so excited to release my photos that I get to it right away and it's up in less than a week, sometimes (sneak peak) even the same day as a shoot.

You also do commissioned shots with families that are sometimes a little out of the ordinary – what’s the most unusual scenario or location you have been asked to work in and does anything ever phase you?

Nothing highly unusual yet. I did get a request from a friend and I can't wait to do something outlandish and funny. My shoots tend to be more serious and I think humor would be tons of fun. I won't let the cat out of the bag yet. I recently modeled for a friend in Atlanta, GA and he took me to an abandoned factory with broken glass and I was barefoot. He said, he found a dead body at this location and two weeks later they found another one. I didn't run, nor was I afraid. I said I found a dead body myself when I was walking alone on a beach one morning. I find locations very interesting. There are so many stories to be told. I could write a book.

Alfred Eisenstaedt once said that “All photographers have to do, is find and catch the story-telling moment.” Is that something that resonates with you and if so, how do you manage to capture the story you want to tell and do you think you’re always successful at doing so?

Oh yes! I was in the car just this weekend and a young girl was throwing something over the bushes at an older woman sunning herself on a lounge chair and the girl turned around and ran away. It was the “perfect” story that unfortunately didn't get snapped. I drove back threw the neighborhood and did a drive by of just the woman sunning herself. It did tell a story, but not quite the same as the one I witnessed. I love stories. Most of my street photography does tell a story. I'm blown away by what people do in public.