Through the Lens: Tayler Prince-Fraser

A picture is worth a thousand words — an adage that rings especially true for London-based photographer and director Tayler Prince-Fraser whose ethos is cemented in telling meaningful stories through the art of image-making. From spotlighting underrepresented communities to documenting emerging creatives, or capturing the abstract beauty of the outdoors — his work unpacks a variety of powerful themes that include socio-political commentary and exploration of individual identity.

Despite only truly getting into photography in 2020 — a year into the pandemic where “like most people, the time it gave us to slow down helped me realize what was important, and that was image making” — he has since become one the city’s most exciting burgeoning photographers. His passion for storytelling, however, had been well-ingrained long before that. Nurtured throughout his formative years, it was ultimately discovered during his work as creative director, producer, as well as other roles which allowed him to collaborate, learn, and immerse himself with talented creatives in his circle.

His approach to any concept is “driven by extensive research into the story and the tools I’ll be using to tell it” before asking himself: What is the unexplored angle?; How do I make it engaging?; and What message do I want to convey? This is the context he looks to provide to visuals that reverberate an insightful conversation around what its meaning is. Whether exploring the Black community’s relationship with swimming through Fear of the Water (2021), the impact of Black British athletes in sport on Beyond BHM or the cinematic music video for Rasharn Powell’s single “Raving in our Bedroom” — every project boasts a unique perspective on a rich topic that informs the cultural zeitgeist.

“My style of photography is built off feeling and intuition. Prioritizing getting an emotive response from the audience.”

Possessing an innate trait to dive into projects both feet first, Prince-Fraser takes pride in whatever he does. Ensuring his time is used to master the intricacies of his craft, he aims to create a complete 360° in-house offering. Preferring the manual task of shooting on film for its ability to establish an intimacy between the subject and himself, more recently, he’s turned his living room into a makeshift dark room and started learning how to develop his own images — relying on himself to take ownership of each stage of the image-making process from conception to publishing.

Delving into the pool of references, past and present, to prepare his work, Prince-Fraser also looks toward the vast number of talented photographers and directors around him that spark his inspiration. However, one thing he tries to evoke — and what all good images should evoke — is a feeling. Whether positive or negative, it’s a viewer’s intuitive, uninterrupted first impression that becomes etched into the mind and forges “a connection with the subject matter.”

The latest installment of Through the Lens marks the series’ video debut. For this episode, Hypebeast has partnered with Loro Piana to spotlight Prince-Fraser as he captures the scenic landscapes of Snowdonia, Wales. As well as discussing his journey, ethos, and what he aims to convey through his art, the photographer puts the Italian label’s inaugural technical outdoor collection, aptly titled “Into the Wild,” to the test.

Layering the range’s cashmere and silk blend Lagorai high-neck sweater with Bellamonte bomber, Prince-Fraser opts for the Axten jacket crafted from the brand’s technical Bristol Climb Storm System® fabric construction. As well as the hiking-ready Katharina shoes in collaboration with ROA®, his look is complete with the “Into the Wild” ripstop backpack which “despite it being able to be packed down extremely small, it didn’t compromise in durability.” Elsewhere, the model is captured sporting the pile-clad Terminillo hoodie and pants set, Fiave neck flap for added warmth, and Katharina shoes in a “Rosemary” colorway.

Hypebeast: What is your signature shot style or aesthetic?

Tayler Prince-Fraser: I wouldn’t say that I’ve developed a signature shot style or even an aesthetic, yet. The red thread through my work is that each series of images can, and often does, feel quite different from what I’ve done before. This is due to a combination of wanting to try out new ideas and techniques as well as leaning into the story and subject matter. I’m a firm believer that the story should nearly always be the focal point, and that I shouldn’t be too concerned with ‘forcing’ a look onto it.

What’s your favorite camera to use and why?

It depends on what I’m shooting. If I have the time to compose a shot and the necessary equipment with me, the Hasselblad 500cm is an absolute wonder to use. For something a bit quicker but still capable of producing a big negative, the Plaubel 67 is an incredible camera. For speed, which is predominantly what I focus on when shooting street, I’d opt for a Konica Hexar RF or Zeiss Ikon ZM (with the ZM arguably being one of the most beautiful and useful rangefinders ever to be made).

“Feeling anything, within reason, when you see a photo is a mark of a good one.”

What makes a good image? And is there one image in particular that you note as most powerful?

It’s hard to say. What I find good in an image, others might dislike. But I’d say it’s more of a feeling than anything – you just know when you’ve seen something good.

I think feeling anything, within reason, when you see a photo is a mark of a good one. Whether that be awe, sadness, empathy, happiness, or frustration. There are too many incredible photos for me to choose from to highlight just one!

What’s your relationship with the outdoors?

I don’t spend as much time as I should, or would, like to in the outdoors. I’d like to find more unique ways to document the outdoors in a way that feels like it brings a fresh perspective. The idea of showcasing the micro (flowers, insects, textures) alongside the macro (landscapes, mountains, buildings) is an interesting way of showing how they both inform each other.

Why did you choose to shoot this location for Through the Lens?

I wanted to shoot in Snowdonia because it was somewhere I’d never been before. I was intrigued to see how the landscape differed in comparison to that of the Lake District, Peak District, and the Scottish highlands.

Talk us through the final piece.

The final product is centered around how I want to enlarge the image. This dictates things such as setting my grey zone, choosing the camera and lens I want to use, choice of filters, lighting set-up – the list goes on. I believe it’s important to have an idea of what that final print will look like from the outset because it gives you a sense of direction and an understanding of what needs to be achieved and how.

What were the main challenges you faced?

Medium-format cameras and telephoto lenses aren’t ideal companions on a hike up a mountain [laughs].

What do you usually look for in clothing when going outdoors and/or photographing?

Functionality over anything. I need pockets, breathability, packability, and water resistance.

How did Loro Piana’s collection complement your requirements?

It provided all of the utility I needed and had me looking like the best-dressed person on the mountain [laughs].

What are some of the stand-out features you liked with your look?

The cashmere sweater was incredibly warm and helped to keep out the chilling winds. The bag was super useful too as despite it being able to be packed down extremely small, it didn’t compromise in durability.

Watch the full Through the Lens episode with Tayler Prince-Fraser above. For more information, and to explore Loro Piana’s latest “Into the Wild” collection, visit the brand’s website.