Tyler “Tai” Davis | St. Louis Creative Portrait Session

There are some sessions that stay with you, and this is one of them.

When I first connected with Tai, I did not know a lot about him beyond what I had seen locally here in the St. Louis area. In fact, I had only met him once before this shoot. I knew him as a creative, whether it was with food, music, or art. Someone with a strong sense of style, that was enough for me to know he would understand what I was trying to do.

For a while, I had an idea I wanted to try. I wanted to take a studio backdrop and use it outside for a portrait session. Something simple but different. I had been waiting for the right person to bring that idea to life.

Then it clicked. Tai would be perfect for it.

And he was.

I showed him an example and he leaned into it and made it his own. He also brought his cello, which added something special to the session. It was no longer just about the look. It became about expression. There was a calm confidence and energy in the way he carried himself, whether he was holding the instrument or standing in front of the camera. Everything felt natural.

What I did not expect was how difficult this setup would be. Shooting with a studio background outdoors sounds simple, but even a small amount of wind would send it moving. I spent a lot of time adjusting, resetting, and trying to keep everything in place.

It was a challenge, but I stuck with it.

I am glad I did, because the images we created that day are some of my favorite creative portraits I have photographed.

Since that session, I have learned more about Tai and the impact he had on the St. Louis creative community. He was not just someone interested in anything creative. He lived it and expressed it through everything he did, from music, food, and fashion.

Recently, Tai passed away. That's when I really learned just what an impact he made on the city. The local news stations mentioned his passing.

I do not know for certain, but there is a chance this may have been one of his last photo sessions. That is something I have thought about quite a bit.

At the time, it was simply a creative portrait session with a local artist I had only met briefly. Looking back now, it feels like more than that. It feels like I was able to capture a small part of who he was in that moment.

As a St. Louis photographer, sessions like this are a reminder of why I do what I do. Photography is not just about images. It is about preserving moments, personality, and creativity in a way that lasts.

I am grateful I had the opportunity to work with him.

This session will always mean more.