Meet Tyann Reneau | Film Photographer & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tyann Reneau and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tyann, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“For the kids in the shadows who deserve to shine with the sun.”

This quote embodies the core of my artistry and creative passions. My photography is dedicated to illuminating the complex lives of Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (QTBIPOC), capturing their raw and unfiltered essence. Through my 35mm film camera, I aim to highlight the often-overlooked moments in nature, art, and individuals who are frequently neglected by mainstream media. My work is a means to heal my inner child, ignite a sense of discovery, and foster meaningful conversations that drive growth and build community. By investing extensive time, energy, and patience into my craft, I strive to manifest both my vision and that of my community, creating a space where we can all shine.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a film photographer, I find that the time and patience invested in this medium make it truly unique. The dedication required to produce art with film has taught me grace, flexibility, and resilience. Film photography has deepened my connection to the community, honored my ancestors, and provided an irreplaceable outlet for self-expression. Despite the tangible challenges—such as finding a reliable vintage camera, dealing with countless blank negatives, and balancing the demands of college with my passion for photography—I am grateful for how this art form has grounded me during difficult times. Even through trials and burnout, I’ve remained committed to my craft, learning to balance rest and creativity. This journey has allowed me to continually return to my art, enriching my various creative pursuits and honoring myself along the way.
My photography handle truly embodies what I aim to convey through my work: an authentic blend of emotion, perspective, and creativity that captures the essence of each moment. The two eyes formed by the O’s in “tyto.okit” symbolize my dual perspectives and the multifaceted way I view the world. While I may be the one behind the camera, my role is simply to share the beauty that surrounds us, allowing everyone in the community to experience and appreciate it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First time visiting LA, my immediate recommendation would be to visit the Getty Museum. On a warm sunny day or nice evening, the terrace facing the garden is the perfect view of the city from a north point of view. Additionally, if you’re looking for a local taco spot to eat at, I recommend Leo’s Taco Truck on La Brea and Venice Boulevard. The sunsets at Dockweiler State Beach are unbeatable when paired with a bonfire and good company.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to All About Love by Bell Hooks. This book has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of love and relationships, both with others and within myself and especially with my art. Hooks’ profound insights into the nature of love—its power to heal, transform, and connect—have provided me with invaluable guidance and inspiration which I want to cultivate through the stories I highlight through my work. Her teachings on love as an action, a choice, and a practice have influenced my approach to personal growth and interpersonal connections and have truly aligned me with the work that I do and motives in finding beauty in the spaces that need love the most. It’s through this book that I’ve learned the importance of self-love and compassionate relationships, and I’m deeply grateful for its impact on my journey as a creative and human being.

Instagram: https://tyto.okit