Tyler Soden

Photo by Bobby Wiggins.

Questions by Marcus Van Den Heuvel(Wake Mag Australia).

Tyler Soden, also known as "Tsode" is a self-taught photographer/videographer/content-creator from Caroline County, VA; A small town 45 minutes north of Richmond, Va. Tyler currently resides in Orlando, FL where he works with some of the worlds best professional athletes, and entrepreneurs.

Tyler picked up a camera for the first time while attending an intro level photography course at Caroline County High School during his Junior year. This course included the basics in using 35mm film as well as learning general knowledge about the dark room and manipulating prints, with chemicals and an enlarger. The two years that Tyler took photography in high school were never of the most importance to him, yet he realized that he had a natural talent for pushing the shutter. Tyler received a few first place rewards as well as a 2nd place overall in photography during his Senior year and only year of entering the schools annual art show. 

Tyler has always been extremely passionate and enthusiastic with all aspects of his life, from playing junior and varsity soccer in High School, to Skateboarding, or spending days out on his home lake(Lake Caroline) with friends. During his time while attending Caroline High School, Tyler was usually the center of attention, being nominated for prom king and considered schools most spirited in the superlative awards during his Senior year of school. (View pictures on the right to see more) This type of personality gave Tyler the opportunity of making many lifelong friends, and It was during his time walking the halls of Caroline High School where Tyler was introduced to one of his best friends, and now business partner, Evan Barlow. At the time of Evan and Tyler's introduction, Evan was knee-deep into Narcotic and Alcohol abuse. Evan was in and out of rehab for years, battling to get clean until he succumbed to his drug of choice, Heroin. Shortly there after, Evan found himself in jail where he finally decided to get clean, only to lose his mother to the same battle of addiction. It was after these few months that Evan and Tyler decided to create something amazing. Like Tyler, Evan was always the center of attention with his quick whits and ability to freestyle on command. Both Evan and Tyler were quick to realize that they both had natural talents and decided to invest their time and money into them. Thus, Evan Barlow Music was created, A strong and powerful Hip-hop alternative blend full of dark and desperate times battling addiction, to high tempo uplifting tracks of overcoming all odds. Tyler currently manages the business alongside Evan, as well as handles the Photography and Videography for most videos and all of Evans performances. Go to www.evanbarlowmusic.com to see more.

Following his senior year, Tyler turned down an acceptance to Radford University and continued his education at J Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond VA. It was during his first semester that Tyler decided to purchase his first digital camera(a Nikon D3100) and continue his photography with an intro level course in photoshop. After purchasing his first camera, Tyler began taking photos of his lifelong friend Gordon Harrison while he wakeboarded on their home lake(Lake Caroline), and everything took off from there. Over the years following high school, Tyler and Gordon both grew in the sport of Wakeboarding and are now known amongst the best in the world within their professional fields.

Tyler has always had a sense for greatness and adventure and will continue to strive to be the best photographer he can be. Venturing out of his comfort zone to get the best possible shots, even in the worst situations.