Behind the Face / Issue 002
Ty Larson
Routine, rejection, and building a life beyond visibility.
This is the second time I’ve photographed Ty Larson, and what stays with me is how much he enjoys the process. Some models know how to pose. Ty knows how to play with the image. He is open, physical, curious, and not afraid to try something without overthinking it. That kind of energy changes the shoot.
People often meet a model through images before they know anything else. What do you wish they understood about the work behind your image?
I just want people to know the fun times that are had on set, and that it’s a lot more fun and a lot less serious than people may think.
What was the hardest part of becoming a model that people outside the industry rarely see?
I was lucky to have the first agent I ever met with see my potential, but I think being a model can have such strict requirements, so it can feel very daunting when you don’t exactly measure up to those norms. At the end of the day, the only thing you can do is be yourself.
What did modeling teach you about rejection, patience, or timing?
Modeling is one of the only jobs that is 95% rejection and 5% work. You really do need to be patient and be able to not take rejection personally, because it’s never a personal thing. It just means there was someone better fitted for that specific job. You might get placed on hold for 20 jobs before booking one, and I think that just makes your successes even more exciting.
Your work lives in a very fast visual world. What helps you slow down?
Going back home to Vermont and getting outside is the perfect way to slow down. It’s the best home base you could ask for. With beaches, farms, and mountains, there’s never not somewhere to explore.
When you are not working, what kind of routine makes you feel like yourself again?
When I’m not working, maximizing my time outside away from screens is my goal. I like to stick to a routine with the gym every morning, usually with a friend, and then some outdoor activity before a bit of studying in the evening.
Fitness and movement seem to be part of your world. Is that more about discipline, release, or staying grounded?
I think for me fitness is all of the above. It’s something that is truly fun for me and makes me feel better. I’m a very energetic person, so sometimes I need to just really tire myself out. I’ve played multiple sports my whole life and plan on continuing that until I’m dead.
What part of yourself do you try to protect in an industry built around being seen?
With social media being such a big part of my work, I make sure to not let it control me. I don’t want to feel like a slave to my phone, or like I have to post anything. I post when I feel inspired and excited. Other than that, I really don’t go on those apps. I have a fun time creating images that are exactly authentic to myself, because no one else on earth can do that.
When you are in front of the camera, what makes an image feel honest to you?
I think that’s the cool thing about taking a picture. It’s always honest. The camera captures exactly what’s going on at that moment, but I think my favorite pictures are when I’m having fun.
What kind of image are you less interested in making now?
I’m pretty uninterested in creating images for anyone. Work is one thing, but when I’m just being creative, everything I do is what I want to do. That’s what makes it fun for me.
What are you trying to build beyond visibility?
I want to build almost a mood board of my life that I can look back on proudly when I’m older. I love being able to interact with people online and offer guidance for those who ask. Inspiring someone is one of the best things you can do with your life, so I’m happy I’m in a place to do so.
What message would you leave for little Ty?
You didn’t change at all, still happy and curious.