Original photograph by Tyson Chappell
Tyson Chappell is a well-recognized name around the USU Eastern campus. Chappell spends time at the university teaching anatomy, snapping sports photos and frequenting the university’s happenings. However, the familiarity of his name is growing rapidly due to his remarkable photography skills of the cosmos.
Chappell’s love of being behind the lens began 15 years ago with a small camera when his daughter was born. Frequently snapping photos of her was a necessity for Chappell. He also attended graduate school, where he earned a PhD in neuroscience. During his studies, it was prudent for Chappell to study fetal alcohol exposure on the brain. This prompted Chappell to photograph rat brains for his studies, which required an understanding of how cameras work.
A handful of years after his studying, Chappell began expanding. While living in Memphis, locals would request Chappell for family shots, wedding photography and more. His love of the camera grew from there, expanding to landscape short and nighttime photography. Recently, Chappell connected with his agent, Shalee Johansen, through a photo contest requesting photos of the area that would interest tourists.
This contest introduced the beauty of Chappell’s photographs to Johansen once he submitted them. From there, the business relationship has expanded and now there is an upcoming gallery to be opened on Helper’s Main Street. There will be a handful of different artists, which all excel in different mediums, that are complimentary chosen. Chappell has also been chosen as the photographer for the Outlaw Trail.
Chappell is more than willing and open to share not only his talent with others, but how he produces the photos. If individuals wish to have lessons and bring their cameras along with them, they will be schooled by Chappell on photography. Chappell also has a website, www.tysonchappell.com, that recently launched. Prints range from anywhere from $38 to $98, depending on size. Postcards are even available highlighting some of Southeastern Utah’s most popular destination, such as Moab and Helper.
Furthermore, Chappell is very involved in the social media aspect of his work. Follow him on Instagram at chappell_shots in order to not miss out on a single beautiful capture. Workshops are now being orgnized and will begin soon.