With each shot of his camera, Ray Tyler says, he seeks to find the truth.

For every photo he composes, the Detroit native strives to bring understanding, artistic value and most importantly, life.

“If you can feel what I felt when I was there, then I’ve accomplished my goal,” Tyler said.

“Art equals life” is the equation that shapes the psyche of Tyler’s work. He said “in journalism, there’s a lot of room for creativity,” but “every day is a challenge.” Since the beginning of his college days at North Carolina Central University, Tyler has told stories through his images, knocking down the walls of the ordinary and exposing the true essence of his subject.

“I think I am just a naturally inquisitive person,” Tyler said. “I like to know why things are the way they are.”

At the end of it all, Tyler said he wants to leave a legacy that’s going to encourage someone else who has come from a background similar to his.

“At some point I want to teach and be a mentor and help someone else come from whatever circumstance they were in to a better situation,” he said.

Always pushing for perfection, Tyler said his best work emerges once he is inspired, and he enjoys the rewards and satisfaction of being able to create something lasting and significant.

“I can’t really say I’m motivated by anything else,” Tyler said. “I just want to know what’s next and see how far I can go.”