Your Stories: Tyi

I met Mike as part of the team that got put together for Pride 2022. The photo below is when I met the whole team at Thump Coffee on 13th Ave a week before Pride.

He was funny and enthusiastic to be working with all of us. I asked him what he was drawn to in terms of shooting and he said that he really wanted to shoot the drag performers.

I told him that one of the unbreakable rules of shooting with our team was that no substances be consumed like alcohol during the day. He came back with “What about the day before??” ”No Mike!”

With another photographer I told him to have his fill of the drag performers and he LOVED it. LOVED!!! He would occasionally text me an image he had taken or I would see him throughout both days of Pride. Truly a ray of sunshine in the beautiful chaos that is Pride.

I cherished his sense of innocence while understanding he saw the world through a completely different lens from the other 5 photographers I had put together.

I’m hoping he is back on his feet to shoot with me again next year at Pride because his eye for “the shot” is unparalleled. I love that kid. You’ll be back on your feet in no time Mike. Love you!

- Tyi

We want your stories and photos of Mike, too - submit yours via email to bex.ann.paz@gmail.com