Behind The Lens

Tyrone Z. McCants, Visual artist, photographer, film and documentary writer, producer and director whose credits include independent online entertainment publications, shorts, features, documentaries, blog and social media communications.

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Tyrone Zire McCants, is a St. Louis based photographer, Film Maker, Editor, Content Creator, and Journalist of Zire Photography and Graphics.

Mr. McCants is the editor and creditor of The What Is Hip-Hop Project, Jazzy Nights, and BLINK NY.

Mr. McCants has contributed to the creation of editorials, ad campaigns and advertising images for the reputed brands like Black Enterprise, Toyota, ESPN, Showtime Sports, Target.com, Parents Magazine, OkayPlayer, CNG Newspaper, and Glory Sports International among many other names.

Mr. McCants recently served as an Film and Documentary Artist Teacher with Reel Works facilitating age-appropriate lesson plans and activities for middle schoolers, high schools, and college level. Mr. McCants worked 20 years in the field of youth mentoring and counseling, family development and community development.

Mr. McCants' first film documentary - "Jocko, Brownsville's Urban Hero”, a 30-minute short biography documentary was the primary film presentation at the 2014 Gregory "Jocko" Jackson Film Festival in Brooklyn, New York, produced by Council Member Darlene Mealy and NIA Theatrical Productions.

Mr. McCants was acknowledged by being awarded with a Certificate of Proclamation by the Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz for his Proud Poppas Photo Project, and the Fathership and Family Development Initiative, Proud Poppas United. The project exhibited in institutions and galleries throughout New York City from 2008 to 2014.

Currently, Zire Photography located St. Louis Missouri from working in the fields of portraiture, documentary and commercial photography in the fields of music, sports, fashion, and editorial. He also works in New York, Atlanta, Miami, and Arizona.

Please subscribe to my Newsletter to be updated on our upcoming products, projects and features.

The Company

Zire Photography is a company that captures personalities and stories through the lens.

Clients and Features:

TOYOTA, NOTEY, BLACK ENTERPRISE, ESPN, SHOWTIME SPORTS, TARGET.COM, HYPERALLERGIC, PARENTS MAGAZINE, PRECISE COMMUNICATIONS. AFRICAN LEADERSHIP MAGAZINE, CNG COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER GROUP, BROOKLYN BODEGA, BROOKLYN COURIER, OKAYPLAYER, MCGRAW-HILL COMPANIES, GLORY SPORTS INTERNATIONAL, LINCOLN CENTER ATRIUMFLUX, BROOKLYN DAILY, BROOKLYN PAPER, SHERDOG.COM, FIGHT PARROT, OKAYAFRICA, HYPERALLERIC, SUNNEVENT

Testimonies and Reviews

Testimonial Gallery

~ T. Williams

"★ ★ ★ ★ ★"I invited Zire to photograph an event at my school and he was amazing. The students, staff and guests were all comfortable with him and the photos looked beautiful. I could not ask for a better record of one of the best days of my life."

~ Myaisha

"It was great working with u, can't wait to see what we created"

~ Nakia W.

"★ ★ ★ ★ ★" The experience was awesome and creative. I really liked the creative option presented to us. The season was wonderful and a good time."

~ Xiaoliu L

"★ ★ ★ ★ ★"I've worked with Zire and I had a really fun day, he is a very creative photographer, always comes up with unique Ideas, and he is a very collaborative person, I'm looking forward to working with him soon!!!"

~ Coralie H.

"★ ★ ★ ★ ★" I am pleased to write on behalf of Tyrone Z. McCants. I had the pleasure of knowing Zire since 2008. I was impressed with the first photo shoot and have been using him ever since. He is an asset to the field of professional photography. I believe that Zire Photography would be an asset to any business or any client."

~ Priscilla C.

"★ ★ ★ ★ ★" Mr. Mccants is very professional. He set up the apartment for the shoot and he went way above and beyond. The entire process took two hours. Mr. Mccants was on time for the scheduled shoot, His quality of work is outstanding! I recommended him to several family members, friends, and co-workers. My experience with Mr. Mccants was awesome! I am looking forward to using his services in the future, the pictures are beautiful!"

~ Lisa M.

"★ ★ ★ ★ ★" Absolutely loved my shoot. Zire is patient and professional. Prior to the shoot he answered all my questions and put me at ease. Then during the shoot he paid attention to even little details to ensure good shots. Finally when it came time to pick out a main photo to hang in my newborn's room, he provided his opinion but of course allowed me to decide. After my going back and forth and consulting many friends and relatives I ended up going back to the image he had originally chosen! Highly recommend him and would work with him again in a second."

~ Debra C.

"...All your pics came out fabulous"

~ James H.

"Mr. McCants is a rare individual who is always pushing himself to the limits of what he can do. Forever growing in business and state of mind. His accomplishments are grand but only to those who have not seen his to-do list! His vision truly has no horizon. It has always been and will be a pleasure to work with Mr. McCants."

~Syreeta B.

"It was a joyous experience, I felt on top of the world. You have renewed, revitalized and energized the rich chocolate authenticity inside, something I have not paid attention to for a while, thanks for that."

~ Desire

“My favorite part came after our shoot though, when he followed up with me and was honest with me about a few things. I like when people are honest and blunt with me especially when I know it is coming from a good place and they are trying to help me.”

~ Pablo S

"Ty of ZirePhotos makes you look great...he's passionate about his art and he's a professional to work with, I would hire him again...best of luck and hope to take some more pictures with you."

~ Dianne J.

"★ ★ ★ ★ ★" We absolutely loved working with Zire Photography. We are very happy with the photos of our Spring Gala celebration. Ty did a great job of capturing the essense of the evening from start to finish. He conducted himself in a professional and congenial manner, he was gracious to have on-site, and provided prompt services. He's flexible and went out of his way to give us options. He comes with the highest of recommendations; which is why I recommended him for my brother's wedding."

~ Lysandra P.

"★ ★ ★ ★ ★" Zire Photography encourages you to be at your best. And it shows in each shot. He promised High quality and delivered*"

~ Felix Leo Campos, Harlem World / The Proud Poppas Photo Project

This exhibition gives witness to the existing of a body of knowledge that showcases what men and children have always been but only now is getting (negative) attention. Thank you for the acknowledgement. - The Proud Poppas Photo Project

Featured

The word HOPE has many meanings - "Jocko"- Brownsville's Urban Hero

I was asked to produce a short documentary highlighting the life of a man from Brownsville by the name of Gregg "Jocko" Jackson. I was given 3 weeks, a bag of pictures, a phone number and no budget. So you ask, why did you do it then? Because I love my art, that's why, and because they wanted to feature it at a film festival tribute in his honor.

Mentoring workshop with the youth of Andries Hudde Middle School I.S. 240

Going after our goals. Two time annual Male Mentor of the Year, Honoree, Tyrone Z. McCants facilitates career day with the male eighth graders of Hudde Middle School in Brooklyn, NYC, were they talked about his pursuit of being a independent photographer and small business owner.

Real Men Read in Brooklyn

Proud Poppas United joined the Teunis G. Bergen Elementary School (P.S. 9) for the 4th Annual Real Men Read Day. It’s been recognized thru a nationwide data, male students are not making the types of gains in their reading and literacy skills that female students are making. So the staff and volunteers of P.S. 9 hosts annual events were their male students and other youth and families of the Prospect Heights community come together and engage a day of reading, hobbies and activities.

2nd Annual Poppa's Day, Family Outing!!!

We had to give recognition to some amazing Poppas, Dads, and Men by presenting these Men with a Proud Poppa Award. We are also proud to announce that we've received a Proud Poppas Day Proclamation by the Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz. Without you, none of this would've been possible and We Thank you all for your support.

Current Projects

Featured

The How We Are Connected Photo Exploration Project

THE HOW / WE ARE CONNECTED / PHOTO EXPLORATION PROJECT is a geographic photography series of a diversity of cultural performing artists from various cultures and connections shared between ethnic cultures and races.

Follow the THWACPEP Project on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

The "What Is Hip-Hop?" Project

I’ve been documenting hip hop and music concerts for the past 10 years and I’m just getting warm. Here is a blog dedicated to some of my favorite images, events, and interviews.

Follow The TWIHHP Project on: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Jazzy Nights

The Jazzy Nights series is a collection of a variety of live music, stories and behind the scene moments from the very best musical excellence in the world of Jazz and Rhythm and Blues. If you love music in its rawest form, then you would love this project.

Follow The Jazzy Nights Project on: Facebook

Proud Poppas Photo Project

The images celebrate and encourages the pride of being an active father with amazing stories from New York City fathers, all from different backgrounds shared their experiences of their own personal dedication to being the best dads they can be.

Follow the Proud Poppas Project on: Facebook | Twitter | Website

Night Lights Series

There is beauty about cities at night. Street lights in the dark with the right camera can be magical. If you thought otherwise you will be converted when you are taken to various parts of the city of New York and more places that you will probably not get a chance to see at night.

Visual Poetry

Virtual Poetry Production is collection of video projects from Tyrone Z. McCants ranging from visual perspectives of written poetry, documentary, music videos, interviews, discussions, and short films.

Please Support My Project

THWACPEP is a geographic portrait series of a diversity of cultural performing arts artists from various cultures. I am seeking Donations, Sponsor, Partnerships, In Kind Donations, and Volunteer support. Request more information: thwacpep@zirephotography.com

Please Support and Make A Donation - THWACPEP is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non‐profit arts service organization. Contributions for the charitable purposes of The How We Are Connected Photo Exploration Project must be made payable to “Fractured Atlas” and are tax‐deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Fine Art Prints By Zire

Exhibitions

Previous

Tyrone Z. McCants is currently a featured artist for the All Art Arizona 2018, presented by Art Intersection, an eight year tradition at Art Intersection, highlights the creativity, breadth, and diversity of art by both well-known and emerging Arizona artists. - Learn more

Tyrone Z. McCants was one of 40 selected artists for the All Art Arizona 2017. The Art Intersection gallery celebrated the exciting diversity of work created by artists living in the Sun Valley, the state of Arizona. The creative pub has grown and expanded over the past seven years. The 2017 annual exhibition featured some of the best work from both well-known and emerging artists in Arizona.

Follow Me Online

The #Tree Chef's Garden. #NaturesBest #food #greenery #purple #brown #fruits #SUNfood #chef #portrait #grapes #magicalmelanin #SUNKissed #livesip #brooklyn #environmentalportrait #EverydayPeople

Bahamian Sun. Knowledge Seeker In Brooklyn. "Absolute to truth doesn't require any belief. It is, whether you believe it or not." @nappynewyorker #brotherfromanother #brooklyn #wisdom #understanding #boystomen #personalityportrait

Cocoa skin with hip-hop Feng Shui. #brooklyndesigner #hustlermentally #personalityportrait #creativeheadshot #hiphopicons #whatasmile #lovelylocs #kandiewoo

A moment of double nostalgia. There are some parts of St. Louis that look like the old Bronx but smells like Alabama. #stlouis #variousplaces #streetphotography #rebuildthecommunity #stoptheviolence #architecture #vegetation #ahouseisnotahomeifnooneisthere

#VariousPlaces #InterestingThings - Constructed Street Art. Made from scrap metal parts and colorful #fishheads. Titled "Big Mouth Bass Band" The structure was compiled from an old ceiling fan, valve covers from a 327 Chevy engine, thermos bottle lids, table legs, bells, a muffler, various pieces of scrap metal, and enamel-base sign paint. Artist: Mark Coughlin. Located by the Laclede’s Landing in Downtown St. Louis. #Photo by @ZirePhotos #nightphotography #bandphoto #streetphotography #stlouis #downtownstl

Repost @ZirePhotosMusic <-- Follow A special musical #JazzyNightsAndBlues performance by St. Louis's Diva, Ms. Kim Massie Blues At The Arch 2019 Concert Series at Gateway Arch Park in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. @kimmassiesings @gatewayarchpark #BluesAtTheArch #stllouismusic Sponsored by @amerenmissoiur #livemusic #blues #photo by @zirephotosmusic

#Repost @ZirePhotosMusic <-- Follow St. Louis's rising star, Kennedy Holmes graces the music-loving crowd with a heartfelt song and smile at Blues At The Arch 2019 Concert Series at Gateway Arch Park in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. @imkennedyholmes @gatewayarchpark #BluesAtTheArch #stlouismusic #missouri Sponsored by @amerenmissoiur #JazzyNightsAndBlues #livemusic #blues #photo by @zirephotosmusic