At just 10 years old, Tyler DeVane (@tylerlovestodraw) is spending his weekends scanning tree lines, listening for wingbeats, and waiting for the moment a bird turns just so in the light. With the RX10 IV slung over his shoulder, the young photographer is carving out a small but compelling space in wildlife photography – one frame at a time.
A Kid With Creative Roots
According to his mom, Poliana DeVane, Tyler’s creative roots run deep. “Tyler has always loved drawing and art so it was a natural progression from there,” she says. “As a little guy he used to take photos and make short films with his toy dinosaurs. As he got older he would see my camera laying around. I showed him how to use it and he was hooked.”
Photo by Tyler DeVane. RX10 IV.
Watching that spark turn into a real passion has been a joy for the family. “Watching Ty’s interest in photography grow at just 10 years old has been incredible. We’re so proud of him,” Poliana says. “He mostly photographs birds and nature, and it’s inspiring to see how he captures the world in ways that even surprise me, and I’m a photographer myself. The fact that his images resonate with people and touch their hearts reminds me how much beauty there is in life when you slow down enough to notice it.”
Photo by Tyler DeVane. RX10 IV.
Blending Passions Into Photography
For Tyler, photography blends curiosity, adventure, and community. “It’s fun and you get to document bird species,” he says. “I like to have goals, travel to new places, community. Taking pictures gives me joy and I love being out in nature.”
Ask him about a favorite image and he doesn’t hesitate. “The osprey looking at me,” Tyler says. “It’s my favorite bird and it looks so cool with its piercing eyes.” That moment – being seen by the very subject he’s studying – captures the thrill that keeps him returning to the marshes and shorelines.
Photo by Tyler DeVane. RX10 IV.
His choice of gear suits his age and ambitions. “It’s very light and easy to learn and use,” Tyler says of the RX10 IV. “It’s good for beginners. The zoom is amazing.” The camera’s reach lets him keep a respectful distance from wildlife while still filling the frame, and its approachable design means more time shooting and less time wrestling with settings.
Tyler's Advice: Keep Learning
Tyler is also eager to encourage other kids who might be curious about photography. “Be patient, be motivated by getting out of the house and taking pictures of everything you like,” he says. “Most importantly: keep learning. First, find out what you want to take pictures of, then even if it’s your phone, take pictures. Eventually you’ll get better and get better gear. Your life will get better because photography is awesome.”
That spirit – patient, observant, and joyful – guides him in the field and at home, where he and his mom often review images and celebrate small improvements. For Poliana, the process is as meaningful as the pictures. “It’s inspiring to see how he captures the world,” she says, noting how Tyler’s images prompt people to pause and feel. In a world of scrolling speed, a 10-year-old’s photograph can be a small act of slowing down.
Photo by Tyler DeVane. RX10 IV.
Whether he’s tracking an egret along a tidal creek or waiting for an osprey to lock eyes with his lens, Tyler is learning that good photography is as much about presence as it is about pixels. And with a light camera, a long zoom, and a lot of heart, he’s ready for whatever flies into the frame next.
Follow Tyler's photography journey on Instagram @tylerlovestodraw.
