Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyesha Bunting.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
One of my earliest memories of falling in love with photography goes all the way back to shopping trips with my parents. While they were walking through Kmart or Walmart, I would head straight to the electronics department and spend what felt like hours looking at every camera on display.
I was fascinated by all of them—from the simple 35mm film cameras to the point-and-shoots, and especially the DSLR cameras. Those professional-looking cameras, where you could change lenses, completely captured my attention. I wanted one so badly. I begged my parents for one, but at $300–$500, it just wasn’t in the budget.
Even though I didn’t have a camera of my own, the desire to become a photographer never left me.
After graduating from college, I decided to give myself the graduation gift I had dreamed about for years: my very first DSLR—a Canon Rebel T5. Fresh out of college and working my first job, I still couldn’t really afford to pay for it all at once. But God had a plan… and it came through QVC! (Seriously.) Their five easy payments of about $85 a month made it possible for me to finally own the camera I had always wanted.
From there, I simply started saying yes. I photographed my extended family, then friends, then one photo session turned into another. One event led to another, and before I knew it, what started as a childhood dream had grown into a business. Looking back now, I can clearly see God’s hand in every step of the journey. What began with a kid staring at cameras in a department store became the foundation for 8:28 Photography, and I’m grateful that I never let go of the dream.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but it has been one of growth.
Starting a business, especially one built around something you’re passionate about, teaches you a lot about yourself. You learn how you handle wins and failures, applause and criticism. You find yourself doing every job in the business while only getting paid for one. And then there’s comparison.
Comparison was probably my biggest struggle. People always say, “Don’t compare yourself to others,” but it’s hard when it’s constantly in front of you. I would see photographers who had just started their businesses taking off, and I wondered why my journey looked so different. There were times I wasn’t happy with my work because I was measuring it against someone else’s.
There was even a season where I wanted to quit.
During that time, God reminded me of 8-year-old Tye—the little girl who stood in the electronics department dreaming about owning a camera one day. I had to remember why I fell in love with photography in the first place. It wasn’t for recognition or success. It was simply to capture moments.
Moments only happen once, but a photograph allows you to revisit them over and over again. When I shifted my focus back to the joy of preserving those moments instead of comparing my journey to someone else’s, everything changed.
Photography became fun again, and I found a peace in my work that only God could give.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m Tyesha, but most people know me as Tye, the owner of 8:28 Photography, LLC.
I specialize primarily in family and event photography, and I also offer a Photo Booth experience as an extension of my photography services. Whether I’m documenting a family milestone, a wedding, a church event, or a community celebration, my goal is always the same—to capture genuine moments that people can cherish for years to come.
What I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Many families have trusted me to capture multiple milestones in their lives, and that’s something I never take for granted.
I believe what sets me apart is how I work with families, especially those with young children. I know kids don’t always smile on cue, and that’s okay. I approach every session with patience, a calm spirit, and a lot of fun. Rather than forcing every pose, I create an environment where families can simply be themselves. Those authentic interactions often become the most meaningful photographs.
At the end of the day, my job isn’t just to take pictures—it’s to preserve memories. Years from now, I want my clients to look back at their photographs and not just remember what they looked like, but remember exactly how that moment felt.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
One of the things I love most about St. Louis is that it’s a big little city. While it’s a major metropolitan area, it often feels like everyone knows someone you know. It’s almost like one big family of cousins. That sense of connection is something I really appreciate, and it’s one of the reasons I enjoy serving so many families and organizations throughout the city.
I try not to focus too much on what I like least because I’ve always been a glass-half-full kind of person. Instead, I think about what I’d love to see more of, and that’s greater collaboration and community. There are so many incredible people doing amazing work across St. Louis, and I love seeing individuals like Morgan Casey, Scooda Thomas, ReggieSon, and others intentionally spreading positivity, creating opportunities, and bringing people together.
I’d love to see even more of that spirit—people supporting one another, celebrating each other’s successes, and working together to make St. Louis an even stronger community.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/828PhotoStl
