I'm an entertainment creator. Gear I use to catch great moments on the fly

I’m gonna let you in on a little secret: Content doesn’t have to be complicated to connect.

My name is Ty Cole, and as a content strategist, award-winning journalist, and creative producer, I'm often working on the fly with no production crew. Sometimes it’s just me, my phone, a ring light, and the kind of lighting that only God and golden hour can provide. I mean, y'all seen my skin in some of my content? Flawless – thank my parents.

My process is super intentional but never overwhelming. I use all I can with what I’ve got (shoutout to my Aries queen Mariah Carey). If you know, you know, and I make it work for me.

The gear

A good selfie stand? Game changer. I even recently added a phone holder that lets me play with angles, and honestly, it's chef’s kiss. I can film a whole segment solo, get multiple shots, and still make it to an event.

I aspire to create content that is clean, clear, and crisp, even when I don’t use my ring light. That’s the beauty of perfect natural lighting and knowing your angles. For me, perfect lighting usually means golden hour—right after sunrise or before sunset—when the sun is soft, warm, and super flattering. 

But if I’m not blessed with that magic hour, I make the most of what I’ve got. I face a window, avoid overhead lighting, and always check how the light hits on camera before I hit record. It’s all about working with the light you have and not being afraid to adjust on the fly.

Meet industry creators, contributors, and thought leaders who have paired with Mashable’s award-winning staff to publish first-person commentary from lived experience.

Meet our contributors

When it comes to creating, sometimes it’s a script, sometimes it’s vibes. I might hop on a TikTok trend with a voiceover that’s too good to scroll past, or I’ll just share a random thought that popped in my head at 2AM and somehow makes perfect sense in the morning. 

In my feed, I showcase the access—the fun, the exclusive, the behind-the-scenes of Hollywood. I post photos with celebs and videos of us laughing, connecting, and having real moments. Nothing feels forced. Whether I’m at a premiere or a party, I’m making sure the content feels like you’re right there with me.

Sometimes I just throw music over the video, and sometimes it’s a voiceover. Either way, I want the visuals and captions to work together to tell a full story. Something fun, something real, something that makes you feel like you’re not just watching me—you’re with me.

It might look effortless, but that’s because I’ve mastered the art of making it feel that way. It’s low-lift, but high strategy. It’s giving DIY director, editor, and talent, all in one. And you best believe I’m going to give you a show every single time.