I grew up in San Diego, Pacific Beach was my home town. I attended schools there including Mission Bay High School (Class of 1965).
I attended UC San Diego as part of the first full freshman class starting in 1965. I graduated with a B.A. in Applied Physics in 1969, and went on to get my Ph.D. in Applied Physics in 1977. I was a post-doctoral fellow at U.Mass in 1977-78.
I spent a career in the high-tech microelectronics industry, working at Burroughs Corp. in Rancho Bernardo, Wang Labs in Chelmsford, MA, and AMCC in San Diego from 1982-2014. I had many roles or responsibilities, from computer and device modeling, to design to failure analysis and product engineering.
I always enjoyed photography as a hobby from my childhood years starting in 1956 when I learned to use my father’s Argus C3 film camera.
After retiring in 2014, I transitioned to be a dedicated photographer, enjoying sports like surfing, cycling, and beach volleyball primarily.
My interests expanded to include fashion and portraits and I have worked with some great people including fashion designers, media personalities, supermodels, and some movie stars. And I am still going strong.
About Ernest H. Tyler
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am happily married to the love of my life, Suzanne. We have been together since 1986, so we are approaching 40 years together. I have 2 sons from a previous marriage and 3 granddaughters.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Some of this was covered above. Since becoming a full-time photographer, it is the people I meet and work with that mean the most. The mutual respect is perhaps the most gratifying. I have met so many public figures as well from Olympic athletes to movie stars.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Never give up on your dreams. Step by step, keep your commitment to improve and be the best you can be.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
At my current age of 77 years old, I hope is am still active with my camera and enjoying reunions with people I know and making new friends. Breathing is a good thing.
Ernest H. Tyler & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Sabor Grill, Nuevo Grill and Cantina, Fidel’s Mexican, Rancho Bernardo Inn, Tartine in Coronado, and many more
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Almost all of my life. There were a couple of years when I lived in New England and in Alaska, away from home. I have been blessed to be able to care for my parents and stay close.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Tough question, there are many. My first thought is Dawn Hough Sebaugh, a local photographer and fashion designer. She has also been a great fan and supporter of my work.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
AMCC (Applied Micro Circuits Corp.) That was my life for many years and I have valued colleagues who I worked with.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the beach. Watching surfers at Windansea Beach or Boomers. We can scuba dive or head to the mountains within hours. San Diego Bay is exciting too.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
More tough questions. Hollywood stars come to mind too. We have many local celebrities. But one professional photographer named Jerry Ghionis, based out of Las Vegas now, has impressed me greatly, as a master photographer. I would love to meet him and enjoy lunch. Maybe someplace relaxing or down-home like Fidel’s Mexican or one with a great view like Mr. A’s
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Top Gun, Top Gun Maverick. NCIS and Ted Lasso and Lessons in Chemistry
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was a member of the San Diego Rocket Society, spoke at age 14 in front of the San Diego City Council, and was interviewed on local radio. I spent 9 months in an Eskimo village in Newtok Alaska in 1974-75, an entire winter. Burrrr!!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Not quite sure what you refer to. Locations: Balboa Park. People: Dawn Hough Sebaugh, a local fashion designer, and Dustin Quick, a model and actress in LA.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Everyone. My wife is loving and talented and she encourages me to be the best I can be.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
There are many – Wounded Warrior Project is one I especially love to help
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Never give up on your dreams. Work hard, focus, and enjoy what you do.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Ramona, CA. I moved to East County more than 20 years ago. The local country vibes rubbed off on me. Rodeo, barrel racing. But I am also a native San Diegan, and I love our beaches.
What I love about my Neighborhood:
Diverse country living, a love of freedom, and outdoor living. And fantastic neighbors.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
An elegant fashion show with friends and fashion designers comes to mind. Or, great family time.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Country, Neighbors
