Mutual aid photo project
During my time as Founder + LGBTQ+ portrait photographer of Youthphoria, I had the pleasure of photographing 22 Philadelphia-area trans youth as part of our two-year mutual aid project. With help from incredible vendors, we were able to celebrate trans youth by tapping into joy and euphoria—through gender expression, photography, and community. Youthphoria raised $32,057, including $15,921 via individual mutual aid donations and over $16,000 in grants from Trans Justice Funding Project.
The Youthphoria experience was 100% free for participants, with the back-end cost being roughly $1,500-$2,000 per person. Services varied per individual, but typically included: Personalized wardrobe styling and consulting, an expanded wardrobe to keep, day-of hair and makeup services, a haircut +/or color, custom tailoring, a 1-2 hour photo session, and the costs that went into fundraising.
Our talented team of local, queer vendors included: Susan Padron (stylist), Ruairí Foran (HMU), Jessica Saint (HMU), Kiara Jacoby (fundraising consultant), Nik Ronca (tailor), Fyre (hair services), and Yilu Jin (mutual aid consultant). With a studio kindly provided by RAM Floral.
Affirming queer and trans portrait sessions
If you’re queer or trans, there are so many reasons to celebrate yourself with a photo session. Beyond being engaged, getting married, or growing your family. Though, those are certainly sessions I specialize in as well.
There are endless reasons to be photographed, including acknowledging A new job, gender-affirming surgery, starting hormones, moving to a new town, setting boundaries, changing your name, ending a harmful relationship, resting, saying no, surviving, thriving, getting a new outfit, finding community, making art together, being photographed with your t4t relationship(s), and exploring a new way to stim.
Photographing trans and queer youth is something I continue to prioritize. This past Spring, I teamed up with the Abington Township Public Library organizer behind Q Crew—a club for LGBTQIA+ teens and allies in grades 6-12— to provide portraits of the teens outside the library. I’m also the co-founder and co-host of Rainbow Connections, a monthly, virtual program for LGBTQ+ kids and allies in grades K-5. Our program won the 2022 Best Practices Award from the Pennsylvania Library Association for the school-age group. We’ve also presented a webinar on “Celebrating LGBTQ+ Kids and Allies in your Community and Beyond” for the Public Library Association, which you can watch for free at this link.
LGBTQ+ senior portrait photographer
Trying to find a photographer for senior portraits can be a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re LGBTQ+ and potentially experiencing things like gender dysphoria.
Working with a fellow queer and trans photographer such as myself can help remove some of the nerves associated with being photographed. Not having to stress about possibly being misgendered or given pose prompts that don’t align with your gender expression or identity can be a comfort. And not worrying about having your photos shared if you prefer to keep them private. Consent is something I value tremendously and I will never share photos without your explicit permission.
As an Autistic and ADHD photographer, I also consider the many ways neurodivergence and queerness can often overlap. Being thoughtful around sensory needs and ways to make sessions more accessible is at the heart of my work.
As a Philadelphia area LGBTQ+ portrait photographer, I offer photo sessions for folks of all ages, including senior portraits and LGBTQ+ affirming sessions. I typically brainstorm possible locations with clients, keeping in mind what spaces make them feel most safe. This can be as simple as doing photos at home, a local park, or neighborhood that is meaningful to the person.
Testimonials
Here are kind words from some of the participants:
“This was truly one of the most exciting and joyful experiences I’ve ever had. Working with y’all has boosted my confidence so much! I’ve never felt beautiful until this project, and the two days we spent prepping for and doing the shoot are two of the best days of my life. I’m so grateful that I was lucky enough to be a part of Youthphoria!” — Wren
“The Youthphoria team gave Wren and I the experience of a lifetime to feel truly affirmed in our skins. It is not often that as trans people we can truly feel beautiful and seen, but to have that opportunity with such lovely people was an absolute joy. We’re gonna carry this special session forever and hope that every trans youth gets to feel as special as we did!” — Luca
“This is going down in history as one of the top times I’ve felt powerful. To say that this was an affirming experience only begins to scratch the surface of how much love went into this. This is spot-on to the dream I’ve had of myself for a while; shirtless with angel wings.
Trans people are getting more representation now, but I had a thought that revolved around renaissance paintings. How beautiful would it be if the soft and delicate angels that are often painted, had a trans upgrade? I rolled with that and I’m so happy I did.
I honestly don’t know what else to say—it takes a lot to make me speechless, but I guess this is one of those rare times. It feels so surreal to see an image I’ve had of myself in my head for years come to life. I feel powerful.” — Gi
“These photos made me cry and Shannon is a gem. Truly unforgettable experience.” — River
Here are some of my favorites from my time with Youthphoria. Locations included: Bartram’s Garden, The Woodlands, Valley Forge National Historical Park, FDR Park, Dickinson Square Park, Percy Street Project, The Rail Park, South Philadelphia, Rittenhouse, The Gayborhood, Keansburg Beach, the Bok Building, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Schuylkill River Trail, Cira Green, and more.
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