Photo arts 3 photo book proposal:

Candidly queer: portraits of identity  

This book seeks to dive into the multifaceted lives of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Putting a spotlight on the rich diversity inherent within the 2SLGBTQ+ community. At the focal point of this project is the idea of representation this is an invaluable facet of identity that resonates profoundly with members of the queer community. The focus of this collection of photos is not just to chronicle the spectrum of queer identities but to serve as a place where folks can see themselves in the community, enabling members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community to recognize, affirm and celebrate their own identities and narratives. 

 

This photobook will be a collection of photos predominantly with analog black and white film photography occasionally supplemented with digital colour photographs. The colour photographs will be incorporated to bring to light the multitude of colours that the 2SLGBTQ+ community exhibits.  

One of the most important pieces of this project will be authenticity. Focusing on candid portraits capturing people in their unguarded moments. Things that may seem mundane will be highlighted. A lot of the photography will take place at different Q-space events on and off the university campus.  

Some of the photographers who inspire me are:  

• Claude Cahun: their work often involves collage and I would like to incorporate that into my project where possible. I liked the way they had multiple pictures depicted 
• Robert Mapplethorpe: unapologetically explores the identities of queer individuals and has amazing craftsmanship with black and white photography.  
• Kike Arnal: is an artist that I found interesting as well and modelled some of my work after their work with their transgender portraits from Mexico. A lot of their work was also candids and individuals in places that were comfortable for them. 

Here are some pictures from their photo books that I have used as inspiration.