Two weeks ago I had my first photoshoot in 2025 for my project 👉 No.Make.Up.Portrait. But it wasn’t only my first one for this year, Joelle Marcelle (👉 Instagram) is also my first trans woman for my project 🏳️⚧️📷 Crazy, right? So this photoshoot was very special to me. And to be honest, I was pretty nervous before.
Time
Being nervous is totally normal for most people, when they get in front of a camera. For me as a photographer a certain amount of positiv tension is also normal and actually quite good for my photography. This time it was more than usual because I considered all the additional layers of awareness, and frequently associated dysphoria, that trans people have about their bodies. And I could totally relate to that, because of my own experience and coming out. So I felt more pressure than usually.
The day we met for the photoshoot I was super tired. The moment I met Joelle I could directly feel, that she’s also a bit stressed and exhausted. So I suggested to rest for a while and just talk a bit about how we both feel in this moment, what’s going on, before we actually start with the photoshoot.
I just take the time to check in with the person I’m about to take their picture, to make sure I know what they’re feeling. This is super important to me. I observe and learn from that moment. It helps me find a starting point for the photoshoot, getting into the groove. And it also helps that person a lot. I take the pressure off.
So time is always a key factor in my photoshoots. I already wrote this article about it 👉 Why I need time for a photoshoot
Rebirth
This was a special photoshoot for both of us. After we talked for about 20 minutes we walked to our location to start with the photoshoot. We found a nice spot in Telliskivi, not too crowded that day, which is important to create this safe space we need for a good photoshoot. We both got into a flow very quickly, the light was perfect and I instantly had that feeling, that we will create something beautiful and powerful. But check out the video I made and listen to Joelle and her experience 👇
Photo gallery
Here are the final photos from that day. If you want to get really into this, check out the 👉 poem she wrote and recorded after the photoshoot while looking at the photos.
Poem
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4 Responses
Always great to check your photos. For me there is a lot to learn from your uncommon perspectives, many thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much 🤗 I’m glad it is an inspiration for you 😊
Meine liebe Anna! Ich bin so berührt von diesen Fotos. Sie sind nicht einfach nur schön! Sie zeigen einen wunderschönen Menschen. Das Licht ist ein Traum!
Für mich steht durch deine Kunst Joelle so sehr im Mittelpunkt mit all ihren Facetten! Danke fürs Teilen!
Vielen, vielen Dank für Deine Worte, Tina 😘 Das bedeutet mir sehr viel 🥰