Sometimes you meet someone who just has it. Like attractiveness is more than physical, you know? There's a spiritual component.
Ana Gonzalez has it in spades.
What I remember most about the time Ana and I spent together is their respect for artistic labor. They saw their collaborations — as a talented, self-styled model — as an exchange of ideas. They wanted these photoshoots to be mutually beneficial. And they were.
Because of the strength of our relationship and Ana's seemingly effortless vulnerability, we were able to create images that pop with energy. They're effervescent.
There's something special about folks who are trans, nonbinary or gender fluid. You have to reach so deep for a confident sense of self. Defying outside expectations takes tremendous work. Carving out that unique space for your identity.
It's the reason why I love photographing gender expansive people. There is so much depth to explore.
The mutual respect for that depth is what makes the photos so good. It's magnetic.
