Beyond Gender: They Them Us.
Beyond Gender [ working title ] is a project that seeks to celebrate the LGBTQIA community, to cast a generous light over its members, and to further my own understanding of a community I have lived with for over 20 years. The project is live and constantly evolving, so a definite “artist statement” will not be viable until its completion. For the moment I seem to be welcoming young members of the community, a generation that is filling the space so hard fought for by previous generations. Youth that has the freedom to question, to experiment and to hopefully thrive, but this journey is not without its pitfalls, prejudices and hurdles, even in this day and age. Below are some examples of the project so far as well as a few testimonials from people that have so generously shared their time and stories with me.
“The chance to work with you was so interesting, as I’ve never been photographed before, let alone had an opportunity to express why queerness means so much, which I feel this project perfectly captures. I was immediately put at ease when in front of the camera, and the experience has lifted my confidence in ways I didn’t know needed to be. If the opportunity comes to work again I would definitely be interested!.”
— Erin
“I had never done a fully nude shoot before the session today. Tobias immediately put me at ease. He was respectful and relaxed, making me feel comfortable from start to finish.
“Toby has a brilliant way of putting you at ease in front of the camera. What could have been an awkward experience ended up feeling relaxed, collaborative and genuinely fun. His direction is subtle but effective, and he managed to capture natural shots that still feel true to me. I’d absolutely recommend working with him.”
— Mel
‘Hearing about this project was so heartwarming and an honor to be a part of the series. I feel the deep responsibility and purpose to take up the opportunity to represent my non binary and queer identity as a south Asian person deeply passionate about both my Punjabi & queer identity.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Tobias’ x
Sirisha
“It was an absolute pleasure to be shot by Toby; he is professional, relaxed, and gives great clear instruction to achieve amazing shots. Most importantly, he was encouraging and flexible in allowing me to express myself as I would want to be seen, and these photos are therefore very precious to me.”
Gabby
“Shooting with Toby was a fab experience from beginning to end. Him and his partner both had a great and grounding energy, which created a relaxed and fun atmosphere. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and has his lighting down to an art. I’m very nosy, and love to be a part of/understand the process as well as spit ball ideas – which he was very open to, and he happily indulged my curiosity. To no surprise the shots turned out absolutely gorgeous, needless to say I am very happy and would love shoot with Toby again”
Anna
Want to take part? I would be happy to invite you to the studio.
The project seeks to celebrate these brave people that have helped pioneer and revolutionise how we see ourselves! If only by raising questions about identity, gender and sexuality.
The project is developing an aesthetic style and the final images will be in black and white.
BUT I want to encourage sitters to present themselves to the camera as they wish, to allow their personality to come through and to use their bodies and physicality to identify as they wish.
The images will be made in a small studio in Brighton with a trusted team of people and each sitter will receive a portfolio of 6 images by way of thank you and payment for their time.
If this is something that might be of interest to you please, please drop me a message.
I would love to hear from you.
