(bright music) - I think it's really important to showcase humans just as being humans.

Perfect.

(camera clicking) My primary focus in photography is expanding the visibility of the LGBTQ community in Nashville.

(bright music continues) I feel that it is so important to expand the visibility of the queer community because this is a community that experiences a lot of misunderstanding and marginalization.

I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas.

Both of my siblings are queer.

My older brother's gay, my younger brother is trans.

I identify as queer and bisexual.

Many people may not know a queer or trans person, may not just understand the humanity and beauty of being who you are.

When other people see that image where that person is expressing themselves authentically and feels seen, I think it creates a connection between the viewer and the person in the photo that solidifies that humanity, and allows people to see folks just for who they are, as beautiful humans just being themselves.

(bright music continues) And I find that, through taking photos, it creates a really personal, intimate experience to really showcase that person authentically, for who they are, in hopefully a situation where they feel comfortable, free, able to express themselves as their fullest.

(both laughing) I consider every photographic relationship to be an honor because people are really allowing me into a space of themselves that requires a lot of trust.

One of the things that is most beautiful to hear, and the experience that I hope to create for somebody, is when somebody looks at a photo of themselves and they say that they feel seen.

I really hope for people to be able to join in community safely, and openly, and joyfully.

It would be an honor if my work is able to contribute to that.

- [Announcer] This NPT Arts Break is made possible by the generous support of The Martha Rivers Ingram Advised Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.