A Different Kind of Portrait Session
In a world saturated with filtered selfies and curated online personas, one photography student is looking to capture something more substantial. Moon, a 25-year-old based in The Hague, is putting out a call for queer individuals who want their stories captured in portraits that prioritize emotional honesty over polished perfection.
Currently in his second year of photography studies in Amsterdam, Moon finds that academic assignments often box him into a creative corner. To counteract this, he’s launching a personal project to build his portfolio by photographing the community he belongs to, primarily on weekends and holidays.
A Perspective Shaped by Experience
What sets this project apart is the specific lens through which Moon views the world. As an FTM trans man who has been out for a decade and was diagnosed as autistic four years ago, his life experiences have fundamentally shaped his perception. He’s not just interested in taking a technically proficient photo; he’s aiming to translate his distinct worldview into his art.
"Because of my experiences with transitioning and autism, I see the world quite differently, and I want to show that in my photography," he explains. This isn't about creating a spectacle of identity, but about using that identity as a tool to connect with subjects on a deeper level. The goal is to create images that evoke a feeling—any feeling—in the viewer, moving beyond the surface to trigger a genuine emotional response.
A Challenge for Connection
Moon is candid about the personal challenges involved. Describing himself as introverted and shy due to his autism, he acknowledges that connecting with new people can be a significant hurdle. This project, then, is a dual-purpose endeavor: it’s a step toward his professional dream of becoming a portrait photographer and a deliberate effort to push past his own social comfort zones.
It's a refreshingly honest approach. Rather than pretending to be an extroverted artist, he’s inviting people into a process that is as much about mutual understanding and quiet observation as it is about the final image. For potential subjects, this could mean a more patient, low-pressure environment to be photographed in.
Get Involved
If you're interested in being part of this project and having your portrait taken by a photographer dedicated to capturing authentic queer stories, you can reach out to Moon directly.
- How to connect: Send a direct message on Instagram.
- Instagram Profile: @throughmoonslens
