Are you ready to create a safe space within your business for the LGBTQIA people in your life and community, but unsure of the best way to share it? Listens as Ez Powers shares their thoughts and advice about photographing these amazing communities and positioning yourself to attract them.
Ez has had a love of photography since they were 8 and their grandfather put a camera in their hand. They traveled together all over the country photographing state parks and beautiful landmarks. Ever since then a love and passion for photography has simmered in Ez’s heart.
When they were 15 they even went to Kenya and helped bring awareness and help to people who were without water. They have known for years that photographs and representation means something very important.
As they grew in their craft, they realized what about photography really drew them in. They have now created an unapologetically representative business. Beyond that, they also give back with every full service package.
Here’s the deal. You have to go beyond advocating for the LGBTQIA community. You have to understand them deeply and without any bias or subjectivity. Ez shares the power of using the right words and moving past acceptance and into understanding.
Keep reading for some amazing resources if you are not ready to go deeper with this community but know other photographers who are! You’ll definitely want to take notes during this one!
In This Episode:
[01:46]] Welcome to the show!
[01:56] Listen as Ez shares about childhood, life, and the photography business.
[05:29] After years in the industry, sharing what things have been learned became their passion.
[06:45] Learn what misgendering is and what you can do to be more aware of it.
[08:23] Ways photographers can curb mistakes when working with trans, queer and non-binary clients.
[11:19] How to affirm and serve the demographic of transgender, non-binary, and meta gender clients without tokenizing.
[13:54] Hear techniques to make sure you are not ostracizing in your copy.
[17:21] Why some people won’t hire a transgender photographer.
[21:09] Are you ready to create a safe space for this community in your business?
[22:19] One thing you can do today to become more knowledgeable about this demographic.
[27:10] “Don’t do what’s easy, do what’s right” is Ez’s favorite quote.
[28:26] HoneyBook is Ez’s favorite business tool.
[29:33] If we were to meet for a drink we would go to Cast Iron Mustache where we could drink coffee or an adult beverage.
[31:40] I appreciate you being on the show and sharing your knowledge.
Links and Resources:
Suggested Google Searches on YouTube:
Intro to Trans 101
Trans 101
Non-binary explained
Non-offensive phrases you can use if you don’t feel ready to work with transgender clients but want to refer them out:
“I am someone who is not super fluent in working with transgender people and I am actively working on that right now but I do not feel like I am qualified to give you the best experience you could possibly have with a photographer. I think that this person who I know has been working on themselves for a very long time and/or this person happens to be queer or trans might be a 100% full proof photographer for you.”
“I’m happy to work with you if you are aware of those things that I am learning and going through but if you want a space that is all around ready for all aspects and doesn’t remind you of microaggressions then I would go to this person.”
Find Ez:
Find Jenn:
@successbeyondthelens
@successbeyondthelenspodcast
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