Youthphoria just had its last photoshoot for 2022! The majority of photoshoots occur outside, and it gets too chilly in Philly in the winter for outdoor sessions, so we take a brief pause from December-February, and begin again! Last year, we were able to provide free, gender affirming photoshoots to seven trans and non-binary youth in the Greater Philadelphia area. This year, we photographed ten! 

Because of the incredible grants and donations we received, about halfway through this year, we were able to not just give our participants their photoshoot outfit for free, but we were also able to give them any of the clothes, shoes, and accessories that they loved from their fitting. 

I adore all of our participants, and being able to provide them with clothes and outfits that make them feel confident brings me so much joy. With each consultation that I have with our participants, they always share the most creative combinations of ideas for their inspiration.

It was also amazing to get some public recognition for Youthphoria’s work: we were highlighted in Philadelphia Magazine’s Best of Philly awards for Best Mission-Driven Photographer!! As we’ve been working with our participants over the last couple of years, it’s amazing to receive the recognition and continue to spread awareness.

Here are some shoot highlights from 2022 and the participant’s inspiration for their shoot’s theme.

Riley

Inspiration: Femme lesbian Barbie

Mercury

Inspiration: Interview with the Vampire, Lost Boys, Orville Peck

Grey

Inspiration: “My gender is ?”, reliving their childhood now as non-binary

Violet

Inspiration: Marie Antoinette at the Bike Stop, Vivienne Westwood aesthetic

Alex

Inspiration: “bright happy silly things”

Sarah

Inspiration: “Ring of Keys” from Funhome

Michelle

Inspiration: A pitbull – edgy exterior but playful and loveable

Jay

Inspiration: Classy Beyoncé

Mac

Inspiration: Harrison Ford from American Graffiti and Magnum PI

Noah

Inspiration: Panic at the Disco “Death of a Bachelor”

To make a donation to Youthphoria, click here. Did you see the images from the photoshoots that we did throughout our first year? If not, check out this blog post! If you or someone you know would like to have their own Youthphoria photoshoot, apply here!