SAFER SPACE PHOTOGRAPHY
Spending the last few years in social justice movements, my approach to photography changed a lot in the sense of how my gaze of the world shifted.
Reflecting on the consequences of colonialism and how photography played a part in setting up the white supremacist power dynamics that are destroying the people and the planet to this day.

This is why I want to offer a photography safer space, to acknowledge the damage that 500+ years of colonialism did to our self image and so often distorted self perception by creating unrealistic, misogynistic and white beauty standards.
For QT*BIPoC - queer/trans/Black/Indigenous/PeopleOfColour - facing intersecting forms of discrimination like sexism, racism, lookism etc.

“Against transphobia, queerphobia, racism, colourism, sexism, misognoir and all the hurtful systems that divide us from the beauty of life.” Sara Bahadori

  • Accountability for hurtful behaviour is a necessity for feeling comfortable in the created space. Therefore I am willing to mirror discriminatory patterns and will open a space to give me critical feedback for my own possible wrongdoings. Only together we can learn to unlearn!

    I will not comment on body appearance, weight, skin or hair texture unless it is requested.

    Retouching pictures only happens with consent because I don’t want to manipulate pictures to match current societal beauty standards.

  • For me taking portraits of a person is a feminist practice which means I am always centering the well-being of the models and crew. To create a comfortable setting for everyone involved, it would be great to have a bit of time to chat about needs and wishes before we shoot, so I can get to know you and your vision of how the pictures are supposed to look. So in the best case I would like to have a bit of time beforehand and not be rushed. If the time schedule allows it of course :)) I love to have a tea or coffee with the people involved before working to get into the mood and to build connections. That is not only to slow down but also to be present in the moment and to enjoy the process of making art that lasts. This way I want to remove the colonial and capitalist time pressure as best as I can.

  • I am a midsize, working class, first generation academic, queer non-binary, postmigrant german-kurd with passport and light skin privilege.

Having worked in the media industry for a few years, I am painfully aware of the sexist violence non-cis male people face - models or photographers like me.

I am looking forward to work with people who appreciate care and kindness.