Tanner Abel: Capturing Queens: A Behind-the-Scenes Glimpse into Queer Artistry
Luxx Noir London, photographed by Tanner Abel, 2023
Written by Nicholas Sapienza
In the heart of New York City’s vibrant LGBTQA+ scene, photographer Tanner Abel has carved out a niche capturing the essence of some of the most iconic queens in the industry. In a recent interview, Abel sheds light on the dynamic world of photography, sharing insights into the creative process, relationships with drag performers, and the fusion of queer artistry and pop culture.
Abel, who initially ventured into the city to attend Parsons in 2014, was quickly immersed in the rich tapestry of New York’s nightlife. Starting as a fashion-focused photographer, Abel transitioned into the realm of drag through chance encounters at iconic venues like On Top. Aquaria and Kim Chi were among the first queens he collaborated with, sparking a journey that led to capturing the essence of drag performers in a way that sets his work apart.
Xunami Muse by Tanner Abel, 2023
A distinguishing factor in Abel’s approach is his appreciation for the individuality and self-awareness that a queen brings to the table instead of a model. Unlike a photo shoot, drag performers already possess a well-defined identity. Abel values the collaborative process, relishing the exchange of ideas and references with each queen to craft unique, layered narratives.
The conversation delves into the differences between photographing models and drag queens. Abel notes that working with models often involves projecting an envisioned persona onto a blank canvas, while drag queens arrive with a well-studied understanding of their character. This distinction allows for a more dynamic collaboration, where the photographer and the queen build upon each other’s references, creating layered and intentional imagery.
One of Abel’s strengths is his ability to infuse historical and pop culture references into his work. Influenced by legendary photographers like Jean-Paul Goude, known for his iconic Grace Jones imagery, Abel combines his fashion and pop culture knowledge to create visually striking and meaningful compositions. Every photoshoot becomes an opportunity to weave together different cultural touchpoints, resulting in a rich tapestry of references that add depth to the final images.
Sasha Velour, photographed by Tanner Abel, 2023
As the conversation progresses, Abel discusses the challenges and joys of last-minute photoshoots, sharing anecdotes about sourcing fabrics and creating impromptu set designs. The unpredictable nature of the industry demands adaptability, and Abel’s ability to seamlessly navigate tight schedules is a testament to his dedication and creativity.
Looking ahead, Abel expresses his excitement about potential future projects. He hints at a magazine feature that will spotlight his muses over the years, weaving a narrative around his relationships with these iconic queens. Additionally, Abel contemplates a book showcasing his work, highlighting his aspirations for more mainstream opportunities beyond the drag scene.
In a poignant moment, Abel reflects on the role of a photographer in the broader cultural landscape. In a time when drag is both celebrated and faces controversy, Abel sees his work as a bridge, helping people understand the artists behind the personas. By elevating queer artistry to the forefront, he strives to dismantle tokenization and place queer artists at the center of the spotlight, a move he considers more important than ever.
As Tanner Abel continues to capture the vibrancy of fashion, history, and sexuality through his lens, his work is a testament to the power of celebrating individuality.
Luxx Noir London, photographed by Tanner Abel, 2023
