We recently connected with Asher Phoenix and have shared our conversation below.

Asher, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Risk-taking is the foundation of the unapologetically authentic life I have the privilege of living today. I was raised in an extremely religious household, where coming out as a Transgender person wasn’t an option. For my own safety, I had to live a lie for the first 18 years of my life. When I was 18, I was cast as Randolph McAfee in Bye Bye Birdie. Through this role and his costuming experience, I found the piece of myself that had been missing for so long. I binded my chest for the first time during our first dress rehearsal, and sat in front of the mirror in the women’s dressing room and cried. I cried for a more authentic tomorrow, which catapulted me into the risk of coming out. I came out as a transgender person when I was 19 years old. I understood the implications of coming out and transitioning, and I did it anyway. I haven’t talked to my extended family in nearly 5 years, and I’m better for it. I took the risk of medical transition in 2020, and it has given me a life beyond my wildest dreams.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

When I was 12 years old, I received my first DSLR camera as a birthday gift from my grandparents. From there, I began developing my skills by doing practice photoshoots with my friends. At the early age of 15, I photographed my first wedding. What I’ve realized since then is that it is my overwhelming goal to allow others to shine and heal in front of my camera. Having battled anorexia for 14 years, I know firsthand how imperative it is to encourage my clients to take up space. Watching someone go from cripplingly insecure to even remotely comfortable in front of my camera is the greatest honor.
Additionally, I center LGBTQIA* clients in my work. Queer creativity is resistance, and it comes in many forms.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is to allow the Queer community to be as visible as possible. In March of 2021, I lost my life partner in a tragic accident. She was a trans woman and experienced severe gender dysphoria, so my photos of and with her are few and far between. Because of this, I want to allow queer people, specifically trans folks, to shine through my lens.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My biggest pivot has been moving from concert photography, to solely portraiture. I’m in recovery from substance abuse, and night life has not been the most conducive thing for my sobriety. In getting sober, I realized that continuing to subject myself to nightlife and parties was overall detrimental to my mental health. This has caused a noticeable decline in business, but I’m so thankful for my sobriety and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/createforever/asher-phoenix/
• Instagram: instagram.com/asherphoenixphotography
• Other: TikTok.com/@tokentransmasc