We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tzeleste. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tzeleste below.

Tzeleste, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

An ongoing project of mine is about the trans community of Utah. They are a very small minority compared to the rest of us, and experience much more hate and abuse than any other community I’ve witnessed. It started when I decided to attend a trans rally at the state capitol, and I got to witness the warmth and love that these people possess. It touched my heart in a way nothing else ever has, except for perhaps the very first time I picked up a camera.

Later, I was fortunate enough to be at my university on Trans Remembrance Day. Some people had decided to set up an anti-trans rally inside the student union, and as I was photographing them, the school’s local trans-community began counter-protesting the rally. The speed and intensity of the trans response was simply jaw-dropping. I knew from then on that I had to commit to documenting these incredible people, who are so often marginalized and ridiculed for simply existing.

Tzeleste, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Tzeleste. I am a photographer in Utah. I got into this discipline when I discovered the power of a camera. My lens gave me the power to shine light onto the voiceless of Utah, and to make my own commentary on the issues of the world. All of my frustrations, joy, sadness, anger, and love are poured into my images. For this reason, unlike many modern photographers, I work exclusively in black-and-white film. I find that color and ultra-clean images distract from the raw meaning I’m trying to show in my work. My pictures are not pristine, and I don’t want them to be. The world isn’t pristine, so why hide that?

I am most proud of my work documenting the trans community of Utah. Every image I make helps me connect more with them, and all the citizens of Utah, and my art would not carry the love and passion I believe it does without the trans community. I owe my art and my photography to them, and I want them to know that I am eternally grateful for their compassion.

I want readers to know that I will always be out on the streets, documenting the world as I see it, and I encourage them to reach out to me about events, groups, or issues they think I should cover.

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

I feel as though my purpose in life is to witness as much of the world as I can. If I don’t record life with my camera, who will? How will future generations understand what life is like in 2025, if I don’t bring my camera with me? My mission is to see as much of the world as I can, and, eventually, leave it with more to work with than how I found it.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I have no large story, but plenty of people who see my images tell me I am not making a meaningful difference, or worse, that I am harming the causes I photograph. It’s important for me and all other artists to not let those critics pull you away from making the art you feel driven to.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @tzeleste
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits

Tzeleste