Projects > Living Photographs

In the past year, one of my primary endeavors has been “living photographs,” a genre of short film popular on YouTube. Highlighting my campy, mirthful aesthetic and queer perspective, I have created dozens of tableaus. I’ve then shared them online and received numerous blog recognitions, as well as over 8,000 combined views. These videos feature me and/or artistic collaborators in various positions and scenarios holding completely still for extended periods of time. When the illusion of an elaborate, two-dimensional photograph gives way via subtle natural movements, the viewer realizes they are indeed watching a time-based video. This discovery, making the viewer second guess whether they are viewing a snapshot or a video, is crucial to the overall success of each “living photograph.”

Island of Misfit Toys

Bathtub Marilyn Monroe

Gentlemen’s Hour

Romance Novel

Lisa and I pose for a living photograph on top of Angel Island State Park in the San Francisco Bay. November 2010