Phoenix Joel is a self-taught photographer based in Berlin who identifies as transgender. His artistic journey is rooted in personal experience and intimate encounters, giving rise to a photographic style that tells the nuanced stories of the contemporary LGBTQ+ community. With an emphasis on emotional depth, trust, and connection, Joel’s work reflects his mission to highlight the complexities of human relationships. Since 2023, he has been honing his craft under the mentorship of Sven Marquardt at the Ostkreuzschule für Fotografie.
Joel’s work is a beautiful manifestation of storytelling through photography. He describes photography as a medium that allows him to bring stories to life, fostering a space for connection and reflection. “To connect and feel to the stories my models wish to share,” he articulates, emphasizing the collaborative nature of his process.
At the heart of Joel’s portfolio is the LOVE series, which serves as a poignant reflection on self-love and togetherness. Captured in his signature monochromatic style, the series emphasizes the quiet power of connection in a world where love might often go unnoticed. Each portrait in LOVE unfolds through gentle gestures, held gazes, and the intimate spaces shared among individuals.
As Joel explains, “A photoshoot with me always begins with time. Time to talk, to understand each other.” This foundational approach creates a nurturing atmosphere where trust can blossom and the stories told through the lens of his camera become more than just images; they evolve into a shared narrative between him and his subjects.
In the LOVE series, photographs embody moments of vulnerability shared between friends, family, or even new acquaintances, showcasing an ongoing search for love—whether for oneself or others. Joel acknowledges the layers of meaning in his work, “LOVE resists traditional definitions,” he notes. “It finds expression in a fleeting glance, a shared breath, or the stillness between two people who trust each other.”
As Joel reflects, “I reflect myself and my own life experiences in my photography. Photography to me is a way of communicating my inner world to the outside. When I tell a story through photography, I always start by looking at the person I want to photograph, at their story, at what they want to share with me. I try to resonate with what I learn about each individual. To come back to your question, my transition is part of every minute, every second of my life. It was a big step and changed who I am and how the world perceives me. On the other hand, I have found my inner truth and a peace that comes with that. My photography carries a depth that reflects on identity and a softness that allows intimacy. I give my models the opportunity to show who they are, who they want to be, or these parts of their personality that they sometimes need to hide from the public. This is a point of view from which strength grows. I think this is what fascinates me the most about my approach in photography; I feel like I watch people becoming stronger and stronger, from picture to picture.”
Phoenix Joel’s experience as an artist has led him to explore profound themes of identity, connection, and love. His upcoming exhibitions, including “The Space Between” in Cologne and “Ich bin schön” in Munich, promise to showcase the depth and richness of his work. As he continues to tell stories that invite presence, Joel creates an archive of moments that resonate with the message: we are here.
Through his lens, Phoenix Joel inspires a deeper appreciation for the quiet, yet powerful connections that bind us all.
Photo credits: Phoenix Joel
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