Widening the definition of beauty, photography by Shoog McDaniel

Shoog McDaniel is a self-described “southern, queer, non-binary, fat photographer” working in Florida.

June 30, 2018

Their images are powerful reminders of how diverse society really is, and how much is discounted from the mass media for falling outside the narrow parameters of socially and aesthetically acceptable.

Using the verdant nature as backdrop, Shoog’s portraiture highlights the beauty in otherness, widening the lens on society and creating a space for marginalised bodies to feel autonomous, at peace and beautiful. We spoke with Shoog about creating these portraits, the ethics of accountability and some of the artists they’ve encountered along the way.

Follow Shoog on Instagram @Shooglet, check out their website here and a link to their Patreon is here.

Hi Shoog, where are you based and what do you like about shooting in nature?

I am based in Gainesville, Florida in the US. Nature is the best backdrop because it is varied and textured and interesting. It also often brings out people’s creative sides. People stretch out in nature, they let their bodies expand, they become engulfed in their surroundings.They experience joy and wonder. The most marginalized folks in our society can breathe a bit deeper in nature, with only trees and river smiling back at them, all judgement and fear drop away. In those moments people look different. That is what I like to capture on camera.

Fat, trans, queer or “othered” bodies are a focal point of your work. What draws you to this?

I am one of these people. I am a fat, queer, trans, toothless freak. I am drawn to focus my lens on elements of the human condition that other media makers avoid because of social stigma, assumed lack of value, or if they are highlighted, its in a way that attempts to apologize for an element of their being. I am drawn to all the people that are left out of the narrow definition of beauty. I love fucking with the in-between. I like to mix elements of nature and queers and light to create mystical scenes that hold beauty so apparent that no one can deny it.

Do you ever worry about crossing over into realms of exploitation? How do you address this?

In terms of my art, I think about exploitation as being an issue if I were to be making money off of someone’s image, especially if they are more marginalized than me. I am white, masculine of center trans person who came from a semi-stable home life, and so I do have privileges that I have to consider. I am always working on being a more accountable artist. One way I leverage my privilege is by providing low or no-cost photo shoots for bipoc folks, trans women, and super fat people. I never sell a photograph without the permission of the subject, and then I always offer to split half of the earnings with them. Whenever I can, I use my social capital (my instagram) to promote folks who are also hustling. I believe that it is possible to be an artist responsibly, and I am always open to hearing input on how to do it better.

Which other photographers or artists do you think have blazed a trail for diversity, acceptance and wider representation in their work?

I am really into Gabriel Garcia Roman‘s work, a queer Mexican-American artist who, among many other things, takes stunning portraits of queers and then uses otherworldly techniques to make them appear almost as holy deities. He even handcrafts the frames. Stunning work.

Noelle Longhaul is a tattoo/artist and musician who is a fucking amazing inspiration for me artistically. She creates these stories on people’s bodies that stretch out forever with tiny lines and dots. As a trans person she has faced tons of shit in the industry and her constant commitment to prioritize putting art on queer and trans folks even as she kinda blows up in the tattoo world is really great inspiration to me. She’s definitely a trailblazer and a super magical human. Also her music makes me feel feelings so big. Very worth checking out.

I’ve known Adee Roberson for a long time, and her art has FOREVER been evolving and changing in ways that really inspire me to try new things. She uses instruments and voice and images and patterns and beats to create these intensely mesmerizing experiences for her audience. As a Black, queer woman making work that often highlights that identity, she inspires me to reconnect with myself and reflect within. She is a badass on her way up. Don’t miss her!

Cool! Thanks Shoog