AS AN ACT OF SOLIDARITY BUY THE ART!
Pieces will be sold on a sliding scale basis. Send in an email for more information letting us know what print you’re interested in. Signed prints will be picked up on the closing of the show 8/29.
Email - sarah@portraitstothepeople.com
BTS
The behind-the-scenes photos are just as essential as the final polished images. The images I’ve selected show how much experimentation, failure, trial and error, and practice are part of a creative process. They capture the in-between moments, messy studios, lighting set ups, test shots and of course what we wore.
These aren’t outtakes. They’re evidence. Of care, of hustle, of practice and of how much work it takes to make something look effortless. The behind-the-scenes images matter because they show what it really takes to pull something like this off.
Let this wall remind you: Queerness isn't just my identity—it's the lens through which I imagine, create, and build every piece of this work.
FEMMES
This wall is a tribute to femme identities—femme is a sexual orientation, a gender identity, a fashion statement, and a way of moving through the world. Queer Femme is close to my heart; it’s an unapologetic representation of how I identify.
These portraits were taken in my studio in Sausalito over the past few months. I invited a handful of femmes I’ve been connected to since I moved to the Bay Area in 2006—and they brought their friends, expanding the circle of badass femmes I’ve had the privilege to photograph. What you see here is a community of femmes showing up fully and representing their queerness on their own terms.
Let this wall remind you: We’re here, we’re QUEER, and we’re magical.
SILENT SCREAMS
After the election, I turned to my self-portrait practice to process what had just happened. What emerged was a silent scream—my own private protest. That image became an anchor for me. It captured something I couldn’t yet name.
Silent Screams was selected for the Unapologetically Queer Pride show at the Harvey Milk Photo Center in San Francisco. Curator Nicola Bosco reached out with an unexpected offer: to use my self-portrait as the lead image for the show’s promotions. I said yes immediately.
On the opening night, my collaborator JT Toland posed a brilliant question: “What if we invited others to scream?” So, we did. We set up a makeshift portrait station, and 75 people stepped in front of the lens. That night, Silent Screams transformed from a solo project into a shared one.
Silent Screams is part portrait, part protest, and wholly collective. It’s a space to process emotion—grief, rage, joy, resistance—and to release what weighs us down. These portraits are a reminder that even in silence, our voices carry.
Want to host a Silent Screams session in your community? Reach out—we’d love to bring this experience to you.
THE QUEER TIME CAPSULE
In this corner sits the Queer Time Capsule—a container for our memories, our stories, and our legacies. It exists to make sure we add ourselves to queer history—especially now, as our very existence is being threatened and erased.
Queer Time Capsule is a project rooted in preservation, defiance, and deep love for our community. At a time when our histories are being erased, distorted, or forgotten. It’s a living archive—an evolving record of our queer existence, shaped by the people living it. It holds our stories, the truth of our lives, and the promise that we won’t be forgotten.
This is just the beginning. The story of this moment isn’t complete without you.
THE LALA RI EXPERIENCE
In January, I reposted a photo of Lala Ri on Instagram with a simple dream: “I want to photograph her this year.” She replied to my surprise and delight, “Let’s do it.” We hopped on Zoom, and started planning, and by March, she flew to the Bay Area for this shoot.
This series captures Lala out of drag because, during this time, she was taking a break—stepping out of the spotlight to rest, reflect, and focus on producing shows. A few weeks after this shoot, she announced her return to the stage as a drag performer once again. These portraits live in the quiet in-between of the Lala Ri Experience. They’re tender, powerful, and full of presence.
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Lala Ri is best known for her unforgettable runs on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 13 and All Stars 8. She was crowned Miss Congeniality, became a fan favorite for her humor and heart, and has since become one of the most celebrated queens in the franchise. With her commanding presence, signature charm, and ability to light up any stage, Lala is a force in the drag world—and beyond.
Lala is one of those artists I’d place in the Queer Time Capsule without hesitation. Her talent is unmatched. Her energy is magnetic. Her spirit is unforgettable. She is gracious, collaborative, and full of heart. She made time in the middle of a busy life to create something beautiful together, and I’ll never stop being grateful for that.
Let this wall remind you: Queer greatness doesn’t need a costume or a stage to shine. Lala Ri is the moment—always.