About Me
I’m Caitlin McNeil, a fashion photography graduate from LAU.
As a queer female photographer specialising in fashion and portrait imagery, I have developed a particular passion for showcasing the individuality in each of my subjects. I often shoot others in the LGBTQ+ community, with a focus on capturing beauty, strength and authenticity.
Despite more LGBTQ+ individuals being included in fashion imagery, there is still a large gap in showcasing authenticity and identity within this genre. My work aims to give those a place to tell their stories, allowing powerful work to be created for both myself and those included. I use my own experiences as inspiration, growing up queer, I had no support around me. My most recent project "Finding A Place to Belong" was created to raise awareness of what myself and many others in my community have faced growing up unrepresented.
INSPIRATION
I gained inspiration from my own experience of growing up LGBTQ+ without a support system in my area
Growing up questioning my sexuality and identity was incredibly isolating. The personal connection I integrate into my work allows for authenticity and empathy, allowing me to resonate with my subjects and their stories. At age 14, I knew I liked girls. The day after telling my close friends, it felt like the whole town knew who I preferred to date. I was constantly spoken about but there was never any support. After speaking to others in my community, it was clear this was a common issue.
Diversity is at the forefront of my work, challenging the misrepresentations and stereotypes prevalent in media. I showcase the fluidity and strength inherent in the art of authenticity, creating a space to be seen and accepted. I am to give my subjects a voice and to tell their own stories, showing their individuality. Using my experiences as inspiration, I not only create work that is personal, but also contributes to conversations about diversity, acceptance, and the celebration of individuality.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
Mohana, Finding A Place to Belong
Hope, Finding A Place to Belong
Tom, Finding A Place to Belong
Tom, Finding A Place to Belong
'Youthful Nature', published in Artego magazine
'Youthful Nature', published in Artego magazine
Tom, Finding A Place to Belong
Hope, Finding A Place to Belong
'My Naked Body', a self-portrait
'My Naked Body', a self-portrait
Hope, Finding A Place to Belong
Kiera, Finding A Place to Belong
Yuran
DETAIL
Finding A Place to Belong
‘Finding a Place to Belong’ is a series dedicated to showing the resilience and strength of LGBTQ+ individuals that have grown up without a support system in the place they call home. My concept explores subjects that have grown up in areas that have made them feel isolated and alone, capturing the issues surrounding this. Using my own experience as a foundation allowed me to resonate with my subjects and their stories. This work is deeply person to me, I including a self-portrait shoot shot in my hometown alongside six other individuals. I am honoured to have been able to shoot such strong identities and I am incredibly proud of this project. This work is not just my final outcome at university, but what drives me to continue making work with such significance and importance.
“For me, a good portrait shows the fragility and humility of the person, and at the same time a strength, a resting in themselves.” - Wolfgang Tillmans
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