From an early age, Tanner Abel was surrounded by a family that cherished the visual documentation of life’s moments and an environment rich in music and art. There, Abel found his calling not through traditional illustration or painting, which he initially pursued, but through the lens of a camera. His transition from using photographs as mere references for paintings to embracing photography as his primary medium was a natural progression, fueled by his strong connection to art history, pop culture, and fashion photography—a field that respects its physical media.
INTERVIEWS
His practice allows him to explore and express his various influences, from simple color combinations to complex staging. This approach has made his work particularly appealing and authentic, with his focus on queer subjects as a commitment to representing and celebrating the often-underrepresented voices and visions within the community.
In this exclusive interview for DSCENE Magazine, with our Editor, Pavle Banovic, Abel highlights significant collaborations and dream projects, such as his work with Luxx Noir London. Looking forward, he aims to expand his visibility beyond the camera, stepping into the spotlight himself to more fully explore and express himself. As he approaches a decade in New York City, he is creating a series for a beloved magazine and venturing into new mediums, evolving as an artist and individual.
Can you tell us more about your background? How did you start doing photography?
Photography has always been a part of my life. My parents were very good about documenting my childhood, some of my first memories are in regard to photos being taken of me and I still bond with my mom by looking through boxes of old photos. Album covers also had a huge impact on me, my dad is an incredible musician so inevitably there were hundreds of albums to stare at over and over until the artwork was ingrained in my brain.
I was originally interested in being an illustrator/painter and began taking reference photos for my work, which led me to the realization that I prefer creating photos than painting them. My photography also allows me to utilize my initial passion for painting in my set design.
Do you have a specific style of photography?
My work is highly referential to imagery from art history, pop culture, and fashion photography. I was definitely a child of the internet, so I would just get lost in research online growing up. Much of the imagery I encountered consisted of scans from fashion magazines, instilling in me a deep appreciation for physical media. This connection to tangible forms of art continues to influence the quality of the work I produce today.
How would you describe your practice?
My practice is so personal to me in ways that may not even be obvious. It allows me to combine everything I’ve ever loved and excelled at and build the life that I want to live. Even the simplest photo could in some way be a reference to something that shaped me along my journey, from the subject’s gesture, a color combination, the styling, props, anything. In life, I don’t always know what to do. On set, in the studio, I know exactly what to do every time. My practice provides me with a sense of clarity and purpose.
I deeply value the process of building somebody’s image. For a lot of the artists I work with, their visual output is one of the most crucial elements, so it takes a lot of trust and respect coming from both parties.
Queer people are a constant subject of your lens. What draws you to them?
As someone whose work is so informed by visual culture and the history behind it, I’ve always noted that queer people possess some of the most innovative and creative minds in the industry. Often operating behind the scenes or relegated to token roles when in the spotlight, we are sometimes viewed as novelties. Through my work, my mission is to celebrate the figures in my community as the superstars they truly are, granting them the recognition and celebrity treatment they deserve.
Is there a collaboration that you have done so far that you would highlight as meaningful or transformative?
I think both my relationships with and the ways in which I collaborate with my muses vary so strongly and that’s something that is really special. I deeply value the process of building somebody’s image. For a lot of the artists I work with, their visual output is one of the most crucial elements, so it takes a lot of trust and respect coming from both parties. In the past year or so, my work with Luxx Noir London stands out as particularly meaningful. I feel like we just get each other.
What would be your dream collaboration?
I want to create imagery with people who have inspired me growing up, and for them to really trust my vision. There are some artists who I have really studied who have shaped who I am as an artist and person— creating and creative directing imagery for people like Grace Jones, Madonna, Lady Gaga, or RuPaul would feel like an ultimate achievement.
Is there something that serves as a constant inspiration for you over the years?
I’m constantly inspired by the media that I consumed growing up and rediscovering how apparent it’s impact has been on my life and the work I create in hindsight is so invigorating. It makes me realize the power of what I’m doing with the work I put out into the world and the small and big influences it can have on people. The movie Josie and the Pussycats comes to mind, because it touches on the idea of manufacturing stardom and existing within an image obsessed society.
I was originally interested in being an illustrator/painter and began taking reference photos for my work, which led me to the realization that I prefer creating photos than painting them. My photography also allows me to utilize my initial passion for painting in my set design.
What is your personal relationship to queerness and understanding your own identity and position in the world?
I was constantly reminded of the fact that I was different growing up. I remember my mom playfully telling me “I love to go to Walmart with you and watch people stare at you as we walk by.” There was a long time where I tried my best to fit into what I thought was normal for a boy in regard to my self expression and interests, but even with all of my effort, I couldn’t. Learning to embrace who I am carries very much into the work I make and the way I strive to celebrate the individuality of each person I work with.
What’s next for you?
I’m working on a series for one of my favorite magazines to celebrate my first decade in New York City starring me and my biggest muses. I’m also working on finding ways to be in the spotlight and connect with people rather than just being behind the camera. There’s a lot more to me than what I’ve shown people so far, and venturing into more mediums will allow me to express that. I’m always thinking about the next steps and the legacy I want to leave behind as not only an artist but a person.
Keep up with Tanner Abel on Instagram – @tannerabelofficial
ah so so cool! Love tanner abel’s work!