Embracing Authenticity in Photography with Lory Lyon

Lory Lyon (she/they) is a Brooklyn-based photographer, director, and choreographer. Her photography builds on her work as a choreographer and is inspired by the dynamics of movement. She enjoys playing with gravity and the mechanics of emotion.

Her work centers queer and non-binary people, and people of color. She is the Artistic Director for Lesbians are Miracles Magazine and Director of Photography  Dancegeist Magazine. Most recently, she produced an all-queer premiere for HBO's lesbian period drama,  Gentleman Jack. Lory is continuously expanding her boundaries as an artist and always open to the next collaboration!

Where do you look for inspiration?

Authenticity. Shapes. Queer people. People who don't fit social norms. People who have a story to tell. People who are their authentic self.

Do you have a favorite Pride song or queer anthem?

Haha! Yes, So I live in New York, but raised in Texas! So, naturally, it's Miranda Lambert's "Y'all Means All!"

How would you describe your first Pride? 

In one word: FREEDOM.

What subject draws you to take a photo of it? 

Shapes. Movement. Energy. Most of all, vulnerability.  

Can you share some tips on how you shoot your images? 

Connecting and developing a trust with the person you are photographing is how the magic happens. I turn on a playlist and allow the dancer / person to improvise to the beats. I sometimes even have the subject pull a tarot card to help them find an intention for their shoot. Intention is everything. 

What's the secret? Are there specific types of equipment for taking these kinds of photos? 

Give your subject freedom. Accept the present moment and never force anything that is not working naturally. You can't force anything in life, and surely not a photograph.

That is one thing about movement-it is always fleeting and rarely can be recreated. We cannot resist what is. The best equipment you can show up with is good energy, flexibility for magic to happen, and a present mind. 

What has been your biggest challenge in pursuing a career in photography? 

Saying "no" to the things that don't make me feel alive. Learning to say "no" to things that don't bring me joy. As an artist living in New York City, it's sometimes hard not to take on work that provides rent for that month. It can sometimes be hard to respect our power and not take on a job that doesn't serve our highest good. It's important to honor and value our craft as a photographer. 

Do you have any creative projects you’re currently working on that you’d like to share? 

Lesbians are Miracles! @lesbiansaremiracles

We are an intersectional, queer-positive podcast and art magazine that celebrates queer, dyke, and lesbian culture, current events, art, poetry, and artists. I am also director of photography for Dancegeist Magazine. A new kind of dance media uplifting queer and marginalized voices-by the dance community, for the dance community.

Find More of Lory's Work Here

Instagram: @LORYLYON

Website: LoryLeeLyon.com

Queer magazine IG: @Lesbiansaremiracles

Dance magazine IG: @Dancegeist