TENDER PHOTO

STATEMENT "We are a group of photographers who have been working in visual storytelling in Switzerland for several years. During this time, we have experienced homophobia, sexism, and psychological violence in various forms within the Swiss photography industry. This is why we have the vision to create a different work environment for ourselves and our clients. For us, there’s nothing more fascinating than diving into a microcosm through the lens, capturing a moment that freezes time and allows emotions, colors, and intentions to speak. Photography is not just about capturing stories, but about changing perspectives, transforming emotions, and providing space for processing experiences and memories. With a political attitude and a sense of connection, we strive to create moments of liberation and freedom. Our goal is to build a network of queer photographers, bring them together, and create space for inspiring exchanges. We see the world through a queer lens, aiming to challenge, and not reproduce, heteronormative values. With Tender Photo, we want to be a platform for marginalized and oppressed individuals in the photography industry, creating space for queer feminist visual storytelling. Another key focus of our work is to introduce new impulses into the Swiss photography industry from a queer perspective. This is why we aim to challenge patriarchal structures in image production with a queer feminist approach. At the same time, we are fully aware that we are a group of white, privileged people. We are committed to continually learning through dialogue, growing in connection, and building support structures for other queer image creators. We strive to remain humble in this journey, acknowledging the importance of intersectionality and the need to create space for voices from diverse backgrounds." Arles, 12.07.2025 Samira Gollin, Mik Lavin Matter, Melo Jetzer, Claude Bühler