Welcome to Archer’s Queer Fashion Files! Each month, we interview trendsetters and tastemakers, showcasing the diversity and talent of the fashion world. You can check out all episodes of our Queer Fashion Files here.

In Episode 21, Hailey Moroney chats to Gracie Steindl about her iconic polaroid photography and advice for emerging photographers.

Gracie Steindl is a Sydney-based creative specialising in portrait and fashion photography. She’s been photographing for the last four years, and some career highlights of late including shooting Tyra Banks and joining Tems’ Australian tour as a photographer late last year. She’s passionate about capturing the beauty of movement and colour in her work. Her style is bright, bold and aims to inspire and empower her subject to look and feel their best. Gracie grew up dancing, and has experience in casting and production, which greatly influences and shapes her work.

Images by: Gracie Steindl

Hailey Moroney: Gracie, hello! Since I discovered your photography, you’ve been at the top of my list to interview, so I’m happy you’re here today! Let’s get into it: How did you start? Was photography always your plan?

Gracie Steindl: Hello! Thank you so much for having me!

I started out photographing friends – mostly street style stuff – and went from there. I’ve always enjoyed coming up with ideas and concepts, and I found photography was the best medium for me to bring those ideas to life.

For a long time, I didn’t really consider photography as a career path. I knew I wanted to be doing something creative, but I just didn’t think it was a feasible option – and that’s on doubting yourself! [laughs] But I think when you’re starting out and teaching yourself, there’s no clear path on how to make it your career.

HM: Your vintage peel-apart polaroids are your calling card (would you say?). They’re iconic. How did you find this medium? Did you seek it out or did it come to you?

GS: I feel like they have very quickly become just that! I love shooting film and printing my work. Something about the process being slower and more intentional, and producing something physical, is really rewarding. I’ve always loved shooting polaroids, the peel-apart film just has this edge over the current Instax and polaroid films available. The images are sharper and have more detail. I also just love the borders and ratio of the shots.

HM: Rapport with subjects completely determines the image we get as photographers. How do you approach building trust with your subjects to get such authentic images? Do you have discussions around identity?

GS: That’s so true! I always try to have a chat with the person I’m shooting before we get started, so we both feel comfortable and it’s not awkward! Giving your subject feedback and positive affirmation is really important.

I also have a little spiel I like to say to people I’m shooting – particularly people who aren’t experienced models – basically, I’m inviting them to play with their angles, expressions and the tiny little movements of their face and body. I think people feel a bit embarrassed, awkward or too shy to model, but the best shots often come from just feeling free to experiment and move around!

Depending on the project, I might have a discussion about the mood or the feeling of the shoot, or how the model wants to be portrayed, so I can make sure my directions match that energy. I also let the model choose the music, too, as that really sets the tone.

HM: For younger or emerging artists who admire your work: How did you get here? Was it a traditional pathway?

GS: Honestly, I started off doing a lot of free work and collaboration! I’m self-taught – and I honestly feel like I’m still figuring it out as I go – but I’m learning that consistency is so important.

You just have to do the thing, and put it out there! You never know who’s watching. So many people sit on ideas and intentions but struggle to actually do the work. That was me when I started. Trying to bring your ideas to life is where you learn the most.

To give actual steps for emerging photographers:

• Do test shoot after test shoot, practising with your friends to start.
• Once you have a portfolio, reach out to agencies to test with models.
• Decide on something you want to get good at (like studio lighting, natural lighting, movement directing, creating a mood, taking flattering photos of people), and plan shoots around that particular idea.
• Find photographers whose work you admire and dissect the images: what is it about that work that gets you going?! Bring your own interpretation of that to your practice.
• Build your network! People want to work with their friends!

HM: Fashion and identity are deeply intertwined in your work. How do you see clothing and styling as a tool for self-expression personally?

GS: Styling can really make or break a shoot. I feel like it’s one of the main ways we can communicate and express our personality or mood. I love styling that has lots of layers and textures, but sometimes something really simple is great. It’s about the intention behind it. I love playing with styling on shoots – it’s a space to wear something you wouldn’t usually wear in your everyday life.

HM: Where can our readers follow your creative journey? And what are you excited to do next?

GS: I mainly post on Instagram! I’m actually excited to work on a couple of tests. I’ve been sitting on some ideas, and have been too busy to shoot them – so keen to get back into that!

Thank you so much for having me again!

You can stay up to date with Gracie Steindl on Instagram.

If you want to pitch an idea for Archer’s Queer Fashion Files, email pitch@archermagazine.com.au with ‘QUEER FASHION FILES’ in the subject line. You can check out the rest of our Queer Fashion Files here.