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.

This month, our Queer Fashion Files heads to New York City! In Episode 26, Hailey Moroney chats to Sophie Kietzmann about authenticity, representation and building good photographer-model relationships.

Sophie Kietzmann is a Berlin-born, Brussels-raised, genderfluid and queer photographer now based in New York City. Their work focuses on creating ethical, non-tokenistic visual representation of diversity and marginalised social groups, particularly in relation to identity, gender expression and sexuality.

All images by: Hailey Moroney

Hailey Moroney: Hi Sophie! I’m so glad we’ve been able to make this work for my short stint in NYC! Alexis [Archer‘s Art & Design Curator] and I are suuuch huge fans of your photography, and have been for the longest time. Your work is deeply tied to questions of identity, gender and representation. As a non-binary photographer, how has your own relationship to visibility shaped the way you approach photographing others?

Sophie Kietzmann: Thank you so much for the wonderful compliment, and the opportunity to be shot and featured by you! My own journey with identity and visibility affects everything I touch in photography, I would say.

I always feel this deep urge and desire to hold space for my models in a way that nourishes an experience of true, radical self-acceptance. To be able to tell someone, “You don’t need to do or be anything more than who you already are, in order to be perfect,” and then take their picture that reflects their own beauty back to them, is deeply rewarding to me.

Through that process, I feel like I get to heal those younger parts of myself that so desperately needed that space when I was growing up. I remember how much I yearned for that, and I recognise that same yearning in most people I invite in front of my camera.

HM: A huge part of our process at Archer is ensuring diversity in all areas, not just in front of the lens. I’m so eager to hear: what does ethical representation actually look like to you in practice, especially within fashion and editorial spaces?

SK: What a complex question – and one I think about ALL the time!

Often times, the best thing I know to do is go with my gut. Meet people eye-to-eye, with human humility. I like to approach people with an “I know nothing of what it’s like to live as you” mindset, but then not shy away from asking questions about themselves.

“Who are you? What are your lived struggles? How do you crave to be seen and to see yourself?” And then ACTUALLY listen to the answer.

I think people are so afraid to be misunderstood that they avoid asking a ‘clumsy question’. But that’s how you move away from performative representation and enter into something deeper with people. So, I’d rather ask a ‘clumsy question’ every once in a while.

HM: There’s a real sense of intimacy and trust that translates through your portraits. How do you foster spaces where people feel safe enough to be fully themselves in front of your lens?

SK: Being in front of the camera is scary and intimidating. I truly started to grasp that when I got signed to a model agency myself. So, I like to go to that scary place WITH my models.

If I’m asking a model to do something silly, first I’ll be silly behind the camera. I ask for vulnerability, so I’m not afraid to let them look at me while I let my guard down and show them what I mean. I am constantly reminding my models to breathe, complimenting them and checking in on how they feel.

The micro-expressions in a model’s face will always tell me their true emotions. You can’t fake your way into real vulnerabilities. You can’t ‘pretend’ to let your guard down. It has to happen for real. And when it does, it feels like somebody just gave me the greatest gift in the world that I get to capture with my camera.

HM: For queer and non-binary artists navigating an industry that still relies on narrow ideas of gender and beauty, what feels most important to hold onto when carving out your own visual language? What words of advice would you share with them?

SK: Remind yourself of who you are trying to benefit. When hurdles arise, find gratitude for the rooms you find yourself in to carry your mission forward. Not every win is going to feel monumental, but the opportunity for change also lies in the small, day-to-day tasks. And that in and of itself is a privilege.

HM: Creatively, what’s next for you in 2026? Is there anything in particular you’re excited to share with our readers? 

SK: I’m launching a once-a-week coaching group where I share everything I’ve ever learned about running your own business – because it truly is the backbone to being able to keep making your art. It took me so long to accumulate this knowledge. I want everyone who needs it to have community and mentorship for the things they need help with. I know I sure could have used that when I was starting out!

Besides that, I’m continuing to work on my series of queer individuals and couples called From the Other Shore that I’ll eventually be turning into a book and a gallery exhibition. So, stay tuned and follow along on my Instagram, where I am dropping new images of that as the series continues to grow!

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.