Jasper Soloff on Color, Identity, and the Politics of Visibility
Jacob Bixenman
At just twenty-nine, New York–based photographer and director Jasper Soloff has carved out a place at the cutting edge of contemporary culture. His work—an electrifying explosion of bold colors, kinetic movement, and raw authenticity—has defined campaigns for some of the most recognizable names in entertainment: Gigi Hadid, Billy Porter, Bretman Rock, Tinashe, Billie Eilish, and Emma Chamberlain. Now, as the face of Canon’s EOS R8 campaign, Jasper steps out from behind the camera, reflecting on his creative process and the politics embedded in his art.
The Politics of Color
For Jasper, color is not just a stylistic choice—it’s a political language.
“Color is everything to me,” he explains. “It conveys emotion, identity, and rebellion. For so long, ‘serious’ photography muted marginalized communities. I want my work to be the opposite—loud, unapologetic, celebratory.”
In a media landscape still shaped by rigid beauty standards, Jasper’s saturated hues and vibrant worlds resist erasure, placing queer joy and individuality in full, unapologetic view.
Queerness as Power
Keiynan Lonsdale
The turning point in Jasper’s career came when he fully embraced his identity as a queer artist.
“That’s when my work became interesting,” he admits. “The best art comes from honesty—owning who you are without compromise.”
By first photographing his own community—queer friends, dancers, and artists—he built a body of work that centered authentic representation. For him, visibility is not just affirmation; it’s survival.
Movement, Energy, and Joy
A former ballet dancer, Jasper brings a natural sense of movement to every frame.
“Joy itself is resistance,” he says. “The flick of a wrist, a tilt of the chin—these small movements tell entire stories.”
His sets are known for being safe, empowering spaces, where subjects are free to move as they please. The result? Images that pulse with life, defiance, and joy.
From Campaigns to Cinema
From Gigi Hadid leaping across New York taxis to intimate portraits stripped of distraction, Jasper thrives across both large-scale commercial shoots and one-on-one sessions. Balancing the richness of film with the spontaneity of digital photography, he continues to expand the boundaries of visual storytelling.
Looking forward, Jasper dreams of directing a feature-length musical film—a theatrical, movement-driven celebration of light and color in the vein of Chicago. Until then, he remains committed to creating work that makes people feel seen, understood, and celebrated.
Art as Resistance
In an era when conservative policies have sought to silence LGBTQ+ voices, Jasper insists on the radical necessity of queer visibility.
“Queer art has always been political,” he says. “It’s both a mirror and a hammer—reflecting our realities and shaping our futures. In times like these, creating joy is an act of protest.”
Discover More About Jasper Soloff
📖 Explore Jasper Soloff’s Work
📩 Contact: studio@jaspersoloff.com
📸 Instagram: @jaspersoloff