‘Visualising the queer nightlife is my protest.’

The things people say in their ’about me’ page is mostly not extremely interesting and, let’s be honest, no one reads it. So if you do read my little text I really hope you won’t regret it.

Right now (2024) I mostly take pictures in queer nightlife and I often get asked one question. What do I want to do after this? What’s my goal that made me a photographer in nightlife? When I tell them that this is the goal and this is what I want, the question marks fly around their heads. Because why on earth would you be a photographer in nightlife if you don’t have to? And I don’t blame them, because once I had the same question. I always felt the need to be the best and the biggest photographer in the fashion industry. But it never made me a better, happier person fighting for that goal. The first time shooting nightlife made me lose that goal. I felt at home, safe. Being surrounded by people who are themselves is a different feeling of freedom, it’s calmness. No hate, just love and happiness. And the best thing? I have my camera, i’m there to document their happiness. And yes, I’ve never been happier with a job. Besides the happiness there is also an urge in me to protest for equality. Visualising the queer nightlife is my protest.

So if you’re still reading my little story, do whatever makes you happy. Spread love, begin with yourself. In the end love always cures.

Love, Marilène Zeeman (the photographer behind Sailors Camera)