When we watch a person performing in drag or simply cross-dressing, we allow ourselves to be collapsed in a world where the ideas and traits associated with men and women become conflicted. Sometimes the illusion is so great, we erase the boundaries of what it means to be masculine and feminine. And other times, the obvious differences highlight the way each perceives the other. The appearances dictate whether or not we classify the person as feminine or masculine, though both are costumes of the Archetypes called Woman and Man.
The Armorettes are a Camp Drag troupe with a rigorous performance schedule that has enabled the group to raise nearly 2 million dollars for programs benefitting and supporting the LGBTQ community. Known all over the world for their exaggerated, camp take on a man dressing as a woman, the Armorettes paint their faces to perform a hilarious and entertaining show every Sunday at Burkhart's in Atlanta, as well as featured events with other organizations like Dragnique, the Big Gay Gameshow, the annual Pride performance and annual Easter Drag Races.
Any final advice for young photographers?
At this point my advice is this: Don’t be so hard on yourself, and don’t seek approval, don’t ask can I do this?, just do it. The rest will fall in line.
I feel like the discourse of photography is set up for young photographers to glamorize photography, and maybe in some ways it is glamorous for particular photographers, BUT all of that, the ego, the idea of hitting it big, or making it (whatever it is), is fleeting. All that matters is your work. I am not insinuating that making a living or producing work for clients doesn’t matter. What I mean is don’t fall into trends and gimmicks, whether technical or conceptual. Truly seek to know yourself and why you photograph.
You will find more from Sara Hopkins at: http://sarahopkins.com/