The Butch Order

What do you offer?

I'm a photographer of the in-between and unseen moments, reframing images from a lesbian perspective. I don't photograph wedding ceremonies, but the quiet times between the couple. Whether it's an intimate home shoot, Mehndi, engagement celebration, or honeymoon moment, I'm up for documenting it.

Why do you want to work with the LGBTQ+ community?

'The Butch Order’ celebrates LGBTQIA+ individuals and the unseen intimacy that parallels. Louise is determined to reframe representation from a lesbian perspective. Inspired by the likes of ‘Rebel Dykes’, Louise documents LGBTQ+ people mostly shot at the individuals own homes to understand people’s genuine lives, away from the mainstream.'

'With a focus on lesbians, trans individuals, and non-binary people, Dalgleish is determined to reframe representation in a way that is from a queer perspective. The Butch Order shines a light on and celebrates these unseen subjects and their intimate moments that are often hidden’. The documentation of intimacy in dyke and trans communities has not been anywhere near as extensive as what's found in 80s/90s photography books. This is why I photograph my community.

Allyship

My photoshoots aren't ever in studios, for me it's about getting to know the person to understand how they want to be seen. I also live with incurable cancer which has profoundly shaped my approach to photography, influencing my perspective on lesbianism, intimacy, and survival. Much of my photography is documentary, meaning I photograph a range of events like protests, fundraisers, grassroots nights, and volunteering for many years with both cancer charities, and LGBTQ+ groups.

My services are reasonable, and I offer a discount for QPOC individuals because within lesbian media and archives, there's distinct lack of people of colour. I charge a lower rate because I want my photography services to be accessible for all. Funds are a barrier to many queer individuals, something I experience myself and by charging higher rates, you're missing an entire population who often don't have the funds to treat themselves or others (whether they're age 20, or 60). I also regularly collaborate with LGBTQ+ community groups such as; British Asian Lesbians, Lezgirls, Portsmouth Pride, Queer All Year, CAMP Margate, Father Figure, Butch Revival, Diesel Dykes, Pop-up Dyke Bar, Stretford Wives Club, LeatherDykes London etc. I continue to volunteer at these events because I want to see my community photographed, it gives others hope to see someone who looks like them, or comes from the same background and is outwardly queer.