Luna Sweetheart: Tenny Rudolph
☆ By Saachi Gupta ☆
Photos provided by Tenny Rudolph
Magical and captivating, Tenny Rudolph's photographs create a stunning universe of their own, and invite you into this universe. His beautiful work has been featured in several exhibitions, and he has collaborated with brands like Adidas, Converse Style, Getty Images and Trevor Project.
Representation to Rudolph means inclusivity, and he flawlessly represents marginalized communities in his phenomenal work. He hopes to see more of a change in the entire industry, and more representation for minorities.
Rudolph's interests lie in more than just photography: he is also a musician. In both of his arts, he is thankful for the encouragement and inspiration he receives from his friends and family.
To put it simply: Tenny Rudolph's work makes the world a better, more colourful place. With the success he has had in the last few years and the heaven he creates with his camera, it is not surprising that much bigger things await him.
LUNA: How are you doing lately? Has quarantine changed your creative process at all?
RUDOLPH: I’m doing pretty good as of lately. I’ve been overcoming a few obstacles here and there in my personal life but managing to make it through. Quarantine has definitely changed my creative flow. I’ve had more creative blocks than ever before. I’m starting to get back in the groove of things and creating more content.
LUNA: How did you first pick up photography and what made you want to continue pursuing it?
RUDOLPH: I always tell this story but I have a friend who introduced me to film and made me wanna pick up a camera. I originally wanted to solely creative direct but why not do both?
LUNA: Why does film photography appeal to you over digital?
RUDOLPH: I don’t wanna be too cliche, but the tones of film and the process attracted me to it. I love the anticipation of shooting a roll and being surprised at the outcome when I get the roll developed!
LUNA: Outside of photography, are there any key inspirations that have shaped you as an artist?
RUDOLPH: I’m secretly in love with cottagecore right now and just nature and grass fields. Also my love life is pretty weird right now and it’s given me a lot of inspo for my new projects.
Besides photography, I also am a musician and it’s definitely inspired me a lot. I’ll also say my family and close friends push me in ways that I can’t even imagine. They’ve inspired me so much and continue to do so.
LUNA: What do you aim to capture with your photography?
RUDOLPH: I want to create a fictional world with my work, if that makes sense. You know how tv shows have spin-offs? And they’re all in the same universe? that’s how I want my images to feel. Like they all connect. I like capturing the youth in my community as well! Showing their individuality and showcasing their talents.
LUNA: Is there something specific you want your photographs to make your audience feel?
RUDOLPH: I think this goes back to that last question as well! I want my audience to feel like they’re in a world of their own. I want people to create their own perspective of how each image was created from the set design, to the styling, etc.
LUNA: What does representation in the arts mean to you?
RUDOLPH: It means inclusivity. Not limiting your art to what you’re comfortable with but exploring and breaking roles to include everyone.
LUNA: How do you think the art of photography has changed over the years? What changes would you like to see?
RUDOLPH: I think its changed drastically in a good way, there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done though. I always think back to one of my favorite photographers Tyler Mitchell being the first black photographer to photograph for Vogue. How happy and proud I was! Then realizing that wow he was really the first?? In the year 2018?? I think over time we are redefining what photography is and that there’s really no rules or boundaries to this shit. Only changes i’d like to see are more of that. More inclusivity and breaking rules.
LUNA: What do you hope the rest of the year will bring you?
RUDOLPH: I hope the rest of the year brings some clarity, peace and understanding. I’m hoping for bigger opportunities. I’ll be releasing my 2nd photography book in a few months so that’s currently what my focus is on! Its been my way of really expressing my personal life at the moment. This is also unrelated but I’ll be an uncle in December as well!! (im so excited lol)
CONNECT WITH TENNY RUDOLPH
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From Pavietra 🕊️ https://t.co/BXVgWlZud8 -
slowthai by Rosie Matheson 🤩 https://t.co/z7SDfFQ5iF
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RT @i_D: Ian Kenneth Bird photographs young punks on Polaroid: https://t.co/MKT0tMUqO9 https://t.co/a0tTl12ML5
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RT @AnOtherMagazine: #DreamHome – this isolated idyll in the mountains of Lanzarote 🌵 📸 via Nowness, photography by Clemence Blr 🔁 https://t.co/GUusdxD0cg