Today we’d like to introduce you to Celeste Burns.
Hi Celeste, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been drawn to photography since I was 12, and it’s always been about people for me. I grew up in Jacksonville and later studied photography and illustration at Parsons, where my love for documentation and storytelling really took shape. After moving back home, my work became more personal as I found myself more deeply connecting to my queer identity – and with that, I fell in love with love in a whole new way.
Now, I’m about to photograph my 155th wedding, and I’m still just as obsessed with the connection part of this work as I was at the beginning. Getting to show up for people during some of the most meaningful moments of their lives is something I don’t take lightly. Florida is full of incredibly unique people, and I feel deeply grateful that I’ve been able to build a career here that supports our LGBTQIA+ community to the fullest.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like a lot of creative careers, there was a lot of uncertainty early on – figuring out how to turn something I loved into something sustainable without losing the heart of it. Building a business based on connection takes time, trust, and a lot of showing up when no one is watching.
There have also been real challenges navigating this work as a queer photographer, especially in Florida. Choosing to center queer love meant accepting that not everyone would support the work, and practicing standing firm in my values while still growing professionally. A lot of it has been learning through taking a leap – using my voice loudly, setting boundaries, and trusting that doing the work honestly would eventually find the right people. I feel grateful to have a beautiful support system after the 6 years of beginning this journey that I could never take for granted.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I photograph weddings, couples, and portraits, with a strong focus on queer love and identity! That being said – if our values align, I will put my whole heart into any project someone brings me.
My work is rooted in documentary photography practices – paying attention to real moments unfolding instead of over-styling moments, and directing images and poses with intention. I’m known for creating space where people can relax, be themselves, and feel genuinely seen, which is what allows the images to feel intimate and real. Light is central to how I tell stories through my photography. I pay close attention to how it falls, shifts, and interacts with the people in front of my camera, using it to shape mood and highlight connection. Whether it’s the glow of golden hour, the soft spill from a window, or the darker shadows between moments, light becomes part of the story too.
What I’m most proud of is the trust people place in me. Being invited into some of the most vulnerable, joyful moments of someone’s life isn’t something I take lightly, especially for queer couples who don’t always feel safe or represented.
What sets my work apart is that it’s built on connection first. I’m less interested in perfection and more interested in honesty – the way people move together, the light they share, the moments that can’t be recreated. That approach has allowed me to build a body of work that feels personal and lived-in.
What are your plans for the future?
Last year was my first year as a gallery artist, and it started with “Don’t Say Gay” – a collaborative photography show with close friend and photographer Kat Culture – that explored queer identity and visibility in the South. It was about creating space for stories that are often overlooked in Florida, celebrating joy, vulnerability, and authenticity in the queer community.
Seeing it come to life in a gallery setting and witnessing how people connected to it was both surreal and deeply affirming.
Looking ahead, I’m so excited for the next rendition of “Don’t Say Gay”, with more details coming soon. This new version will build on everything we learned from the first, with more voices, more collaboration, and an even sharper focus on highlighting queer experiences in ways that feel powerful.
Moving forward, I just want to keep creating work that celebrates my community, fueled by the world around us and the urgent need to honor, uplift, and protect each other – through every wedding, every portrait, every story I have the privilege to witness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.celesteburns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celesteburnsphotography/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebadassphotographer
