Best known for his early-pandemic, 2020 photographic series called Together, Apart—an ambitious project where he photographed more than 530 people throughout Southern California— Andrew Putschoegl evokes and encapsulates the rawness and tenderness of his subjects. With a generous and kind eye, he reveals not only his subjects’ personalities but their vulnerabilities and fragilities—in the best possible way. He creates an unusual intimacy in which the viewer and subject(s) are inextricably bound in a quiet, reflective moment.

Silver & Gelatin is the photographic alter ego of filmmaker Andrew Putschoegl. Born and raised in the heartland of the United States, he moved to Los Angeles as a teenager to pursue a career in film and television. Having found success as a director, producer, and editor, he picked up a camera in his early 20s and began using still images to tell stories. He then became more serious about the process and focused his efforts on travel and landscape work. Unlike filmmaking where the collaborative process takes precedence, photography provided creative freedom and the joy of working alone.

Andrew’s work explores themes of sexuality and masculinity. As often as possible, he begins by sharing a coffee or a meal with the subject. For Andrew, it’s important that there be common ground between them, away from the presence of a camera. In this way, the shoot is more relaxed and comfortable. What a viewer sees in each photograph is connection—the result of a warm and benevolent gaze, something Andrew holds in high regard. And when a subject is willing to try a pose or action that, in the moment, seems slight or trivial, but later is revealed to have created something magical, Andrew feels like he's captured the heart of his subject, the very thing that makes every viewer fall a little bit in love.

Currently, Andrew lives in Berlin with his husband and their two cats.