Photo by Luke Fontana
MAXWELL POTH
Maxwell Poth is a Los Angeles-based photographer, director, and author dedicated to capturing the essence of the queer community. Originally from Utah, Maxwell pivoted from studying epidemiology to pursuing photography, quickly carving a niche in portraiture and queer storytelling.
His work amplifies the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals across the nation, portraying them in their most authentic forms. As the founder of Project Contrast, a nonprofit highlighting the experiences of queer youth in rural areas, Maxwell has used his platform to foster connection and visibility—culminating in his book Young Queer America: Real Stories and Faces of LGBTQ+ Youth, published by Chronicle Books. Now expanding into documentary filmmaking, Maxwell remains committed to showcasing stories that ensure every queer person feels seen, heard, and valued.
Project Contrast
Maxwell founded a non-profit called Project Contrast. The project photographs and documents LGBTQ+ youth stories across the United States.
This platform helps raise awareness to help lower the amount of suicides among LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S. Through Project Contrast, the stories of youth become advocates for other youth within their own communities.