Chloe Aftel: Photographer, Director & Thought Leader

Director & Photographer

Chloe Aftel is a California-based photographer and director recognized for cinematic, emotionally driven imagery that blends authenticity with high-end production value. Working across both motion and stills, Chloe crafts compelling campaigns for leading brands in fashion, portraiture, and lifestyle, balancing refined aesthetics with raw emotion.

With a strong documentary influence, their work explores identity, subcultures, and human connection, creating visually immersive narratives that resonate with audiences. Whether directing a commercial or capturing a brand campaign, Chloe’s storytelling is honest, nuanced, and deeply human.

Consulting & Speaking

Chloe helps brands and creative teams navigate gender, identity, and inclusion, ensuring that representation is thoughtful, accurate, and impactful. Their consulting work establishes a shared language and understanding, making diversity an intentional part of the creative process.

As a speaker, Chloe leads engaging, interactive discussions on identity and culture, creating safe spaces for learning and conversation. They have spoken at Wieden+Kennedy, Goodby Silverstein & Partners, Grindr, and more, providing insightful, customized presentations that spark meaningful dialogue.

Book: Outside & In Between

Published in 2019, Outside & In Between is an award-winning anthology documenting gender non-conforming people across America. The book is recognized as a definitive work on gender identity, included in several museum collections, and featured in numerous publications.


Podcast: The Other Pod

The Other Pod explores identity, gender, and sexuality through the lens of creativity. Host Chloe Aftel speaks with notable artists, writers, and cultural figures about how their experiences as outsiders shape their work and challenge the status quo.

Through photography, directing, consulting, and speaking, Chloe Aftel delivers thought-provoking, visually striking work that elevates storytelling and drives cultural conversations.