Haley Varacallo: Architect of Fantastical Realms
On July 2, 2024, Brooklyn became the backdrop for a powerful celebration of identity, expression, and unity, as the collaborative video project "Queer Excellence: Brooklyn” took to the streets.
Photography: Haley Varacallo
Haley Varacallo is a Brooklyn-based photographer and art director with a flair for the fantastical. Known for her vividly colored, otherworldly creations, Haley’s aesthetic dances between the whimsical and the wild—like a fever dream dipped in glitter. Her work feels like stepping into a surreal universe where a nightmare holds hands with a daydream, and the result is pure magic.
Fueled by her love for bold hues, dramatic lighting, and the art of playing dress-up, Haley’s vision is a celebration of her LGBTQIA+ community and the joy of self-expression. Her portfolio is a kaleidoscope of ideas, textures, and personas, each one inviting you to explore her dazzling, otherworldly realm. Haley is all about giving her muses their rightful spotlight, ensuring every detail feels extraordinary.
She’s the mastermind behind every element of her work—dreaming up concepts, styling wardrobes, curating hair and makeup, crafting jaw-dropping set designs, casting her ethereal lighting spells, and snapping that perfect shot. Even in post-production, she adds her signature sparkle to ensure her creations shine as bright as they deserve.
Brandon Jerrod
Whether she’s capturing a muse, a product, or an idea, Haley makes everything and everyone she touches radiate with unapologetic brilliance. Welcome to Haley’s universe, where the magical meets the magnificent, and everyone gets their moment to shine!
On July 2, 2024, Brooklyn became the backdrop for a powerful celebration of identity, expression, and unity, as the collaborative video project "Queer Excellence" took to the streets. The event brought together an inspiring group of creatives, featuring Rain, Chris Patterson-Rosso, Brandon Jerrod, Keith J Reeves, Emolsa Haasacha, and The Queer Indigo (Barry Brandon), under the lens of cinematographer Kenneth Sousie.
The concept behind "Queer Excellence" was simple yet profound—each individual arrived as they were, fully embracing their uniqueness and authenticity. The focus was on capturing their individuality while simultaneously highlighting the collective spirit of unity and shared purpose within the queer community. The public setting emphasised the importance of visibility and self-expression, celebrating the diversity of queer identity in all its forms. Together, they showcased the beauty of being unapologetically oneself in an ever-evolving world.
The project took a turn from the streets to the studio, where the core group was joined by Aaron Tichenor and Knycko Davis for a follow-up shoot. Photographer Haley Varacallo stepped in to capture this moment, translating the synergy of the group into still images that convey both the intimate and powerful nature of queer community and solidarity.
This collaboration between such a diverse and talented group of creators underlines the importance of visibility and pride. The project wasn't just a celebration of queer identity; it was a reminder that togetherness and solidarity can thrive in every space—whether on the streets of Brooklyn or in the intimate setting of a studio.
Credits
Photo
Rain @rainbatingana
Chris Patterson-Rosso @cprgivesyoulife
Brandon Jerrod @brandonjerrod
Emolsa Haasacha @emolsa_legacy
Keith J Reeves @keithjreeves
Barry Brandon @thequeerindigo
Aaron Tichenor @boyabaddie
Knycko Davis @knyckolas
Photography + Editing Haley Varacallo @haleyvaracallophotography
Video
Rain @rainbatingana
Chris Patterson-Rosso @cprgivesyoulife
Brandon Jerrod @brandonjerrod
Emolsa Haasacha @emolsa_legacy
Keith J Reeves @keithjreeves
Barry Brandon @thequeerindigo
Cinematographer Kenneth Sousie @aloha.bodega
Editing Kenneth Sousie @aloha.bodega
Post Production Editing Miguel Silva @migueelvsilva
Production Assistant Knycko Davis @knyckolas