Elizabeth Waterman’S ‘Candyland’: A Bold Reframing Of Sex Work Through A Female Lens

Peeking Behind the Curtain with ‘Candyland’

Hey there, darlings! Let’s dive into a world that’s often misunderstood but oh-so-captivating. Photographer Elizabeth Waterman’s latest book, Candyland, isn’t just a collection of stunning images - it’s a heartfelt invitation to see adult entertainers and transgender sex workers in a whole new light.

Shot entirely on dreamy 35mm film, Waterman’s portraits are a feast for the eyes, bursting with tenderness, strength, and a cheeky dash of defiance. These aren’t just photos; they’re stories of women who are athletes, entrepreneurs, and performers, owning their image and their sensuality with unapologetic flair.

What makes this project so special? Waterman doesn’t just snap a pic and call it a day. She’s all about showing the real deal - no stereotypes, no fantasies, just the vibrant, complex humans behind the curtain. It’s a refreshing take that’ll have you rethinking everything you thought you knew.

A Journey of Trust and Transformation

This isn’t a project that happened overnight, honey. It all started with a spark of curiosity during Waterman’s earlier work on Moneygame in Los Angeles, where she met adult performers moonlighting as dancers. Drawn to their bold confidence, she invited them into her Santa Monica home and backyard studio for intimate shoots.

As friendships blossomed and trust was earned, what began as a simple idea turned into a full-blown artistic mission. Waterman’s goal? To celebrate these women on their own terms, through a female gaze that’s all about empathy and collaboration. The result is a book of eighty styled portraits and raw reportage featuring over twenty entertainers.

“These women had a magnetic energy - so audacious and passionate about their work. I wanted to capture that spirit and maybe even borrow a bit of their fearless vibe for myself,” Waterman shared with a playful wink.

Building Bonds with Icons

Creating Candyland wasn’t just about pointing a camera - it was about building bridges. Waterman worked hard to earn the trust of stars like Stormy Daniels, Lena Paul, Spencer Scott, and Kenzie Reeves, stepping into their world with respect and curiosity.

She even got hands-on, filming adult scenes for the performers and witnessing their professionalism and joy up close. “I saw their enthusiasm, their drive, their business savvy,” she noted. As word spread, Waterman became less of an outsider, and her images began to reflect that deeper connection - raw, real, and rooted in trust.

Her approach was never about objectifying or reducing these women to symbols. Instead, she asked for something more intimate: to truly see them, and to be seen as someone they could trust with their stories. It’s a dynamic that shines through every frame.

The Magic of 35mm Film

A Tactile, Emotional Choice

Let’s talk about Waterman’s love affair with 35mm film, shall we? It’s not just a quirky stylistic choice - it’s the heartbeat of her work. “There’s an honesty to film, a way it captures light and shadow that feels almost touchable,” she explains. It’s like you can feel the heat of the room or the energy of the moment in every shot.

This analogue approach slows things down, creating a deliberate, intimate process. Without the safety net of endless digital retries, every frame matters. When Waterman raises her camera, it’s a quiet declaration that this moment, this person, is worth capturing - and her subjects feel that weight and warmth.

Embracing Imperfection

Waterman also plays with specialty color-streaked film, embracing the unpredictable quirks and surprises in each negative. “The vibrant grain and imperfections make my subjects feel unfiltered yet luminous,” she says. It’s a look that’s uniquely Candyland - far from glossy or overcorrected.

This medium isn’t just a tool; it’s part of the message. Film invites us to linger, to look closer, to feel more. It adds a touch of romance and creativity to a world that’s often stripped of both, making each image a little love letter to her subjects.

Challenging Stereotypes with Every Shot

At its core, Candyland is a bold middle finger to the stigma and judgment that still cling to sex work. Waterman’s mission is clear: to show the full picture of these women as artists, entrepreneurs, and so much more than just objects of desire. “There’s a deeper story here, and I want to tell it,” she insists.

She’s also acutely aware of the responsibility that comes with documenting marginalized communities. With every click of the shutter, Waterman navigates power dynamics with care, ensuring her work is grounded in empathy and accountability. Her camera isn’t just a lens - it’s a tool for dignity and depth.

Waterman’s female gaze sets her apart in a field often dominated by male perspectives. She challenges the norm by focusing on faces, eyes, and personalities rather than industry-standard poses, transforming how we see adult entertainers. It’s a subtle but powerful shift that honors who these women truly are.

From Page to Gallery - What’s Next?

The journey of Candyland doesn’t stop at the book, babes. Waterman is already planning exhibitions to bring these powerful images to life on gallery walls. Her upcoming projects, like Propulsion and Moneygame Thailand, will continue to explore sex work across cultures, with shows slated for Photo London via Albumen Gallery and Anderson Yezerski Gallery in Boston, both in 2026.

Her ultimate hope? That Candyland sparks conversations about agency, power, and beauty, pushing viewers to confront their biases and see these women with respect and curiosity. “I want this work to open doors, to shift how we talk about sex work, and to show photography as a tool for empathy,” she shares.

Ready to dive into this captivating world yourself? Candyland is out now and available on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. Trust us, it’s a visual and emotional journey you won’t want to miss. And keep an eye out for more from Waterman - this is just the beginning of her mission to reframe and uplift.