Open Call: Claiming Masculinity Photo Project

That Photo Project? This Is The One . . .

So you've heard there's some photographer taking pictures of masculine types—AGs, butches, intersexed persons, studs, transfolks, and a whole lot of others—and making a gallery presentation.

True story.

And, yes, it's free. (Unless we have to drive to you, in which case, the photography session is still free, but you get to pay for the gas *s)


		That's me, Emmanuela, project photographer. I have a thing for scarves and wraps; you'll see a lot of classical and modernized drapery works in my Self-Portraiture and in the Figure Studies & Portraiture of Femmes. I pretty much leave you masculine types alone with the whole drapery thing . . . unless you ask s How this project works is simple, and this is it, in brief: When you contact me, I'll reply (usually late s), and send you a questionnaire, which you're free to complete fully, partially, or not at all. If we mutually agree to schedule, we'll discuss how you'd like to see your session go. Then you either come to my home studio, or I come to you. After your session, you'll choose which photos are viewed by the public. That's it! If you're not in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., or won't be visiting here, you'll be waiting a while. I was out West in the Summer of 2008, and won't be back again in the near future. Check back here for updates. There's more detailed information, throughout this page.

The Exciting Open Call

Claiming Masculinity is an ongoing photo project, focusing on butches; studs; AGs; bois; trans persons; male-ID'd intersexed persons; Sirs; Syrs; Daddies; Daddis; gender benders; gender queers; gender freaks — all non-traditionally masculine and masculine-identified individuals.

The quote above from the poet Lucille Clifton speaks to the relationship between slavery and the politics of being. Clifton utilizes the early form of the word "man" as a universal term encompassing all humans. The poem "Being Property Once Myself" seems fitting to this project.

This page gives further information about the Claiming Masculinity project. Please review my galleries, to become familiar with my work as a photographer and an artist. That is to say: be sure you like my style, before you sign up to work with me *s

Deadline: As this is an ongoing work, there is currently no deadline for 2009. In fact, I am willing, when able, to photograph participants in several sessions, over a period of time, marking changes in their lives. When the project nears completion, I will post a notice.

Cost: There is no charge for my photography work in this project. I consider your participation a gift to our communities, and to the art world at large. My work is a way of showing gratitude. If our final images come as a challenge to mainstream perceptions, well, good *s

Participant Perspectives

Working on this project was one of the best things that I could have ever done. Not only was the experience a comforting one, it allowed me to step outside of my own limitations. I was able to show a side of myself that is usually hidden behind my mask. It allowed me to embrace my truth of self as well as find the strength that I had once thought lost. When I reviewed the photos all I could think of was who I used to be and who I am now.

In all, working with Emmanuela was a blessing. Her ability to get you to search within self while you are being photographed is remarkable. This experience has forever changed my life.

—Renair Amin, first participant to be photographed for this project

5 June 2007

I walked into her presence and was instantly welcomed. She made me feel like one of her old friends that she hadn't seen for a long time. Her professionalism coupled with her good ole charm was not only reassuring but calming.

Emmanuela de Leon is more than a pleasure to work with. She captured my essence almost at the same time as my soul, in her photographs. I really didn't think I was a great piece of art before she worked her magic. In her photographs she highlighted things about me that only I would know. She brought out the ART in me. Simply a breathtaking artist. Her eye for her work is impeccable and unfathomable by the small-minded. She will make you see your soul, too.

—Puffie, first proud nude study for this project

17 July 2007

The Goal

The aim of the project is to create visual documentation, bringing greater visibility to and heightened awareness of aspects of our cultures too often overlooked, ridiculed, and misrepresented.

I'm not determining the contexts for the work; rather, I'm collaborating with all participants.

I'm a Latina mestiza queer femme; therefore, my realities are necessarily distinct from those of the individuals I'm working to represent. My intent is to honor every participant in the manner best suiting each individual, couple, and group I photograph. I don't feel I have a corner on understanding any reality that's not mine, and I'm open to learning.

Who May Participate

Individuals from every type of circumstance and background are invited to participate in this project. I am opposed to creating any sense of competition: you needn't have a certain look or be within any age group or other category. All ages, ethnicities, and body types are encouraged.

To foreground masculinity, I am now focusing first on working with individuals. If time and engery allow, you may next schedule an additional session, to be represented as a couple or a family. I work to represent you in the manner most comfortable for you.

Persons under the age of 18 will be photographed either in fully clothed portraiture or head shots only.

Minor teens may participate, with signed consent from a legal guardian. Legal guardians of teens are asked to allow permission for the models to reject or accept which images of themselves are made available for public view.

Children 12 and under will only be photographed as part of a family portrait.

Of course, I do reserve the right to refuse to work with anyone for personal reasons. If you and I don't get along well, we're not going to create a good photo session, anyway *s

Bottom line: my only requirements for this project are that participants identify as some aspect of the groups I'm working to portray; that there be clear communication between myself and those with whom I'm working; and that all collaboration leads to a creative and professional project that is positively effective for everyone involved.

		Working with Me
Study of Joe Mario copyright 2008 by Emmanuela, Dust Jacket Press. All Rights Reserved.		When participants email me, we begin ongoing contact, to gain further understanding of one another. We never work faster than your pace. Once we've scheduled a session, you'll receive a set of guidelines I've prepared for first-time models. These detailed instructions cover everything from clothing choices to skin care. If you have any questions or concerns about preparations, I'll be available by email or phone to assist you. When we meet, I'll generally spend a bit of time talking to you. I may begin to do a few test shots; this will help you become slowly accustomed to the presence of the camera. You'll meet invaluable Project Director PJ Whitt, a seasoned photographer, who works during your session as master of props; sets; lighting; wardrobe; hair and make-up. Every project participant to date has enjoyed the benefits of Pam's ability to work magic with hair; expertly knot a tie; even help you decide which pair of shoes. Project Assistant Ilysse Weisenfeld is also an amazing photographer, who is often on the set for sessions, adding a bit of femme flair and magic to the process. I'll continue talking to you, while beginning to move into your session. For every photograph you see in my online gallery, I've taken dozens more very much like it. I'm constantly clicking *s To capture certain looks, poses, or concepts we've discussed, I may ask you to hold a certain position, or repeat a gesture. The length of the session depends on the number of concepts and wardrobe changes we've decided to include. In some instances, I work with a participant more than once in a relatively short period of time, to round out a portfolio.

What Happens with the Images

Images I've selected from your photography sessions are first shown to you for final approval. If you do not like a photo I've selected, it will never be seen by the public, period. Please read the section on Release Forms and Usage Rights Agreements below, for more detailed information.

Those images for which you give approval to exhibit will initially be uploaded to my web gallery.

Ultimately, I will present a representative collection of photos for consideration of live gallery exhibition.

Every participant in this project will have one image series, at the very least, selected for this project. No one who agrees to participate will go unrepresented, unless that's your choice.

About Fine Art Nudes and Figure Studies

I have worked with a great many first-time models. I neither request nor require anyone to pose nude for me, ever. All figure study sessions in my portfolio have been structured at the request of the model. While I am a proponent of fine art nudes, I am equally enthusiastic about portraiture. Your participation in this project is completely controlled by how you are most comfortable, and would best like to see yourself represented in photography.

For those who request a figure study or fine art nude session, please consider carefully the setting for the work: I work in compliance with state and federal laws, and am careful to garner permission for outdoor nude sessions or work in venues owned by persons other than the subjects.

For my personal comfort, I do not schedule private nude sessions in which minors might be present. Think of these guidelines as remembering to conduct the session in a manner that remains safe, sane, and consensual.

If you decide to request a fine art nude session, please be prepared to conduct yourself in a professional manner. I will send you an informational guide, to help you know what to expect, as a model.

		When and Where
Portrait of Paris copyright 2008 by Emmanuela, Dust Jacket Press. All Rights Reserved.		I am currently booked until February 2009 on the northeast Coast of the United States. If there are additional participants in this area, I can either provide a place for photography sessions, or meet with nearby individuals in settings of their choosing. I am able to travel to locales including Connecticut; Delaware; DC; New Jersey; New York; Maryland; Massachusetts; Pennsylvania; and West Virginia. For participants in other areas of the nation, I'll post updated calendars here throughout the year. Update: Between December and March, I'll be hitting the grant cycles, working to find funding for this project. If I'm successful, there will be travel funds. I'll set out my schedule here. Please check back here in the coming months.

On Release Forms and Usage Rights

I use both a standard Release Form and a Usage Rights Agreement.

The Release Form gives me permission to photograph you; verifies that you are of legal age to participate in this project; states that I am photographing you free of charge; and acknowledges that my work is copyrighted to me.

Unlike other photographers, I do not use the standard release form to end my relationship with the model. Instead, participants in the Claiming Masculinity Project control which, if any, of their photographs are seen by the public.

After I complete a session, I will process the photos, and send those I've selected to the model. Only the model's approval can seal the deal, to permit any or all of the photos to be viewed by other parties.

Once a project participant has agreed to have photos displayed in public, all the work I've done will appear in the galleries on this website; some will appear in various publications and live exhibits related to this project; and, if chosen, with any advertising related to the project.

		Written Works
Study of Renair Amin copyright 2008 by Emmanuela, Dust Jacket Press. All Rights Reserved.		Everyone who participates in this project is invited to contribute written works that will give an added dimension to the photography. You are invited to submit personal narratives; poetry; epistles; or other forms of written expression. If you know someone who can interview you, that's another option. If you choose to have no written works, that's fine. Your written works are copyrighted to you.

Collaborating with Photographers

Queer photographers who have works related to this project and would like to exhibit on my website are welcome to submit photos to me. All photographers must present only original works, and must have signed release forms of the subjects portrayed in their images. Please contact me for further details, before sending attachments.

	Receiving Your Images
	I offer high-quality print works, professionally rendered by a photo lab. I pay for prints myself, when submitting works to gallery exhibitions and competitions. Participants who want prints of their own photo sessions may request to buy archival ink prints, inkjet prints, chromogenic, or giclée prints. The cost for a 5x7 single inkjet print on standard photo paper is typically around US $6. A 5x7 giclée on fine art paper (100% cotton rag) is about US $15. Please contact me, for a full price list. I ask that you be mindful of the fact that my time and resources are limited. The photography for the Claiming Masculinity project will always be free. You are asked to please respect the fact that my work is copyrighted to me. If you would like to display your electronic image on another site, my written permission is required, and the copyright must remain intact. If you would like additional photos, unrelated to the project, please be aware there will be associated fees.		Study of TJ Fleming copyright 2008 by Emmanuela, Dust Jacket Press. All Rights Reserved.

Additional Ongoing Projects

I work primarily with women and gender queers. If you identify in some way unrelated to the above project, and would like to be photographed by me, there are many ways to be included in my work. Please feel free to contact me with any queries.

Femmes are always welcome models. View my Figure Studies & Portraiture of Femmes, if you're interested in becoming part of that work.

	The Five Dollar Freedom Fund Now it's easy to donate to the Claiming Masculinity Project, with the security of PayPal. Every contribution helps maintain the visibility of our communities. Believe your five dollars can make a difference.

Entire contents protected by U.S. federal copyright under treaty provisions and worldwide copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Material on this site may not be reproduced, copied, edited, or republished without express written permission of the copyright holders.

Web Design by Emmanuela de Leon.

Special thanks to the project participants, and to PJ Whitt, project manager and model extraordinaire.

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		This is Project Director PJ Whitt, the Butch with the Skills. She'll be the one to work the set and all that good stuff, during your shoot.


		And here we have Project Assistant Ilysse Weisenfeld, whose background in photography and fab femme finesse bring that extra little something to both the project, and to those sessions where models are lucky enough to enjoy her presence *s