Original Photography and Artwork, "Read/Reeds" © 2007 by Emmanuela

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-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 artist.

Deadline: As this is an ongoing work, there is currently no deadline for 2007. 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 inclusion in this project, neither is there pay. I consider your participation a gift to our communities and 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.

Updated Information: 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


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, 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.

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


I am currently booked until January 2008 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, Usage Rights, and Privacy


New and Changed Information.

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.

After you've seen your photos, you will be sent the Usage Rights Agreement. This document grants me permission to allow images I've chosen to be viewed by the public.

You control the permissions, in both cases: if you elect not to sign the first, I cannot photograph you at all; if one or more of the images I've selected for public view do not meet with your tastes, standards, or goals, you have the right to deny permission for public view.

You are invited and encouraged to approve each and every image I select for public view. In short, if you don't want one or more of the images I've taken of you to be viewed by the public, you have the right to say no, and I will respect that.

Please do not sign the Release Form or Usage Rights Agreement without thoroughly reading them. Always ask questions, if you're uncertain as to what you're signing. In the event there is any confusion, and an image you dislike for any reason appears in public, just notify me, and the image will be immediately removed.

Also, please request and complete the questionnaire for this project as fully as possible, so I have an understanding of what aspects of your participation are to be considered public and what, if anything, should never be made public. This is your right to privacy.

The manner in which I'm conducting this project is significantly different from the way in which photographers generally work: typically, models are asked only to sign a standard release form, and have no control over usage rights for their photographs. Again, I've undertaken this as a collaborative community effort. This is a work of mutual respect.

Written Works
I am inviting everyone who participates in this project to contribute written works that will give an added dimension to the photography. You are invited to submit personal narratives; poetry; epistles; and 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.

Those whose writings are included in the project will be asked to sign a Usage Rights form inclusive of both the photos and written works.

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.

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 Femme Gallery, 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.