Desire & Intimacy: Men

Call for Submissions

Invitation

Are you a photographer who captures the beauty of male connection, intimacy, and desire? I invite you to contribute to Desire and Intimacy: Men, a groundbreaking coffee table book celebrating man-to-man touch in all its forms—platonic, romantic, sensual, and spiritual.

About the Project

Desire and Intimacy: Men is a coffee table book that celebrates the beauty and depth of male intimacy, touch, and desire through the lens of diverse photographers. Featuring work by talented artists from around the globe, the book explores themes of connection, vulnerability, sensuality, and everyday moments of closeness between men.

Through stunning imagery and thoughtful storytelling, Desire and Intimacy: Men challenges stereotypes, normalizes male touch, and highlights the universality of human connection. Each photograph captures the emotional and physical resonance of intimacy—whether it is tender, platonic, romantic, or erotic.

This project aims to create a visually compelling tribute to the beauty of male relationships in all their forms, inspiring readers to see intimacy as a powerful, affirming, and beautiful part of life.

This visually stunning book will feature the work of diverse photographers, exploring themes such as:

  • Touch as Connection: Platonic gestures and bonds.

  • Desire Unveiled: Erotic and sensual expressions of male intimacy.

  • The Sacred and the Spiritual: Trust, rituals, and transcendence.

  • Everyday Intimacy: Simple moments that speak volumes.

Submission Guidelines

We are looking for:

  • Original photography that aligns with the book’s themes.

  • High-resolution images (minimum 300 DPI).

  • Images that represent diversity in age, ethnicity, body type, and relationships.

  • Artists who are open to their work being featured in print, exhibitions, and promotional materials.

Post-Submission Process

  1. Review and Selection:

    • Submissions will be carefully reviewed by our curatorial team. We will assess how well the work aligns with the themes of the project and the overall aesthetic of the book.

  2. Notification of Results:

    • Selected photographers will be notified by March 1, 2025. If your work is chosen, we will provide detailed next steps, including timelines, creative direction, and a contributor agreement.

  3. Final Submissions:

    • Selected photographers will be asked to provide high-resolution final images, along with captions, titles, and optional statements about their work, by May 31, 2025.

What You’ll Receive

  • As a contributor to Desire and Intimacy, you’ll receive:

    • Global Exposure: Your work featured in a premium coffee table book with global distribution, showcasing your talent to a wide audience.

    • Professional Recognition: Full credits in the book and all related promotional materials, as well as the opportunity to be featured in the Photographers’ Perspectives section, where your creative process and vision will be highlighted.

    • Networking Opportunities: Be part of a community of like-minded photographers and artists exploring similar themes.

    • Complimentary Copies: Receive free copies of the book as a token of appreciation for your contribution.

    • Potential Exhibition Opportunities: Selected works may be showcased in exhibitions or events promoting the book, offering further visibility for your photography.

How to Submit

Send your portfolio or 5–10 sample images to submissions@trevorjamesla.com with the subject line: Desire and Intimacy Submission – [Your Name].

Please include:

  1. A brief bio (100–150 words).

  2. A statement about your connection to the themes of the project.

  3. Your contact information.

Deadline for Submissions: January 31, 2025

I look forward to discovering your unique vision and collaborating on this meaningful project.

For questions, please contact Ayité Okyne at 213.588.4242.

Trevor James

Some Context for Desire and Intimacy: Men

As a touch and intimacy therapist, I’ve spent years working with men who feel isolated, disconnected, or unsure of how to express their need for connection. I see firsthand how touch and intimacy—two of the most natural and human experiences—have been suppressed, misunderstood, or stigmatized, especially for men. Society often paints vulnerability as weakness, touch as taboo, and intimacy as something exclusively romantic or sexual. But the truth is, touch and intimacy are profound, transformative forces that heal, connect, and empower us.

This belief drives my work, and it’s what inspired Desire and Intimacy. I wanted to create something beautiful—something bold—that celebrates the power of male connection in all its forms. Through this project, I want people to see touch as more than physical contact and intimacy as more than a fleeting moment. They are lifelines. They break down walls, dissolve loneliness, and remind us of our humanity.

Photography has the unique ability to capture not just the physical act of touch but the emotions, energy, and stories behind it. It tells truths that words cannot. With this book, I aim to bring together photographers who are willing to challenge stereotypes and redefine what male intimacy looks like. I want the world to see how breathtaking, vulnerable, and multifaceted man-to-man connection can be.

To me, this project isn’t just about creating a beautiful book—it’s about starting conversations, shifting perspectives, and inspiring men to embrace their need for connection without shame. If your work celebrates intimacy, vulnerability, or connection, I believe you can help bring this vision to life. Together, we can create something that speaks to the heart and reminds us all of the transformative power of touch.

Let’s show the world the beauty of intimacy, one frame at a time.