Books

Leather Boyz in Production and Live Interview with the Miami Street Photography Festival by Chris Suspect

The Leather Boyz print run is now in production. Here are some shots from my printer showing the printing and binding process. This book is going to rule! Also, I have more media interviews lined up that I will share later. But for now you can tune in on Instagram tomorrow at 1 pm for my livestream with @miamistreetphotographyfestival

You can reserve your own copy here.

Leather Boyz - A Photo Book on the Gay BDSM Scene - Presales are Now Open! by Chris Suspect

Man with Meatball Subs, Washington, DC, 2014 from Chris Suspect’s Book Leather Boyz ©2020

Keeping true to my New Year's resolution of publishing 4 books in one year, I am very excited about the release of my second book for 2020 called Leather Boyz, the follow up to Gratuity Included. ⁠

This collection of images goes deep in its exploration of the gay BDSM scene. From puppy play to latex vacuum beds and everything in between, the 51 black and white images photographed over seven years from 2014 to 2020 serve as an anthropological study of the subculture’s people, codes, fashion, and practices. ⁠

This project started in 2013 when I was out doing street photography in Washington, DC, and happened upon two men in leather chaps. Sensing the potential for an image I followed them to a hotel near Capital Hill. The entrance and lobby were filled with people in various states of dress and undress. I felt like a fish out of water and was very intimidated by the scene in front of me. I took a few pictures and then left. The following year I came back with a friend who was familiar with this scene and that gave me the courage to shoot more freely. Over time and after sharing images with some of my subjects I felt more welcomed and have since pursued photographing this culture from the perspective of a documentarian, street photographer, and portraitist.⁠

This first edition is only 150 copies and has a unique design featuring several gatefold spreads and a blue film dust jacket. Subsequent editions will not include the blue film design. All books purchased online are hand-numbered and signed.⁠ Preorders are open now and the book will ship on or around June 15.

The images in this post are part of my gay leather food sequence (yes there is a sense of humor in the book) and also depict how the gatefolds work. The cover, while a bit abstract, displays the symbol for BDSM.

Gratuity Included books have made it to Italy! by Chris Suspect

The first of my international orders for Gratuity Included (1st Edition) from Italy are now arriving. I was worried they would never make it there. Francesca from Florence received her's today and yes she is doing OK. I love receiving these IG stories from people around the world who have received the book. 

Gratuity Included Book Release Party and Exhibit is Rescheduled by Chris Suspect

As we consistently see events cancelled thanks to COVID-19, I am sad to say my Book Release Party and Exhibit for Gratuity Included on Mar 27th at sPACYcLOUd is also being postponed for the safety of all. We are currently looking at May 8th for now, but it's all still tentative.

So in the spirit of keeping social distancing social, here are some photos of I Against EYE and Zealot RIP, the two bands that were and still are going to play the book release party and exhibit.

And if you haven't heard the second edition of Gratuity Included is now at the printers, so if you missed the first edition and want a copy they are available for presale.

Stay safe out there!