Photographer James Emmerman spent the summer working on this series of portraits that “investigates the liminal space between the inner and outer selves, resulting in a visual characterization of each subject that straddles the line between documentary and fine art photography.” He explains that his practice is heavily based “on [his] infatuation with this relationship — whether images beautifully frame reality, or turn reality into a beautiful frame.” James met many of the subjects in this series while shooting nightlife in New York, and although no specific identity was explored in this series, much of his work exists within queer and non-binary culture. He continues, “It’s my hope that any impulse to define the subjects of these portraits fades, and that a deeper impulse to simply see and feel them, as I did, takes hold. My subjects are presented as people; my series is an exploration of beauty in every form, nothing more or less.” Take a look and these beautiful portraits below:
Issa Israel
Ky Naylor
Bailey Stiles
Venus X
Jack Meriwether
Emilio Martinez Poppe
Boy Radio
Mikhail Zalesky
Arta
Eric Roger Lemay
Naomi Elizee
Niccolo Walsh and Hunter Speese
Merlot
Ky Naylor
Sam Gamberg
Lea Rios
James Emmerman / Self Portrait
Creative Support from Davie Kaim and Emily Lipson.
Follow James Emmerman on Instagram: @jamesemmerman
