A: Penis Stories is a photographic work-in-progress (click here to view it). The vision was 100 1'x1' b/w photos printed on canvas, displayed 10 x 10 on a huge white wall, plus internet display. (I decided to conclude the project at 25 photos in September.) When you click on an image, a handwritten penis story appears. 

A diversity of cocks ~ ages 18 to 100+; of many ethnicities & cultures; male, MTF, FTM, intersex; natural, trimmed, waxed, pierced, tattooed ~ and of their stories are represented.

A: Yes, to the extent that the photograph is a close-up of your penis and you can disguise your handwriting on the stories.

Q: What if I don't have any interesting stories?

A diversity of stories - from mundane to exotic -  that represent a wide range of experiences - are welcome. What's mundane to you may be universal or exotic to someone else.  We only need something brief ~ 1 to 5 sentences. You might try starting with: If my penis could talk, When I was a kid, Once upon a time, I love, or Today.

Q: What will the shoot be like?

A: The shoot will take only a few minutes of your time and there will be two people in the room - an assistant (a male) and I. When called in, we will photograph your photo ID (verifying age), collect your info. sheet/release and story or stories, and have you disrobe behind a screen (the studio backdrop). We'll have you stand facing directly towards camera with feet about hips distance apart and the photo will be taken against the backdrop. The image's aesthetic is straightforward and at ease. You can expect us to treat you with respect and sensitivity. The "story" (about 1-5 sentences) will be written in black Sharpie in an 8.5" square of white paper. 

Q: Why are you doing this?

A:  I believe the project has power to inspire thought, dialogue, healing, laughter, tears. My background is as a documentary filmmaker and I've often been drawn to look at that which is not 'looked' at or spoken about. I think there is much potential in diving into these arenas. This project is specifically about penises but could really be about any part of ourselves ~ physical or otherwise ~ that is not freely spoken about and thus integrated into our whole selves.

Also, the idea came as a "hit from the Universe" in July and I'm simply following the creative impulse. Sometimes I don't fully understand why I'm doing a project til after it's done.

Q: How can I participate?

If the project inspires you to share your story, please email your story to wiseorchid (at) yahoo (dot) come with your name, age, race, gender/sexual orientation for possible use in the final project. Thank you!