Three black-and-white portraits: an older man on a bench, a man holding a baby in a carrier, and a man standing indoors near a fire extinguisher.
Photo by Ted Weinstein Credit: Photo by Ted Weinstein

In an era when the definition of masculinity is in flux and deeply contested, “Dudes” is a street portrait series shot all across San Francisco, and beyond, that explores and honors the wide range of ways manhood is embodied today.

Photographed in public spaces, each picture offers a candid view of how a unique individual expresses his own version of being a man.

Collectively, these images neither reinforce stereotypes nor argue for reinvention. Instead, they invite viewers to contemplate the breadth and complexities of contemporary masculinity.

“Dudes” does not ask what a man should be, it invites viewers to consider what a man can choose to be.

A book of these photographs is in development, and many of them are on view as part of the current Ingleside Gallery art show “City Light / City Lives” at Ballast Coffee in West Portal through the end of May.

A security guard stands indoors, wearing a uniform, reflective vest, walkie-talkie, and boots, in front of a wall with signs and emergency equipment.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
A man wearing a beanie, hoodie, and jacket sits on a stool by a brick wall indoors, looking at the camera and smiling slightly. The image is in black and white.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
Two older men stand and talk on a city sidewalk; one has his hands behind his back, and both are dressed casually. Buildings and a street are visible in the background.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
A person with short curly hair stands smiling in a garage, wearing a dark sweater, light pants, and boots, with hands in pockets. Black and white photo.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
An elderly man wearing a jacket and cap walks with a cane on a city sidewalk next to a stone wall lined with rocks.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
A man in casual clothing and sandals stands with arms crossed in front of a mural featuring butterflies and the word "SEN" visible. The image is in black and white.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
Five men stand on a city street corner at night, facing the camera and smiling; illuminated store signs and buildings are visible in the background.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
A man wearing a hat, long-sleeve shirt, and corduroy pants sits on a bench in an urban outdoor setting, looking at the camera. The image is in black and white.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
A man in a suit sits on the open trunk of a car, holding food in his hands, with shopping bags and items visible in the trunk on a city street.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
A man wearing glasses and a cap stands indoors, holding a baby horizontally in his arms; an empty baby carrier hangs from his shoulders.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
A man wearing an apron sits on a stool outside a restaurant, with menus visible in the background. The photo is in black and white.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
A man in sunglasses leans against a pole on a city sidewalk, drinking from a bottle near parked cars and a fire hydrant.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
A man with tattoos and ripped jeans rides a two-wheeled self-balancing scooter on a city sidewalk; other pedestrians walk nearby.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
A man wearing a patterned shirt, matching cap, and patterned shoes stands on a city sidewalk next to a building, smiling at the camera. The photo is in black and white.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
A man with a beard and glasses walks a bicycle down a city street during what appears to be a public event; other people and buildings line the street.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
A man wearing a helmet and backpack stands on a one-wheeled electric skateboard at a crosswalk near an optometry clinic.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
A man in a denim jacket and beanie smokes a cigarette while standing outside a door labeled "open" next to a window with "Casanova" written on it.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
A man in a white suit, white shoes, and a hat walks down a city sidewalk at dusk; bicycles and cars are visible in the background.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
A man wearing overalls and a cap stands behind a large garbage bin on wheels, holding a long pole and smiling at the camera. Coiled tubing is visible in the bin.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
A man in a suit sits on a stone ledge outdoors, holding papers and smiling, with a briefcase at his feet and trees and bushes in the background.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
A man wearing a City Street Guides jacket stands on a sidewalk, holding a lanyard and smiling, with buildings and trees in the background.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.
An older man in a hat and puffy jacket holds a large striped fish in one hand and stands next to a walker on a sidewalk.
Photo by Ted Weinstein.

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