Dore Alley 2025: My Lens on SF’s Local Street Fair (NSFW)

There is something unapologetically raw and electric about Dore Alley in San Francisco. It’s not just a street fair — it’s a celebration of liberation, queer culture, and the art of self-expression. This year was my first time walking through Dore Alley as both a participant and a photographer, and I can confidently say it was one of the most liberating experiences of my life as a 27-year-old gay man.

The dynamic flow of the crowd, and the details that make Dore Alley an iconic part of San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ scene. The textures of leather, the gleam of chains, the strength and confidence of the community — it all felt like an open invitation to celebrate who we are without fear or judgment.

As a photographer, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the male body as an art form. There’s something captivating about a silhouette, the subtle lines of muscle, the softness of a kiss between two men, or the unapologetic fierceness of someone rocking full leather gear. Dore Alley is a living, breathing gallery of the human form — a space where bodies, identities, and confidence are celebrated openly.

I love photographing people when they’re truly themselves — when they’re laughing, kissing, or strutting down the street without holding back. Those small, intimate moments, like two men sharing a quiet kiss in the chaos or a group of friends dancing in leather harnesses, are what inspire me most. The male body isn’t just about aesthetics for me; it’s about the energy it radiates when paired with freedom and authenticity.

San Francisco has a unique magic, and Dore Alley is one of the boldest expressions of that magic. It’s about more than just kink or leather — it’s about community, art, and empowerment. Walking through the fair, I felt a deep connection not just to the city, but to the people who came from all over the world to share this experience.

I’ve put together this gallery of my favorite shots from Dore Alley 2025, including both SFW and NSFW moments (because let’s face it — Dore Alley wouldn’t be Dore Alley without a little nakedness). I hope these images reflect not just what I saw, but what I felt: freedom, beauty, and pure self-expression.

If you’re ever in San Francisco during the summer, I can’t recommend this event enough. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or just curious to experience something truly unique, Dore Alley is an experience you’ll never forget — and hopefully, my lens can give you a taste of why.