Manteca photographer Chris Leonard is looking for bearded men in Manteca for a photo contest that will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.

Jason Renter, 36, of East Union High School was the first to register at Leonard’s Yosemite Avenue studio already with a full growth that he began some 16 years ago. It was shortly after he was married to his wife Sierra who he says loves his beard.  Bo Hin was second, a driver in Manteca for FedEx.  Hin’s long hair is a product of three years and his beard represents six months of growth

Promotional beard photographs of the contestants will be taken at the studio between Jan. 23 and Feb. 4.  There is a $50 participation fee that includes a donation of $25 to the Food Bank.  All participants will receive an 11X14 beard portrait along with an outdoor family portrait session. 

A beard gallery gala is planned for Feb. 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the studio with wine and cheese being served to their guests and participants. 

The contestants will be judged in four areas including best groomed, longest beards, most creative and people’s choice voted on through the studio’s Facebook page.