In this podcast Mark talks about documenting gay mens lives through photography and audio interviews. In this recording we look at the processes Mark used to create the book Men Alone - Men Together. Some of Mark's images can be viewed here.
This podcast was funded by a generous grant from the 2nd AsiaPacific Outgames legacy fund.
Summary
The interview with Mark Beehre, conducted by Gareth Watkins, explores the creation and evolution of Beehre's project "Men Alone - Men Together," a collection of portraits and oral histories focusing on gay men in Aotearoa New Zealand during the 2010s. Beehre's work aims to shed light on the lived experiences of a marginalized community through photography and personal narratives.
Beehre's journey began as a photography student wishing to capture the essence of gay relationships and the contrasting lives of those living alone versus those in partnerships. Inspired by New Zealand photographer Glenn Busch and other traditions of incorporating oral histories into photographic work, Beehre decided to integrate interviews with their subjects as a critical complement to their visual portrayal.
The project's process involved recording detailed interviews with the subjects, followed by a separate session dedicated to photography. This dual approach allowed Beehre to understand their environments and personal stories, which helped inform the photographic session. Subjects typically welcomed the chance to share their stories, but a review process was included to ensure their comfort with the published material. Beehre was mindful not to rush either the interview or the photography to prevent fatigue or discomfort on the participants' part.
Despite facing challenges like finding a publisher and editing the text to maintain both spontaneity and readability, Beehre's commitment to respecting the individuals' wishes and presenting them authentically was central to their work. The book "Men Alone - Men Together" was well received within the gay community, with some attention from mainstream media, reflecting a positive response to the effort to chronicle and honor these personal histories.
To those interested in pursuing similar projects, Beehre emphasizes the importance of extensive reading, project definition, ethics, and copyright considerations. They advocate for a two-step review process, respecting participants, and maintaining transparency about the use of their stories.
Beehre also advises interviewers to minimize their verbal cues during recordings and take diligent notes as a backup and to bookmark potential follow-up points without interrupting the natural flow of conversation. Ultimately, the work demonstrates the significance of oral history in capturing the depth and nuance of individual experiences, particularly within underrepresented communities.
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