Rick Gerharter(June 2012)

The podcast features an in-depth interview with Rick Gerharter, detailing their experiences in photojournalism and their significant role in documenting the poignant moments of AIDS activism in San Francisco during the 1980s. The interview was conducted by Gareth Watkins in San Francisco on June 18, 2012. Gerharter shares the story of their journey from growing up on a farm in South Dakota to moving to San Francisco. Initially skilled in graphic design, the individual's encounter with photography during a transformative trip to South America led them to pursue it professionally upon returning to San Francisco in 1985.

Gerharter's foray into photography coincided with the peak of the AIDS epidemic and the surge of activism around it, providing them with a substantial market for their poignant images. They attended City College to learn the technical aspects of photography, particularly black and white film development, and quickly realized a preexisting aptitude for visual composition due to their background in graphic design.

The interview also captures their personal account of being gay in San Francisco, discussing the challenges and the vibrant gay community present before the full impact of the AIDS crisis was felt. With an influx of gay people, the city depicted a unique cultural dynamism, enabling creative expression that was resisted by certain segments of society and the law at the time.

Their work focused significantly on the activism revolving around HIV/AIDS, which was predominantly street-based. The photographs captured the essence of the period, portrayed through demonstrations, blockades, and "zaps"—unconventional protest tactics aimed at generating immediate attention.

Gerharter mentions working consistently with the Bay Area Reporter, a local gay newspaper, which solidified their place within the community. Their work is framed by a sense of historical documentation, preserving the emotions and stories of the LGBTQ+ community during those critical years and beyond.

The discussion also delves into the technical aspects of photography, from their preference for natural lighting and in-camera composition to minimal post-production editing. Gerharter reflects on the transition from film to digital photography and its impact on their work process.

Ending on a contemplative note, Gerharter emphasizes the lasting value of documenting momentous cultural and social shifts for posterity and seeks to maintain the integrity and accessibility of their extensive archive of images, well-organized by date and searchable tags.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Rick Gerharter

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