A Rich Treasure Trove of Leather Images
We had the chance to sit down recenty with Rich Trove of RichTrove.com - he has been photgraphing leather events since 1994.
How did you get into photography?
In my early teens, I did some work for a photographer but set it aside until the early 90's. I became more active after moving to SF in '94; went digital in 2000, and began photography full time in 2005.
When did you add the leather element?
I joined the DC chapter of the Defenders (Leather/Levi Spirituality group) in the early 90's,
and became the guy who drags the camera along for the group.
What was the first event the you shot?
The first event I really documented was a 2000 SF Defenders run in Saratoga Springs, CA. I had a new-fangled digital camera, LCD screen and a subnotebook. I provided a near real time slide show of the event as it unfolded. I continued doing so at subsequent Leather Levi Weekend events held at the same venue.
How many events a year do you go to?
On average, I attend 2-3 events per week - more at major weekends such as Folsom Street Fair or SF Pride. For example, Folsom 2008 involved 7 events in addition to the street fair itself.
Who/what is your favorite subject?
Well, big beefy furry men with heavy beards performing public displays of affection make my finger twitch. The camera is just a cover <grin>. Recently I've gotten into images of two men kissing a third. That said, I am drawn to people who smile with their whole faces and to subtle signs of affection. You'll notice a lot of head on shoulder, hand on tush shots. And don't forget the eyes. The eyes have it.
Tell about the archives?
RichTrove.com (and its G-rated sister site PhotoTrove.com) was launched in early 2005 as a showcase for my work and to more easily distribute images to people and groups. Comprising over 550 event galleries and nearly 80,000 images, it is arguably the Bay Area's most extensive online image archive of GLBT/Leather/Bear/Kink/Drag events.
In 3 1/2 years of operation it has served up over 10.8 Million page views.
RichTrove does not show dangly bits (other sites can do that better) but plenty of skin and tushes can be found. Also, as a nod to www.HotBoots.com (who sends me lots of traffic) I include a fair number of foot apparel shots.
An event is represented by one or more image galleries, each with a navigation bar, thumbnail pages, and downloadable images. The navigation bar allows one to skip to a particular thumbnail page. Clicking on a thumbnail brings up a larger downloadable image. You may notice that two and three image vignettes are typically on a single line of a thumbnail page. I refer to the thumbnail pages as "the storyboard for the movie of your mind."
The main page provides a site navigation bar, recent news, and an index of recently added galleries arranged by date of addition. The "All events" master index of all galleries is arranged by event date and provides access to all events back to 2000.
There are also special index pages for Alameda County Leather Corps events, SF Defenders events, SOMA Bare Chest Calendar events, SF Street Fairs and weekend contest events such as International Mr Leather. There is also an index page tothe monthly "Best of" galleries.
On the lighter side, the "RichTrove Genuine Parodies" provides faux ads for items such as Calvin Clone and "Indulgence por Hommo" and "Shakespeare in Leather"
Over 75,000 images? Really?
Actually, the number is now closer to 80,000 images, not counting "Best Of" compilation galleries. Uploading an average of 400-600 images each week can add up.
Why do you do it?
When I set aside 30 years in software development to do photography full time, I intended to develop my craft, build a reputation and give something back to the community. I intend that the shared images and the stories they evoke will bring us closer together as a community.
My motto is "Bring out the best in people. Caputre exquisite moments. Return them with magic intact."
Being able to interact with so many amazing people of all stripes is a plus. Getting hot studs to show off for the camera is a gratifying bonus.
Another clue. I am also the founder of www.VoluNon.org , an ostensibly mythical organization supporting those who volunteer too much. "Hello, my name is Rich, and I have Voluntitis." "Hi Rich."
On a more serious note....
In 2007, I walked away from a near fatal accident. This triggered a chain of events that brought up long supressed memories of the early AIDS era. Many of us had an unspoken agreement that the times were not to be remembered. Anyone who got sick disappeared from our memories. I even forgot that a man I loved even existed.
If you want to know the importance of preserving memories, ask a Rip Van Winkle. I have no reminders of that era. I won't let that happen again.
Do you publish your work in other venues?
I am a staff photographer for A Bear's Life magazine, and have had my shots in The SF Bay Times, Bay Area Reporter, Gloss and BearParty Magazine. I also provide DVD slide show compilations for the SF Eagle, CHAPS II and the Powerhouse. My DVD slide shows are also used at events such as the SOMA Bare Chest finals, IMSL and the SF Uniform ball I also donate a copy of my original images to the Leather Archives and Museum. My images are currently being used at a Folsom Street Fair retrospective at the GLBT Historical Society.
My work also turns up regularly in people's personal profiles. As one person (a total Top as it happens) said: "The incidental image you took of my butt has gotten me laid dozens of times."
What is your favorite pic?
Tough question. How does Daddy choose among his children?
The one image that stands above the rest is of Travis Creston as it sank in that he had become 2007 Mr SF Leather. I was twenty feet away, but the intensity and intimacy of that moment was awe inspiring.
I actually held back publishing it until I was sure that Travis was O.K. with sharing such an intimate moment.
I am proud to have document the18 month title year of this man that I respect, love and admire.