layout, video & photos by Amanda Vontobel
_______________________________________
It’s not often that you’ll find me willing to jump in front of the camera and strike a pose. But when Amanda informed me about the NOH8 open photo shoot in NJ, I couldn’t pass it up. Partly because it took place a mere block away from my office. But mainly because the campaign’s message is something I wholeheartedly believe in, as does Amanda. So we made our plans tonight and head off to the W Hotel in Hoboken.
Anyone who wanted to participate was instructed to be at the hotel between 6pm and 9pm, wearing a white shirt of some sort. We wandered in a bit early and spotted some NOH8ers chilling by the lounge. The W is a really fancy hotel, by the way. We marveled at the interior which was dimly lit, but in contrast had blue and purple lights creating an oddly futuristic yet comforting ambiance. We figured out where to go to sign up, and were on our way.
First order of business was to read and sign the “model release” form. Then we headed into another room to get our NOH8 temporary tattoo on our faces. One thing that struck me was the professional feel of it all. I was expecting crowds, a long line, basically a bit of chaos. Granted, I tend to lean on the negative side of things, but when I am proven wrong, I give full acknowledgment and credit where due. This would be one of those instances. What we experienced was the complete opposite of chaos. Everything was organized and flowed easily. Once we got our tattoos, we found some seats and waited. I looked around the room at everyone wearing a white shirt and a fake tattoo on their face. Men and women of various ages, ethnicity and sexuality. There were even a few babies in the mix, who hopefully will live in a world where this type of campaign is only told to them in tales of “when I was your age…” One room, one message, NOH8.
Not too long after we sat down, they started to call numbers in groups of 15. Some groups were done quicker than others, but for the most part it went along really quickly. Soon enough it was our turn. We went into the room where Adam and his crew were. This room was the complete opposite of dimly lit. It was stark white, just like Adam’s photographs with their bold statements. After a few more moments, we were up next, mouths taped up and ready for our close up. Suddenly the music that had been softly playing in the background switches to the cult classic “Time Warp” from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I couldn’t help but smile underneath the tape, what a perfect tune to fit the mood! Amanda went before me. She had her camera with her, and Adam had her pose holding it a few different ways. He snapped away at record speed, gave her a hug and then it was my turn. He had me put my hand over the tape on my mouth first, and then pose as if I was ripping the tape off. Again a few rapid speed snaps, and it was done. Adam thanked me, gave me a hug, and we were on our way. Blinded by the flashes for a few minutes, we collected our stuff and left.
Adam Bouska and his partner Jeff Parshley set out to make a statement with this campaign by making our voices heard when too many are trying to silence us. It was a great honor to be able to contribute. We humbly thank Adam and his crew for his vision, talent, and message of spreading love and NOH8.
We plan to follow up with a new blog once we get our photos. In the meantime, check out the NOH8 site to read more about it and get involved.
