Look Who it Was Random video

Boon Companions -- affectionate adventures in early photography | Gerry Szymanski | TEDxFlourCity

3,285 views · Published 24 October 2014 · 11:19 · Indexed 24 October 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2014 · Nonprofits & Activism

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This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. In the early years of photography, social and gender roles were rigidly defined and enforced. Why then, are there so many pictures capturing pairs of men in seemingly intimate poses? Gerry discusses the possible reasons for this “manly affection.”

Gerry Szymanski is a commercial and fine art photographer who specializes in portraits. Honored thrice with the City Newspaper's Best of Rochester Local Photographer award (2010, 2011 and 2012 and nominated for 2013), he is a familiar presence in Rochester musical and visual arts circles, and has photographed for the Eastman School, the George Eastman House, the Susan B. Anthony House, and Hedonist Chocolates and Ice Cream.

His portraiture, food photography and environmental images have appeared in POST, City Newspaper, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester Business Journal, Country Living, and Downbeat among other publications. His current photography show of beards “Behold This Swarthy Face” is appearing on the walls at Roc Brewing Co. until the end of July 2014.
 
Trained in music and library science, Szymanski is a lecturer in the Eastman School of Music's Department of Musicology and manages the 100,000 item collection of sound recordings at the Sibley Music Library. His articles and reviews have been published in NOTES and Music References Services Quarterly. He is also an award-winning composer and filmmaker and manages the Library & Archives at the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

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