BEARDED AMERICA is a documentary project that delves into the subculture of beard social clubs in the United States. It explores the relationships formed between strangers who share a common interest. This series will provide an in-depth look into the world of one of the largest social clubs, the Bearded Villains, through portraits and still-life photography.
The Bearded Villains was established in 2014 as a social club to unite bearded men from different cultures, races, and creeds in a brotherhood devoted to loyalty, honor, and respect toward all people. With over 165 chapters in 36 countries, this group of men is dedicated to various activities that support their local community through the foundations of respect and loyalty towards the brotherhood.
This photo documentation focuses on strangers who have formed a closely knit community through a visual narration around the club's foundational concepts of Family, Charity, Loyalty, and Brotherhood. This project aims to communicate the essential values of the brotherhood that have allowed these men to interact as a community. The Bearded Villains was founded through the context of social media and has since developed into a worldwide phenomenon.
As a female photographer documenting a male-dominated community, I bring a unique and valuable angle to the storytelling process. My insider-outsider perspective enables me to navigate these spaces with sensitivity and insight that may be absent from someone deeply embedded within the community. I recognize that my role as a storyteller is to represent the Bearded Villains community's cultural narratives accurately. By immersing myself in their world and giving voice to their experiences, I can create a more nuanced and authentic portrayal of their brotherhood. It is crucial to empower community members to share their stories and provide a female perspective. By allowing them to speak for themselves and actively involving them in the storytelling process, we can ensure their voices are heard and their agency is respected. My passion for the project and dedication to capturing the essence of the Bearded Villains community will shine through in the imagery. As a female photographer, I offer a fresh perspective and an opportunity to challenge traditional narratives surrounding masculinity and male-dominated spaces. This is an opportunity to tell their stories with empathy, respect, and authenticity.