We recently sat down (virtually) with Garrett Conover and talked about his new sauna book. Here is our discussion transcribed. If you wish to buy your own copy, there is information at the bottom of the blog post.
What was the inspiration for Sauna Magic, and how does it differ from other books?
There are a couple of things that made me bold enough to embark on this project. One is the observation that although there are a number of books on sauna in English, few are entirely satisfying. The best are quite good, but always seemed to be missing something, and the worst are quite unrewarding both in content and quality of production. I still find this curious, but thought I might somehow remedy this as both a photographer and writer.
In the introductory chapter I introduce the topic in a manner accessible and informative to newcomers, as well as appealing to the sensibilities of seasoned practitioners who may have more experience than me, and often, firm opinions on the topic. It also establishes the traditionalist approach I favor, and any open-mindedness I may possess.
From there each chapter profiles a different sauna and its people, resulting in more nuanced diversity, broadening offerings beyond my preferences and sensibilities—which I confine to the chapter on my own sauna. These are stories about why we sauna as much as how we sauna.
While I may mention such things as building and scientific/medical benefits, I make no attempt to duplicate what may be presented better elsewhere. Hopefully the subtitle: Health Happiness Community conveys the story-form approach of the narrative and photography.
The photography is equal in importance to the text. What informed your approach to that?
This is complicated and I’ll try to be succinct. Before I was even aware that I was working on a potential book, I experimented with the camera gear in sauna context. To me, most sauna photography featured young, beautiful models inserted into un-fired saunas as backdrops. While well-composed, such images are mostly over-lit, overly-posed, and carry little bearing on the real essence of sauna. My first quest was for radiance and authenticity, so I made a self imposed rule that all interior shots would be made in real context, in full heat. The more I got away with pushing the equipment into temperature extremes, the more I knew I could eliminate fakery, and allow actual radiance to infuse the specifics of each shoot.
My second self-imposed rule was to only shoot real sauna bathers in context, as their willingness to appear occurred. This approach guarantees diversity in age, physique, and human beauty, without imposition of ambient cultural tastes pushed by “youth and beauty” marketers and advertising myth-makers.
Overall it is very important to me to never violate the sanctity of sauna, and to be accepting and body-positive in all aspects of imagery.
Have you experienced any pushback regarding the presence of so many naked people in the photos?
Not yet. In fact, the responses have been keenly positive and accepting. One potential cover endorsement writer politely declined, being uncomfortable with the presence of mixed participants who were friends or strangers—and not immediate family to one another. I respect that, and don’t consider it a negative response. So far that is the only hint of push-back.
I was extremely careful with model releases, and observing modesty restrictions. All participants had veto power over images. And since the project was ten years in the making, I re-contacted everyone just before publication in case anyone wanted to revise their permissions.
Almost everyone willing to be interviewed and appear in images was remarkably open, placing few restrictions on the photography.
The book designer was more conservative than I was. I had submitted the full range of options for all shots because I thought it important to “normalize” comfortable natural nakedness as it had been experienced by me as a journalist. She wisely talked me back a bit by noting that “Full nakedness is completely conveyed in the discrete images without diminishing anything. There is no reason to push anyone who might be surprised, offended, or angered by casual full depiction.” I suspect I am more grateful than I know for that counsel.
Non-electronic book publishing is becoming increasingly expensive. Any “sticker-shock” regarding the price of this work?
A little, but it tends to vanish once it is pointed out that the entire book is printed on photo quality paper and contains 166 full-color images. The book is midpoint within the range of most coffee table offerings, and has far more text. I am most pleased with the outcome, and extremely gratified by feedback received, both from national and international buyers.
Additional Information
Author: Garrett Conover, 2293 Elliottsville Rd. Willimantic, Maine 04443
Email: lutraonwilson@gmail.com
Phone: (207) 717-5146
Publisher: Maine Authors Publishing, 12 High St. Thomaston, Maine 04861
www.maineauthorspublishing.com
(207) 594-0091
Orders: Dan Karker Distribution Supervisor
orders@maineauthorspublishing.com
Combined book and shipping direct from Garrett:
Softcover Hardcover
Media Mail US = $51.45 Media Mail US = $55.75
Priority US = $54.30 Priority US = $64.55
Canada = $64.20 Canada =$78.20
Overseas =$70.95 Overseas =$89.45
Orders through Garrett can of course be signed and inscribed. You may send a check, or use Pay Pal via: PayPal.Me/SaunaMagicBook
Bookstores and other retailers should go through the publisher for wholesale rates.
Garrett also maintains a Facebook page: Traditional Sauna