As a gay photographer koitz believes photography is about more than creating beautiful images—it's about preserving the stories, traditions, and communities that shape LGBTQ+ history.
Photographing Amber Martin's Bette Bathhouse and Beyond on Fire Island gave him the opportunity to document a modern tribute to one of the most iconic moments in queer culture: Bette Midler's legendary 1971 performances at New York City's Continental Baths.
Created by producer Daniel Nardicio, Bette Bathhouse and Beyond recreates the excitement, humor, and liberation of those groundbreaking performances. With Amber Martin's incredible vocals and magnetic stage presence, the production celebrates a time when queer spaces became places of artistic expression, community, and joy.
As gay photographer koitz is passionate about documenting LGBTQ+ events that celebrate our history while creating new memories for future generations. Fire Island has long been a symbol of freedom, self-expression, and community, making it the perfect setting for a production that honors queer resilience and creativity.
Every performance tells a story, but it's often the moments between the songs—the laughter, the embraces, the audience's reactions—that reveal the heart of the experience. Those are the moments I strive to capture.
Documentary photography has the power to preserve moments that might otherwise disappear. Events like Bette Bathhouse and Beyond are more than entertainment—they're living reminders of the artists, activists, and communities who helped shape LGBTQ+ culture.
As gay photographer koitz has a goal: to create photographs that go beyond the stage. I want viewers to feel the energy of the performance, the connection within the audience, and the significance of the history being celebrated.
Fire Island continues to be one of the most important places in queer culture, and documenting events like this is both a privilege and a responsibility. Every image becomes part of a visual archive that honors our past while celebrating the vibrant community that continues to thrive today.
Thank you to Amber Martin, Daniel Nardicio, the performers, and everyone who keeps these stories alive. Through photography, we ensure that these moments—and the history they represent—are never forgotten.