Both Sides of the Camera

“Down, in front of the column,” George says in his easy Mid-Atlantic accent. “Fred—sit. William… just behind him. Closer.”

He watches as William folds in over his brother, their bodies aligning.

“Turn—both of you. Fred… do something with your hands.”

A pause as he tilts the camera. “Yes… hold it.”

1. Ritter Brothers by George Platt Lynes

Like many other disciplines, physique photographers often started as apprentices—modeling for another photographer before stepping out on their own.

2. Ritter Brothers; Fred (L) and William (R)

The Ritter Brothers, Fred and William, posed for George Platt Lynes (1907–1955) before making images themselves in the 1930s—shooting male nudes from their gym, including each other, and selling them for a profit.

3. Fred Ritter

4. William Ritter

5. Bill Hillgardner by the Ritter Brothers

Bob Mizer (1922–1992) modeled for Frederick Kovert in his Hollywood studio before launching the Athletic Model Guild and Physique Pictorial, moving into both photography and film, while also building a respected commercial career beyond physique work.

6. Bob Mizer by Frederick Kovert

7. Jim Paris by Bob Mizer

Joe Tiffenbach (1923–1992) modeled for Ralph Kelly, Bob Mizer, Dave Martin, and Bruce of L.A. before turning to his own photography and later gay adult film work.

8. Joe Tiffenbach by Unknown Photographer (possibly Ralph Kelly)

9. Chad Johnson by Joe Tiffenbach

David Hurles (1944–2023), aka Old Reliable, modeled for Guild Press, was mentored for decades by Mizer, and later created his own raw, unmistakable body of work—often photographing and filming himself with rougher, unpredictable models who became part of his signature style.

10. David Hurles by Unknown Photographer

11. Champ by David Hurles aka Old Reliable

Like most underground movements, the record is incomplete—names lost, identities blurred, artifacts destroyed—but it’s hard not to imagine there were many more who made that same move from subject to creator.  These are just a few examples, but I hope to discover more apprentices who know both sides of the camera.

Feedback?

Does anyone have solid resources for tracking the history of the Ritter Brothers? And I know of a few more examples in vintage gay porn e.g. Al Parker and Jeff Stryker, but if you have other earlier examples, please send them my way.