One of the visual signatures of Bob Mizer’s work is his use of gobo lighting—those patterned shadows cast across the body or background that instantly give the image a sense of drama. A gobo, in simple terms, is anything placed in front of a light to shape it—cut it, filter it, turn it into something more than a flat beam.
1. Sherwood Forrester - Bob Mizer
2. Emil Swoboda - Bob Mizer
In a studio setting, that could mean slats, cutouts, or improvised textures. At the time, it likely felt like a kind of innovation—another way to move beyond the plain black or white backdrop and give the image a little more presence.
3. Gene Wilkinson - Bob Mizer
4. Frank Chandler - Bob Mizer
The effect can read a bit theatrical now—maybe even a little cheesy—but it does create something. It frames the body, gives it context, makes it stand out. Sometimes it feels like rays of light, peacock feathers or a shell opening behind the figure—something not far off from The Birth of Venus—or just a textured shadow that keeps the eye moving.
5. Gary Garrett - Bob Mizer
6. Jim Lassiter aka Larry Lamb - Bob Mizer
It’s not necessary, and it doesn’t necessarily elevate the image, but it adds spectacle. And Mizer seemed to enjoy that—presenting these bodies not just as subjects, but as something radiant, almost staged for effect.
7. Joe Diaz - Bob Mizer
8. Dick Fried - Bob Mizer
It does raise an interesting question about his aesthetic. Compared to someone like George Platt Lynes or Lon of New York, where the body can feel quieter, more direct—even sublime—Mizer rarely leaves it alone.
9. Irvin Koszewski aka Zabo - Bob Mizer
There’s usually something added—light effects, props, costumes, animals or a thin narrative. Maybe that’s curiosity, or play. Or maybe it’s something closer to distraction—an avoidance, even a denial of letting the body stand fully on its own. Hard to say. But that tension is part of what makes his work so distinct.
10. Walter Fife or Jerry Finiello - Bob Mizer
Comments?Can someone clear up who the final photo ID? Thoughts about gobo and studio lighting effects in studio physique photography?
Good series! Most of the lighting effects shown today (and probably overall) in Bob Mizer's work were made using his mother's crystal punchbowl set. The various pieces had differing patterns, hence the range of shapes. I love your honesty in noting that Bob Mizer's work could sometimes be cheesy. That is the truth.
ReplyDeleteYou’re the best, Jerry! That tracks about the punch bowls. Haha! Totally. I have huge respect for Mizer, but also a few questions for sure.💕bns
DeleteExcellent selection of models! Those punch bowls should be in the Smithsonian for their contribution to artistic endeavours! Lol.
ReplyDeleteHahaha! Agreed! Let’s get it done! bns
ReplyDelete