Dining Rooms & Studies

This set begins with Billy Joe Carr browsing records beside a dining table and continues through a collection of dining room and study photographs featuring Chuck Betz, Barry Becker, Bo Branden, John Davidson, Tore Lind, and others. 

1. Billy Joe Carr by Don Whitman (Western Photography Guild) pulling Harry Balafonte album out of the record player next to dining table. (*Jerry at VintageMuscleMen informed me that the photo I'd originally posted was photoshopped to remove the posing strap.  This is the actual image. Thanks for catching that, Jerry!)

I paired these spaces together because, frankly, they don't appear nearly as often as bedrooms, living rooms, or bathrooms. Both rooms are built around purpose. Dining rooms are for gathering, eating, and conversation. Studies are for reading, writing, planning, and work. 

2. Chuck Betz, with perfect body hair on dining table with retro wood paneling and kitchen int he background.

3. Barry Becker, also sporting perfect body hair serving up the main dish on dining table with tile patterned wall in the background.

4. Danny Albert seated on dining table with strong shadow in the background.

Neither seems like an obvious place to photograph a nude model, which may be exactly why I find these images so interesting. They take spaces designed for practical activities and turn them into something playful, strange, and occasionally absurd.

5. Unknown model leaning against a desk with mounted TV in the background.

6. Bo Branden (see June 13, Windows-Back, and June 18, Fireplaces) by Sunshine Beach Club sitting on desk.

7. Tony Crater at the bookshelf.

I don't always know what to make of these photographs, and that's part of their charm. Some feel natural, others feel completely contrived. A handsome man pulling records from a cabinet or sitting naked behind a desk is not a fantasy I spend much time thinking about, yet here we are. 

8. John Davidson, Champion model in large armchair in the study.

9. Steve Masters reaching for top bookshelf in gold t-shirt. (Notice film projector on lower shelf)

Physique photographers clearly saw possibilities in these rooms that I might have overlooked, and I'm curious enough to keep looking.

10. Tore Lind (see June 12, Door Frames-Back) handsome blonde well-coiffed and very well-rounded Champion model standing at the desk.

 

Please leave thoughts, questions or corrections in the comments. If anyone can ID #5 please let me know.