The next two posts continue the studio series with a double-feature on rectangular boxes. I included a few of these in my Medium Boxes post on July 23, but the rectangular boxes appear so often, I am giving them two posts of their own...with and without draping. They may seem like simple props, but few studio elements appear more often in mid-century physique photography—or offer photographers more creative possibilities.
1. Gar Nanson in standing pose facing away with hand resting on white box.
2. Jean Millet seated on rectangular box.
3. Bob Mucci in standing profile pose with body curved forward and hands resting on red box (reminiscent of Larry Eix pose in photo #1 of the July 23) with red background and straw rug.
A bare rectangular box is surprisingly versatile. Standing upright, it becomes a pedestal that elevates the model or a geometric form to lean against. Turn it on its side and it transforms into a chair, platform, or stage for sitting, kneeling, reclining, or stretching across.
4. Miles Conley in seated pose on same rectangular box and straw rug as #3 image above. Here the image is in black and white, the box is laid on it's side and this model is wearing a posing strap.
5. Julian Dante standing pose leaning into box with one arm.
6. Jim Stewart aka Steward in a similar pose to Mr. Dante above.
The exposed surfaces become part of the composition. Their clean edges contrast with the curves of the body, while each face catches the studio lights a little differently, adding another layer of shape and shadow. The box isn't just supporting the model—it helps sculpt the photograph.
7. Danny Loos reclining on his elbow on a rectangular box.
8. Tony Evans squating down on a rectangular box with fingertips on the box for balance. I like how the white box and background and symmetry of the limbs create a pyramid effect that draw focus to the darker parts of the composition.
These images range from quietly classical to surprisingly playful. Some recall the idealized poses of Greek sculpture, others lean toward Rodin's expressive naturalism, and a few drift into the delightfully absurd. The same simple box becomes whatever the photographer and model imagine it to be.
9. Kirk Bond in a "cheeky" reclined position with legs spread wide on a foreshortened rectangular box. Notice how the pyramid effect is inverted here in comparison to Mr. Evans' pose in #8 above, framing the model's genitals and face.
10. Bob Enslow seating on a rectangular box with limbs spread wide...another example of a pyramid shaped composition.
Please leave thoughts, questions or corrections in the comments. Thank you, bns.
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