Balls

Time for some props—and we’ll start with balls (of course). They show up surprisingly often in physique photography, probably because such a simple shape does so much work.

1. Mark Sutton on a box with a black ball.

2. Don Fuller with a beach ball black nets and a red background by Bruce of LA (thanks Naven1918!).

3. Dino (or Merrill Jacobs by Dave Martin) with a beach ball.

A sphere gives the photographer a perfect study in light and shadow while its curves echo—and sometimes cheekily compete with—the curves of the male body. Add the association with sports and it becomes an especially convenient masculine prop. 

4. Jack Harte holding a glass ball in a net.

5. Jean Pierre Pastiou by Arax of Paris (thanks, Naven1918!)holding a black ball overhead.

6. Carl Savoie holding a red ball.

7. Tom Matthews holding a small beach ball on his shoulder on the beach.

Basketballs, medicine balls, beach balls: give a naked man a ball and suddenly he has something to hold, balance, toss, or play with. And yes, photographers clearly noticed the visual pun. I’m including John Gallagher carrying a globe like Atlas because, it's another sphere with a clear reference.

8. John Gallagher by Al Urban (thanks, Naven1918!)kneeling with a globe on his shoulder a la mythological Greek Titan, Atlas.

9. Glenn Campbell holding a small glass ball on his shoulder.

10. Chuck Shields holding a ball in a net with striking shadow play on his back by Bruce Bellas (thanks, Naven1918!).

Please leave thoughts, questions, corrections or additions in the comments. Thank you, bns