Fabric may be one of the most versatile props in physique photography. Draped, wrapped, held or simply laid beneath the model, it can recall the theatrical folds of classical and Baroque art, provide a textural counterpoint to bare skin, or become a conveniently movable bit of modesty. Depending on the material, it can conceal, reveal—or manage to do both at once.
1. Ernie Lopez draping dark reflective fabric across his pelvis taken by Jimmy Caruso of Montreal (1926-2021).
2. Frank Giardina wrapping dark fabric over his shoulder and across his back. VintageMuscleMen just shared with me that "Frank Giardina was widely believed to have been the lover for a time with Lon of NY aka Alonzo Hanagan. Frank took up photography himself later, and there are some creditable photos by him out there." (Thanks, Jerry!) This makes Giardina another example of an artist who worked on both sides of the camera.
3. Barton Horvath leaning into a crutch draped in black fabric.
4. Beresford Morris by John Barrington holding shiny gold or silver fabric behind himself.
5. Gerald Homer holding a small piece of fabric in one hand.
6. Chuck Howard by Jared French of PaJaMa draped in light patterned fabric.
7. Drexel Poe covering himself with dark fabric.
8. Joe Marcy by Douglas of Detroit (aka Douglas Julef) reclining on reflective fabric.
Sheer fabric makes that contradiction especially playful: technically covering the body while drawing even more attention to whatever lies beneath. At the other extreme, Ralston Hale sends ribbons of brilliant color flying against a blue sky. Seen today, the rainbow effect is difficult not to read through the visual language of Pride—a fittingly exuberant finish for a prop that can become almost anything in the photographer’s hands.
9. Rock Granger by Walter Kundzicz (aka Champion) draped in sheer fabric.
10. Ken Roye by Walter Kundzicz (aka Champion) wrapping his manhood in sheer fabric.
11. Ralston Hale by Jim French (aka Colt) waving colorful fabric ribbons in the air.
Please leave thoughts, questions, corrections or additions in the comments. Thank you, bns
Frank Giardina is widely believed to have been the lover for a time of Lon of New York, aka Alonzo Hanagan. Frank took up photography himself later, and there are some creditable photos by him out there. Really good series overall!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the history. Just updated. bns
DeletePhotographers: #1 by Jimmy Caruso of Montreal (1926-2021) who photographed many body builders such as "Arnold"; #4 by John Barrington; #6 by Jared French of PaJaMa fame; #8 by Douglas of Detroit; #10 by Champion Studios; and #11 by Jim French.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! Thank you, just updated. bns
ReplyDeleteBarton Horvath’s legs are incredible. They remind me of guys at the gym with amazing upper bodies but underdeveloped lower bodies. Those legs are the missing link for those queens. XG
ReplyDeleteHaha! Yeah a lot of us “queens” focus on our upper bodies…I’ve heard it called the ‘Chelsea’ look. bns
DeleteHOLA: QUE BUENA PUBLICACION!!!
ReplyDelete