Neil Edwards

Neil Edwards (1939-2003) isn't as well known as Bruce Bellas or Bob Mizer, but I find his work quietly fascinating. Based in Philadelphia during the mid-1960s, he photographed ordinary men rather than sculpted muscle stars, giving his images a refreshingly unpretentious quality. 

1. Chip Barnes in a mermaid pose with a split black and white background.

2. Ronnie Williams reclining on a hammock with credits beneath.

3. Troy Ryan playing pool - 1969.

His photographs often feel more interested in the man than the performance. Whether holding a basketball, talking on the phone, lounging in a hammock, or simply standing in the studio, his models seem like everyday people first and physique models second. The work reminds me at times of Walter Kundzicz and even David Hurles—less polished perhaps, but no less sincere.

4. Peter Chamberlain reclining in bed on the phone - 1966.

5. Steve Anderson standing facing away with strong directional light.

6. Mike Richardson aka Ben Dover (nice alias there;) on a stool in a sailor hat and belt.

7. Marty Stewart in 1968 (*see Gingers August 8 post) standing with his back to the mirror. An online source said that Edwards' magazine The Edwardians featuring Marty on the cover sold out across the U.S. within four days, but I have no idea how many issues were printed.

Like many photographers of his generation, Edwards eventually ran headlong into censorship. A police raid effectively ended his photography career, a reminder that the freedom to photograph and publish the male nude has always been hard won. 

8. Ted Swanson in a reclined pose in a room with wood paneling.

9. Jimmy Estes in a reclining pose in front of a red backdrop.

10. Chuck Gavin in bed with striped sheets on all-fours.

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