Hands On

A hand doesn’t just touch. It feels.

Temperature, texture, weight, shape—the hand takes in another body while giving something back.

1. Artie Klassen placing a hand on Billy Fischer by Anthony Guyther of Vulcan Studio aka Tony of Vulcan.

2. Jerry Cajun placing hands on John Trudeaux' shoulders by Bob Mizer c. 1971.

 

A firm grip, a gentle palm, fingers resting on a shoulder or wrapped around a hand can communicate affection, reassurance, desire, possession, curiosity or trust without saying a word.

3. Cricket placing his hand on Lonnie's hip by J. Brien c. 1966.

4. Rick Larkin with hands on Gary Lee's shoulders by Don Whitman in 1972..

 

Between men, that language has often been surprisingly limited. A handshake. A pat on the back. A high five or a slap on the ass after a good play.

5. Ken Colby (kneeling) and Ralph Kleiner (standing) with hands on each other by Chicago-based photographer, Cliff Oettinger.

 

We have plenty of acceptable ways to say good job or we have a deal, but far fewer ways to say I care about you. I want to be close to you. I like the feel of you.

6. Ronnie Ronson (facing front) and Mike Troy with hands one each other.

7. Ledermeister aka Paul Gerrior (behind) with hands on an unknown model by Jim French.

 

That’s what draws me to these photographs. The hands become a kind of emotional vocabulary.

8. Unknown models shaking hands.

9. John Krivos holding Don Fuller by the wrists by Bruce Bellas in 1950. I like the shadows in the background here.

 

Sometimes tentative, sometimes playful, sometimes unmistakably sensual—but always saying something.

10. Paul Moffitt holding Ed Fury by the wrists by Bruce Bellas.

 

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