Followers

Sunday, May 2, 2021

Under the Pier


Walt Needham (left) joins Mike Sill for this undated Dave Martin photo.  It was quite unlike 
Martin to leave his own shadow in a picture.  Maybe he never got around to cropping it out.

 

6 comments:

  1. Interesting, Jerry, that you should mention the photographer's shadow. I instantly thought it added a sort of casual, human dimension to an already marvelous picture...and you know I'm an observer of shadows in pictures. To me, it makes the males being photographed less remote or detached. IMHO.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree that the shadow brings the picture to a more casual, homey level, and that's not a bad thing. I was surprised Martin left it in because it was considered quite amateurish at the time the photo was made.

      Delete
    2. You can almost hear Dave directing them. Liking the multiple layers of tan lines. Perhaps a theme of shadows and contrast that work so well in black and white.

      Delete
    3. Mike almost looks like he's not sure he got it right.

      Delete
  2. I'm surprised these Mormon bodybuilders would do nude physique modeling.
    Being that the Mormon religion is homophobic, especially back then. My understanding is Mormon's will tell on each other when they fall out of line to their church elders. They also punish thru shunning. Were Needham and Sill ever fearful of the consequences of their choices? As it would not only be hard for them, but also their families.....:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neither of these two were homosexuals, so that part didn't matter. Some of the Mormon nude models even posed for religious statues, and one became an elder himself. It's all a matter of context and not being too in the face about it.

      Delete