Showcasing vintage male photography, mostly nude. You must be 18 years of age or older to visit this blog! If you hold a copyright on any material shown on this blog, notify me, and it will be removed immediately.
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Sunday, August 8, 2021
Classic Physique
There's nothing original about this pose, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Bruce Schorb must have gotten and 'A' in Modeling 101.
A++ in mine. I'm always very impressed where a bodybuilder progresses from the standard muscle display competition poses to something more artistic. Still showing off their physiques, yet producing a pose that is more aesthetically pleasing and photogenic. Bruce Schorb does this perfectly. Even in the standard bodybuilder pose pictured above he knows how to stand, twist his torso and look in the right direction. I suspect a natural with good coaching.
Well, he didn't learn modeling in school. Mr. Schorb went to a vocational high school in Buffalo, NY that specialized in training printers and aviation mechanics.
There is an astounding element of fluidity and energy in this image, given how solid was Schorb's physique. I know I have made mention of this before and still think it a rather neglected area of history, but I do often wonder if the photographers handed out the posing straps and underwear or the models chose - and owned - their own. If only to surmise yet again, it seems inevitable that Bellas chose the one Schorb is wearing above. Not only does it contrast in similar intensity and depth with the background, the red also contrasts so well with Schorb's complexion - Bellas must have filtered the lighting for this effect. It is also the perfect design, inverting the legislator's intent and only drawing the eye to what had been banned. Yet another inspired image.
From what I've read, the photographers kept a stock of posing straps. Bob Mizer of AMG had a lot of his custom made . . . by his mother. I don't know how the others acquired theirs. Yes, this is truly an inspired image.
It's a shame they even had to be used. The male physique is at its best when he maleness was allowed to be seen. That whole era teaches shame about having a penis and scrotum, maleness, in other words. Despite the fact that total pornography seems to be "the new norm," men like Bruce and Pat Milo show that, even in rut, the male physique is glorious. Jerry, your blog celebrates our brotherhood and physical magnificence.Thank you!
While I certainly agree that the repression that led to the use of posing straps was unconscionable, there's something to be said for the ingenuity and art that went into producing highly erotic images despite them. I've always thought that the adversity they faced caused some of those great photographers to have actually enhanced their skills. It's worth repeating: "Sometimes more is less, and sometimes it's all about what you don't show."
Worth an A+ in my books. Thanks again for a superb series, Jerry. You, and Mr. Schorb of course, have really made my day.
ReplyDeletePeter
You're welcome!
DeleteA++ in mine. I'm always very impressed where a bodybuilder progresses from the standard muscle display competition poses to something more artistic. Still showing off their physiques, yet producing a pose that is more aesthetically pleasing and photogenic. Bruce Schorb does this perfectly. Even in the standard bodybuilder pose pictured above he knows how to stand, twist his torso and look in the right direction. I suspect a natural with good coaching.
DeleteWell, he didn't learn modeling in school. Mr. Schorb went to a vocational high school in Buffalo, NY that specialized in training printers and aviation mechanics.
DeleteI hope I can find more pix of this male. That little grin just does me in!
ReplyDeleteYes, the grin is the icing on a very nice cake.
DeleteThere is an astounding element of fluidity and energy in this image, given how solid was Schorb's physique. I know I have made mention of this before and still think it a rather neglected area of history, but I do often wonder if the photographers handed out the posing straps and underwear or the models chose - and owned - their own. If only to surmise yet again, it seems inevitable that Bellas chose the one Schorb is wearing above. Not only does it contrast in similar intensity and depth with the background, the red also contrasts so well with Schorb's complexion - Bellas must have filtered the lighting for this effect. It is also the perfect design, inverting the legislator's intent and only drawing the eye to what had been banned. Yet another inspired image.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've read, the photographers kept a stock of posing straps. Bob Mizer of AMG had a lot of his custom made . . . by his mother. I don't know how the others acquired theirs. Yes, this is truly an inspired image.
DeleteIt's a shame they even had to be used. The male physique is at its best when he maleness was allowed to be seen. That whole era teaches shame about having a penis and scrotum, maleness, in other words. Despite the fact that total pornography seems to be "the new norm," men like Bruce and Pat Milo show that, even in rut, the male physique is glorious. Jerry, your blog celebrates our brotherhood and physical magnificence.Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhile I certainly agree that the repression that led to the use of posing straps was unconscionable, there's something to be said for the ingenuity and art that went into producing highly erotic images despite them. I've always thought that the adversity they faced caused some of those great photographers to have actually enhanced their skills. It's worth repeating: "Sometimes more is less, and sometimes it's all about what you don't show."
Delete