True Confessions and Ch-ch-ch-changes
Recent events in my life have caused me to do some introspection, and I have an emormous confession to make. I don't really like physique photography that much. Don't get me wrong. I have a deep respect for the courageous and talented photographers (and models) who pushed the envelope on freedom of expression in the mid-20th Century, sometimes at great personal cost. Some of those photographers, such as Chuck Renslow, were pioneers of gay rights as well. That whole genre of male nude photography has never been my favorite, though. I much prefer images from the 19th and early 20th Centuries, male nude art of all eras, nudists, and photos of men nude together in nature, the military or swimming.
I've decided it's time to do what I really like, so I'm letting you all know that changes are ahead for the blog. I have three weeks of posts loaded into the queue, so you won't notice a difference right away. After then, I will only rarely do physique material, and then as historical retrospectives. There are some fine blogs out there serving up great images, so you won't be without resources. Men From Back Then comes immediately to mind in that regard.
Finally, I am looking at extending my definition of "vintage" somewhat, pushing it into the 1980s and the Bear era. I'm not sure how I will work that, but I'm considering it.
I hope you all understand. Rather than allow myself to get completely burned out, I'm refocusing.
So grateful for what you have done. Blessings on your expansion.
ReplyDeleteSB Dan
PS: You're still my favorite Vintage blog.
Thanks, Dan!
DeleteGood for you, Jerry, and more power to you! I look forward to your expanded repertoire. -Larry
ReplyDeleteThanks, Larry! You should know that one reason I'm making this change is so that it will give me the time (and space) to post more of the pictures you have shared with me. I'm sure you've noticed that I've only used a fraction of them.
DeleteGood for you! Do what you love, not what people have come to expect you to do. Life is too short to not follow your heart. I look forward to seeing the new material.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stephen!
DeleteJerry, first thanks for all your hard work over the years. Discovering this blog and then making friends with you has been a real joy to me. I second the notion that you should follow your own predilections. They align with mine as well. I have a trove of Militaria and Guys and Cars images from the early and mid 20th C that I will be happy to share with you.-DeeExx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dee! I look forward to seeing what you have to share.
DeleteJerry we all have to evolve and change or else we and the material we share can become stagnant. Bravo for you... looking forward to the changes. BozB
ReplyDeleteMahalo nui loa, Boz! All my best to you.
DeleteJerry, when it comes to this blog and the wonderful work you do ... well, I'll never have headache.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leroy! Maybe this change will keep us both headache free.
DeleteI'm looking forward to your changes. The examples of your favorite male nude photos are my favorites also, but you make whatever you present interesting. I think you'll enjoy expanding your site into 80's men, and I will always enjoy your "true" oldies as well. Follow your heart and the fans will follow..
ReplyDeleteFirstly, Jerry, huge thanks for all your dedicated hard work. I've always been impressed by your number of postings. Well done, so dedicated. I'm with you, style-wise. Having always preferred the more "artistic" type of physique photography. Looking forward to the changes. David
ReplyDeleteDavid, I have to say that your participation here continues to give me joy, and your supportive comment today is icing on a very nice cake.
DeleteAw, thank you, Jerry. Glad that my ramblings from a model's perspective add to the discussion.
DeleteEveryone deserves to be happy and enjoy a day at a time - your blog was interesting and enjoyed but i too like a little more umpf if you get what I mean - best of luck and looking foward to the future - thanks for the memories
ReplyDeleteI totally understand, Frankie. Wishing you the best.
DeleteJerry, self-care is critical. I am delighted that you are taking this step. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteAndy Warhol once said "They say time changes things but you actually have to change them yourself." I think the trick is knowing what time to make the change. Good luck! And thanks for the plug!
ReplyDeleteI probably should have done this sooner, James. Thanks!
DeleteFollow your heart, do what makes you feel good and happy and enjoy yourself. Thank you, thank you for all the posts and well researched information on photographers and models. Always look forward to your site every day. Best wishes for you in the future.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bryan, and all my best to you!
DeleteDo what you like most! We will follow you. What about FKK up to the 90's in particular from East Germany?
ReplyDeleteThanks! And I like your suggestion, too.
DeleteI see no reason for you to not move on. You've provided much enjoyment via these photos. Trying something new should be equally entertaining and informative. And who knows? Maybe you'll widen your horizons and show an occasional erection? Anyway, I am looking forward to see the "new you!". Good luck, Jerry, and thanks. I will be following you still.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, B.D., and thank you for the kind words. Well, there is a lot less non-physique material lurking out there for me to post, so if any erections turn up in my searches, I'll probably post some. On the other hand, they were pretty rarely shown outside of action port, so don't get overly hopeful.
DeleteThank you, Brian! I really appreciate all the material you have shared.
ReplyDeleteNo matter what direction you take this is still one of the best and most informative blogs I have come across. Count me in!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pat. I took a break from working on an Andy Warhol series to reply to you. I'm already having fun!
DeleteAnd you should! If the AW series is for the blog in future I am always interested in hearing about the "superstars". Always looking for rare photos or info on Ingrid Superstar or International Velvet.
DeleteI'll keep a lookout for those.
DeleteAs so many have written above, I have always loved your website -- no to mention all the great commentors. While I love physique photos, I also know that it's a big world out there with even more to appreciate. Knowing your taste, I know I will contine to love your site. I really do appreciate your work.
ReplyDeleteThanks, 2W!
DeleteThe definition of what is "Vintage" gets older as the calendar does. I'd say now that almost anything pre-WWW can count as "vintage", since there is a whole new generation who'll never see print magazines/photos.
ReplyDeleteTrue. I've been doing this so long that the calendar creep had to be figured in.
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