Lon of New York, aka Alonzo Hanagan, was one of the first noteworthy physique photographers to prominently feature men of color, both African-American and Hispanic. Leroy Colbert
is a good example of the high quality models Lon was able to recruit and photograph.
Great photo of Colbert, Lon learned well from his mentor Gebbé.
ReplyDeleteLeroy Colbert was well known in physique circles on the East coast along with George Paine, both were men of color who posed for physique photographers. The AAU was tolerant of African-American bodybuilders, but they would not allow a man of color to be a Mr America so as to not offend the public at that time.
Rex in DC
Gebbe's work is hard to find, but then perhaps his volume was far exceeded by Lon.
DeleteIf the X-Men had a Black Colossus, this fine man, Leroy Colbert, would be him. Take a bow, Jerry.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leroy!
DeleteThe body beautiful, Colbert has good proportions in every way. Lon had
ReplyDeletephysique models of high quality because he was a physique photographer of high quality. The bodybuilders back then seem to have sought out great photographers and vice-versa.
-CA jock
The bodybuilders from about 1935 onward were keenly competitive, and getting the very best pictures in magazines or for promotional purposes was important. Some of the more clever and brave photographers sold nudes on the side, often with the models' knowledge.
DeleteFrom what I’ve seen and read it seems there was less concern about nude physique photos in the 30’s and 40’s, and then it all changed several years after the war. I guess the local postmasters
Deletewere bent on making examples of physique photographers.
-CA jock
Things definitely got worse in the late 40s and through the 50s.
DeleteQuite nice
ReplyDelete