Jim Smith by Rip Searby

Our concluding image is a Rip Searby photo of Jim Smith.  There's a story Jim French's trade name before he became Colt Studio, Rip Colt, was an homage to Rip Searby.

 

With a Little Help from My Friends, Part 2 - Bryan B. and Rip Searby

A couple of years ago I lamented my lack of work by Rip Searby, and Bryan B

helpfully provided me with a whole file folder full.  So some of those will make 

up part two of today's set.  We start with the first of three unknowns.

 

Unknown II

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Skip Harrison

We get a big smile from Skip Harrison who posed with a classic early 50s car.

 

Unknown III

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Rich Blackie

Our last Rip Searby donation from Bryan B is Rich Blackie.

Bryan's contributions are greatly appreciated, as always.

 

Rip Searby

We get a straight-at-us stare from Peter Mitchell in this picture by Rip Searby.

 

Rip Searby

I have posted photos by Rip Searby in the past that were generously provided by Bryan B.,

but I managed to find this expertly lighted shot of an unknown on my own.

 

Jim Smith

This is Jim Smith by Rip Searby.  He only seems tanned from the crotch down, but it works.

The more of Mr. Searby's work I see, the less I understand why he isn't better known.

 

Rip Searby

While recently doing a series of Bryan B.'s contributions of photos by lesser known studios, the name Rip Searby came up.  It rang a bell, and I discovered that I had squirreled away some pictures by the Oakland based photographer, including this one of Mike Hampton.  So todays series will consist of three of Bryan's plus seven that I found on my own.  Thanks, Bryan!

 

Skip Harrison

We get a nice smile from Skip Harrison who's posing 

in front of what might be a 1952 Chevrolet Deluxe.

 

Unknown

This unknown model is the first of three contributions today from Bryan B.

 

Vim Cover

Rip Searby did some magazine work, including this shot of Ron Nielson on the cover of Vim.

 

Unknown

Our second contribution by Bryan B. shows a model with a staff sitting on a leopard skin print.  

That sort of fabric was popular with several 50s physique photographers.

 

Sanford Alcorn

I think this Rip Searby photo Sanford Alcorn predates Mr. Alcorn's work for Dave Martin.

 

Peter Mitchell

Peter Mitchell looks serious in this Rip Searby photo I found on a vintage resale website.

 

Mr. Man of Tomorrow Pageant

Rip Searby, like many 1950s physique photographers, photographed bodybuilding competitions.  

This one was organized by Tomorrow's Man magazine, a publication known to be pitched to gays.  Something tells me the pageant fell into that same category.

 

Unknown in shower

Our last contribution from Bryan B. shows an unknown 

young man with a cheeky grin in the shower.

 

Jack Thomas

I was delighted to find this picture of a very young looking Jack Thomas by Rip Searby, even though he has trunks on.  Thanks again to Bryan B. for both inspiring and contributing to today's series.