The world of photography is a fascinating realm where the interplay between subject and photographer can create magic. And when it comes to a subject as captivating as Arnold Schwarzenegger, the results can be nothing short of extraordinary. In this article, I'll delve into the art of portrait photography, drawing inspiration from the TASCHEN monograph 'Arnold' and the insights shared by the iconic bodybuilder himself. Get ready to explore the power of camera angles, the collaboration between subject and photographer, and the transformative journey of a celebrity's image over time.
The Power of Camera Angles
One of the most intriguing aspects of the 'Arnold' book is Schwarzenegger's quote about the camera's ability to make him look like a 'stud.' This isn't just a boastful statement; it's a testament to the art of photography. The low-angle shot, a technique often employed by photographers, can indeed make a subject appear taller and more impressive. But what's truly fascinating is how this simple camera angle can be a collaborative effort between the subject and the photographer.
In the early images of Schwarzenegger, captured on Austrian hillsides, we see a young man in blue trunks against a sky of improbable blue. These weren't mere candid shots; they were the result of a collaboration. Schwarzenegger, instinctively, understood how to give the photographer what they needed. This sense of self-knowledge and willingness to work with the camera is what makes these early images so captivating.
The Turning Point: 'Pumping Iron'
The 1977 documentary 'Pumping Iron' marked a turning point in Schwarzenegger's photographic journey. It introduced him to a new generation of photographers and artists, including the legendary Elliott Erwitt, Robert Mapplethorpe, Francesco Scavullo, Jamie Wyeth, Andy Warhol, and Leroy Neiman. Each of these photographers brought their unique style and perspective to the subject, and the result is a diverse collection of images that showcase the versatility of portrait photography.
The contrast between their approaches is a masterclass in how different lenses can interpret the same subject. For instance, the intimate personal snapshots and the monumental studio productions, the grainy documentary style, and the precise glamour of a Mapplethorpe formal study all coexist in the 'Arnold' book. This diversity highlights the evolution of portrait photography and the changing trends in each era.
A Subject Who Understood the Craft
What sets the photography in 'Arnold' apart is Schwarzenegger's active participation in the creative process. Unlike a passive celebrity, he was never afraid to experiment and collaborate. The later studio work, particularly the stark black-and-white portraits by Herb Ritts and the monumental Sante D'Orazio images, showcases the power of a subject with no inhibitions and no bad angles to avoid. The low-angle shot, as Schwarzenegger describes, is not just a trick of perspective but a recognition of the camera's ability to reveal what the eye misses.
A Comprehensive Record
'Arnold' is not just a celebrity biography with pictures; it's a comprehensive record of photographic collaboration across half a century. The book covers almost every mode of portrait photography, from intimate personal snapshots to monumental studio productions. It's a testament to the evolution of the subject's image and the changing trends in photography.
In conclusion, the 'Arnold' monograph is a must-read for any portrait photographer. It highlights the importance of camera angles, the collaborative nature of the subject-photographer relationship, and the transformative power of photography. As Schwarzenegger's journey unfolds through the pages of this book, we witness the magic that can be created when a subject and a photographer truly connect and understand each other's craft.
