In the world of photography, there's a fascinating insight that often goes unnoticed, and it's one that Arnold Schwarzenegger, the iconic bodybuilder-turned-actor-turned-politician, has inadvertently highlighted. His quote, "They always shoot up, so the camera is right there in front of you... You will always look like a stud," reveals a powerful truth about the art of portraiture. It's not just about the subject, but the perspective and skill of the photographer that can transform an image.
The upcoming TASCHEN monograph, "Arnold," edited by Dian Hanson, delves into this very idea. It's a comprehensive journey through Schwarzenegger's life, captured through the lenses of some of the most renowned photographers of our time. From his humble beginnings in Austria to his rise as a Hollywood star and political figure, the book showcases how a subject's collaboration with the photographer can create extraordinary images.
What makes this book unique is Schwarzenegger's innate understanding of the photographer-subject dynamic. He brought the same intensity to studio sessions as he did to his Mr. Olympia stage performances. This collaboration resulted in a vast array of images, each telling a different story about the man and the era in which they were taken.
The turning point, as Schwarzenegger himself notes, was the 1977 documentary "Pumping Iron." This film introduced him to a wider audience and, more importantly, to a new generation of photographers and artists. The list of photographers who captured him is impressive: Elliott Erwitt, Robert Mapplethorpe, Francesco Scavullo, and Andy Warhol, to name a few. Each brought their unique style and perspective, showcasing how one subject can be interpreted in countless ways.
One of the most intriguing aspects is Schwarzenegger's ability to adapt to different photographers' styles. The early, relaxed images on Austrian hillsides, for instance, show a man comfortable in his own skin, a rare quality for a subject. This comfort and understanding of the craft allowed him to collaborate effectively, resulting in some of the most compelling images in the book.
The later studio work, particularly with photographers like Herb Ritts and Sante D'Orazio, showcases the power of a subject with no inhibitions and a photographer with a keen eye. The low-angle shots, as described by Schwarzenegger, are not just about making the subject look taller, but about revealing a different perspective, a unique beauty that the eye might miss.
For photographers, this book is a masterclass in collaboration and the power of perspective. It's not just a celebrity biography; it's a testament to the art of photography and the unique relationship between photographer and subject. The range of approaches, from intimate snapshots to grand studio productions, showcases the evolution of portrait photography and how a subject can be interpreted through different lenses over time.
"Arnold XL" is a serious investment, but for those interested in the art of photography and the power of collaboration, it's a worthwhile one. It's a book that tells a story, not just through words, but through images that capture a man and his times, and the unique perspectives of the photographers who captured him.
Personally, I think this book is a must-have for any photography enthusiast. It's a reminder that behind every great image is a story, a collaboration, and a unique perspective.
