I do a full series on each of the classic era physique photographers at least every quarter. This time it's Douglas of Detroit, aka Doug Juleff, and we start with the only unknown solo model of the day.
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Bob Delmonteque
This double exposue of Bob Delmonteque shows off a technique
that Doug Juleff used regularly and well.
Mike Dubel
I never get tired of looking at Mike Dubel, and this reclining shot is an unusual pose for him.
Friday, August 7, 2026
Mike Arlen Again
Today I'm posting my second full series on the work of Mike Arlen, a British photographer who broke through some barriers in the UK's gay publication scene. His work isn't always to everyone's taste, including my own, but I think it is definitely worth a look. And remember, I'm not even posting his most edgy material. If you like, you can google him and find lots of free sites for more.
Going large
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The first thing most people notice about Mike Arlen's models is that nearly all have large members.
This guy is actually below the average from what I've seen. I seem to recall that
Mr. Arlen went so far as to advertise for models with big ones.
Like Old Reliable
This one reminds me of Old Reliable, akd David Hurles,
but it is definitely by Mike Arlen.
Magazines
Mr. Arlen had two of his own publications that I know of,
Mike Arlen's Guys shown above, and Zipper.
Out of place
Mr. Arlen used a lot of working class and sports themes, so I was
surprised to find this picture of a guy in a home library.
And last . . .
And last, but far from least, we have an Afro-British model in an interesting jacket.
Thursday, August 6, 2026
In Just Seven Days . . .
"In just seven days, I can make you a man." Those immortal lyrics sung by Dr. Frankenfurter in Rocky Horror paraphrased one of Charles Atlas' phenomenally successful ads promoting his Dynamic Tension method of bodybuilding. So yes, friends, it's Charles Atlas Day on the old blog. "Would you mail this coupon to get a body like mine?" Damn right, I would! Sign me up.
Early On
This picture is probably from the early 1920s. Mr. Atlas developed his body further from this point,
but always naturally and in proportion. No modern grotesque look for him!
Power
We go from grace to power in Mr. Atlas' version of the Discobolus.
Actually, I think we get both those properties here.
Three Views
I don't know if these three photos meant to be seen together were part
of an exercise guide or just a display of Mr. Atlas' fine body.
Compare
Compare this photo and its measurements to the second picture in today's set and you will see how Charles Atlas tastefully and naturally pushed his development along.
Business was booming
Charles Atlas' advertising campaign is still taught as on of the most successful in history
by university business programs a century after he started it. He did so well, that he
had to move operations from his home to a suite of offices, as shown above.
The closest we'll get
Our last photo is one that I posted five and a half years ago is probably as close as we
will get to a frontal nude of Mr. Atlas. He was known to have posed nude for several
heroic statues, and he is shown here with an unknown sculptor. The package
may or may not be an accurate depiction, but it's all we have.
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