I started training in 1954. I met Lon in 1955. He studied music and art at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York and the Julliard School of Music and Art in New York City. He taught himself to photograph and did all of his own lab work.. Many covers of Strength and Health were taken by Lon.
This collection contains some nude photographs.
Jim French Collection - 1972 through 1974
Jim French does not record beauty; he creates beauty. For sheer artistic and technical brilliance Jim French has no equal. Graphic designer, illustrator, artist, oil on canvas, pencil, Jim does them all and better than anyone else. He brings them all together in his photography. Good taste is an understatement. His work has been exhibited in New York's most prestigious galleries. His books are sold in Rizzoli's, Barnes and Noble and Brentano's. His Luger and Colt original artwork fetch astronomical prices if you can find one.
This collection contains some nude photographs.
Ramon Garcia Collection - 1969 through 1976
I met Ramon at a meeting of the Southern California Weightlifting Committee of the AAU, which I joined when i moved to L.A. He eventually became the Chairman for several years. Photography was his hobby. Our informal sessions at Venice Beach were invaluable in providing me with how i was progressing and what needed work. Virtually all of the photos published of me in the bodybuilding magazines were taken by Ramon.
Competition
A collection of photographs that have been taken onstage, backstage, outside the venue, but all at the time or day of a competition. Because bodybuilding is an art form for me each competition was an opportunity to create anew. So you will see a variety of looks based on the same platform. Each of these photographs being an expression of me at that moment in time.
Jim and Friends
Friends and acquaintances. Famous and infamous. People I met along the way. Cher, Dom Deluise, Divine, David Geffen, Joe Gold, Paul Jabarra, Maynard Jackson, Mick Jagger, Correta Scott King, Jack LaLanne, John Lennon, John MacEnroe, Renee Russo, John Schlesinger, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bernie Taupin, Elizabeth Taylor, Mae West. But I don't want to be a name dropper.