The world of photography is a fascinating realm where the interplay of light, shadow, and perspective can transform a subject into an icon. In the case of Arnold Schwarzenegger, this transformation was not merely a result of his chiseled physique or charismatic persona, but also due to his profound understanding of the collaborative nature of photography. This insight, shared by the former Governor of California in the TASCHEN monograph Arnold, offers a unique perspective on the art of portraiture and the power of the low angle shot.
The Art of the Low Angle Shot
One of the most intriguing aspects of Schwarzenegger's relationship with photography is his appreciation for the low angle shot. As he candidly reveals, "They always shoot up, so the camera is right there in front of you, making you taller, more impressive, and the results are always terrific." This statement, delivered with his trademark confidence, underscores the importance of camera angle in portraiture. The low angle shot, when executed correctly, can elevate a subject to new heights, quite literally and metaphorically.
Collaborative Collaboration
What sets Schwarzenegger apart from other celebrities is his active participation in the photographic process. Unlike many subjects who may be passive during a photoshoot, Schwarzenegger understood the collaborative nature of photography. This understanding is evident in the early images shot on Austrian hillsides, where he appears relaxed and in complete self-knowledge, as if he were posing for a friend rather than a professional photographer. These images are not mere snapshots; they are collaborations that showcase a subject who instinctively knew how to give a photographer what they needed.
The Pumping Iron Effect
The turning point in Schwarzenegger's photographic journey came with the 1977 documentary Pumping Iron. This film introduced him to a new generation of photographers and artists, including Elliott Erwitt, Robert Mapplethorpe, Francesco Scavullo, Jamie Wyeth, Andy Warhol, and Leroy Neiman. Each of these photographers brought their unique style to the table, and the contrast between their approaches is a masterclass in the diverse ways a single body can be read by different eyes and lenses. This period marked the beginning of a long professional relationship with Annie Leibovitz, who would go on to become the definitive chronicler of US celebrity.
A Subject Who Understood the Craft
The photography in Arnold is not just a collection of celebrity portraits; it is a genuine record of photographic collaboration across half a century. The range of approaches, from intimate personal snapshots to monumental studio productions, from grainy documentary to the precise glamour of a Mapplethorpe formal study, covers almost every mode of portrait photography. The subject changes across those decades, and so does the photography around him. Together, they tell a story about how a face and a body can be read differently in each era, by each new pair of eyes behind a lens.
A Serious Investment
Arnold by Dian Hanson is a serious investment, priced at $150 / £125. However, what you get is one of the most comprehensively photographed lives in modern history. The book is not just a celebrity biography with pictures; it is a genuine record of photographic collaboration across half a century. It is a testament to the power of the low angle shot and the collaborative nature of photography. It is a must-have for any photography enthusiast or fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
In my opinion, the TASCHEN monograph Arnold is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the art of photography. It offers a unique perspective on the collaborative nature of photography and the power of the low angle shot. It is a testament to the transformative potential of photography and the enduring legacy of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Personally, I think it is a must-read for any photographer or photography enthusiast. From my perspective, it is a book that will inspire and educate for generations to come.
