In the world of photography, few subjects have captivated the lens quite like Arnold Schwarzenegger. His larger-than-life persona, coupled with an understanding of the craft, has made him a photographer's dream. The new TASCHEN monograph, 'Arnold', edited by Dian Hanson, is a testament to this unique relationship, offering a comprehensive look at one of the most photographed lives in modern history. But what makes this book truly fascinating is the insight it provides into the power of camera angles and the collaborative nature of photography. Personally, I think this book is a must-read for any photographer, as it showcases how a simple shift in perspective can transform a subject into an icon. What makes this particularly fascinating is the way Schwarzenegger instinctively understood the importance of camera angles. He recognized that the right photographer with the right perspective could make him look extraordinary, and this understanding is evident throughout the book. The turning point, photographically, came with the 1977 documentary 'Pumping Iron', which introduced Schwarzenegger to a new generation of photographers and artists. This film brought together a diverse cast of photographers, each bringing their own unique style to the subject. From the humanist documentary photographer Elliott Erwitt to the formal rigor of Robert Mapplethorpe, and the defining celebrity portrait photographer Francesco Scavullo, each photographer brought their own language to the same subject. The contrast between their approaches is a masterclass in how differently the same body can be read by different eyes and lenses. One thing that immediately stands out is the sense of collaboration between Schwarzenegger and the photographers. He was never passive; instead, he understood intuitively how to give a photographer what they needed. This is evident in the early images shot on Austrian hillsides, where a young man in blue trunks against an improbable blue sky exudes complete self-knowledge. These weren't candids; they were collaborations, and they show a subject who understood the craft. The later studio work, particularly the stark black-and-white portraits by Herb Ritts and the monumental images by Sante D'Orazio, demonstrates what happens when an exceptional photographer meets a subject with no inhibitions and no bad angles to avoid. The low-angle shot Schwarzenegger describes isn't just a trick of perspective; it's a recognition that the camera can reveal what the eye misses, that the right position transforms. This raises a deeper question: what does this say about the relationship between subject and photographer? In my opinion, it suggests that the collaboration between subject and photographer is a powerful force, capable of transforming a person into an icon. What many people don't realize is that Schwarzenegger's understanding of the craft was not just a coincidence. It was a result of his competitive intensity, which he brought to a studio session in the same way he brought it to the stage at Mr. Olympia. This competitive spirit is what made him such a compelling subject for photographers, and it's what makes the book such a fascinating read. If you take a step back and think about it, you'll realize that Schwarzenegger's story is not just about a bodybuilder's rise to fame. It's about the power of collaboration, the importance of camera angles, and the transformative nature of photography. In conclusion, 'Arnold' is more than just a celebrity biography with pictures. It's a genuine record of photographic collaboration across half a century, and it's a testament to the power of the human spirit. 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. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the art of photography, and it's a reminder of the transformative power of the lens. From my perspective, it's a book that will inspire and captivate, and it's a testament to the enduring appeal of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
