Satirical Bodybuilding Photos

One of the most intelligent bodybuilders I have met is Lawrence Hosannah, who is actually English-African rather than African-American. Lawrence came to the United States from England at a very early age, and when he talks, you hear New York, not England. In addition to being astute, his perspective is somewhat different from that of the average Black in America.

He and I had a telephone conversation before we ever met face-to-face in which we discussed ways to dramatize a question about American racism: Why is it that Blacks are often assumed to be stupid and are only offered corporate jobs as janitors or mail clerks ? Here are some of the wry, satirtical photos we eventually put together. Yes, they are heavy with symbolism.

Portraits of Lawrence Hosannah, Bodybuilder

Here are a few portraits I took of Lawrence Hosannah in 1995 during one of photo sessions. We took a lot of shots that day -- some of them more conventionally focused on bodybuilding, others satirical with a message, and others more serious with a message I'll put up all these kinds of photos of him over the next few days.

Historic Photoshoot:Kai and Rodney #1

The photoshoot from which these photos are drawn was historic in that two IFBB pro bodybuilders whose routine brought the house down in actual competitions and exhibitions posed for the photographer with some of their greatest poses.

Archival, limited edition enlargements of these shots are available, These enlargemnents are guaranteed not to fade for 75 or more years if stored away from direct sunlight or ultraviolet light. Contact the photographer at ragoodmanster@Gmail.com