The style and technique of the photographs and illustrations in a bodybuilding magazine are essential components of its look. IRONMAN created the Art Zeller Award for Artistic Achievement to honor the memory of one of the greatest contributors to the art of bodybuilding photography and to recognize the indispensable role physique photography plays in the sport. In bodybuilding the final product is essentially visual, and what we remember are the photos or drawings that capture our imagination and inspire us in our own personal quest. They can be instructive as well as inspiring, showing us how to train and making us want to train at the same time.
The evolution of the sport is mirrored in the evolution of the art and vice versa. In the 1960s and early '70s the studio photography of Jimmy Caruso was the defining look. His meticulously crafted, perfectly lit images of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Zane, Franco Columbu and every other important star of that era are a testament to his consummate skill as both a photographer and a posing expert. Arnold felt that Jimmy's skills behind the camera contributed heavily to Arnold's skills on the posing platform. A great physique photographer not only captures the moment in a technical sense but also helps create and shape the way the moment is remembered, just as a gifted film director does.
If you were around back then, you'll remember many of the images we've included in our Caruso pictorial, and perhaps a floodgate of training memories will be unleashed. Such is the power of Jimmy's work. Turn to page 220 and immerse yourself in the golden age of bodybuilding.
While the final product is visual, it takes information to create the subject of that vision, and the IM Research team is always on the cutting edge of new products and supplement stacks. This month the series explores getting cut fast (Can you ever really get too lean too fast?). For a new twist on getting leaner in the shortest possible time, turn to page 146 and check out Prime. It's what your hidden abs have been waiting for.
As usual, the Arnold Classic brought the world's finest body-builders to do battle in Columbus, Ohio, and our classic coverage of the 2002 event starts on page 258. We'll have the Ms. and Fitness International contest reports next month. You'll also find hundreds of photos of all three competitions at www.ironmanmagazine.com.
If you're interested in living a long and healthy life, it's critical that you read Derek Cornelius' 'Be a Free Radical,' which starts on page 170. This two-part feature brings you up to date on the power of antioxidants and how they can help you live longer, train harder and recuperate faster. The more we learn about this group of chemicals, the more we appreciate their ability to help control disease and slow down the aging process. I cannot overemphasize their importance.
As always, I welcome your feedback. Write to me at [email protected].
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