Max Kessell's photo series Magazine Dreams finds a sense of belonging in bodybuilding

"Over time, Magazine Dreams materialised into a character-driven series. Dedication and belonging are both personal motivations, so what better than to focus on these bodybuilders one-on-one. Each figure stands tall, mythological in pose and stature. Max's stylistic choices of monochrome and a harsh flash takes you back to the bold physical forms of bodybuilding's 1970s golden era, all topped off with "flamboyancy and pantomime", as Max puts it. "It's all one big grandiose performance that I found really intriguing and impressive.""

"This effect is all achieved with a Fujifilm GFX, lit with a single Godox DP600III-V (bare bulb or with a small reflector depending on the background). "I barely direct people - these guys are professionals," says Max, who kept the scene as simple as possible and let the bodybuilders do their thing. The photos are finished off with monochrome conversion, upping the contrast, and a touch of grain."

Magazine Dreams developed into a character-driven photographic series that profiles individual bodybuilders one-on-one. The images present each figure as mythological in pose and stature, emphasizing dedication and belonging. Monochrome and a harsh flash evoke bodybuilding’s 1970s golden era and introduce elements of flamboyancy and pantomime. Lighting is achieved with a Fujifilm GFX and a single Godox DP600III-V, using bare bulb or a small reflector as needed. Minimal direction is used, scenes are kept simple, and subjects are allowed to perform. Final processing includes monochrome conversion, boosted contrast, and added grain. The practice sits between documentary and portraiture and pursues honest, sometimes bizarre community stories.

Read at Itsnicethat