Jim French, the iconic photographer behind Colt Studios, is well-known among the LGBTQ+ community for his stunning depictions of the male form. His contributions to gay erotic photography, and art in general, are immeasurable. French, an artist at heart, founded Colt in 1967 and often signed his artwork under the name Luger. He drew inspiration from classic art forms, combining an educated eye with the raw power of the human form to create something entirely new.
In his latest book, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor: Jim French Polaroids, French revisits the early days of his career. He used the Polaroid camera as a tool to create his drawings and ensure that the details he wanted in his work were accurately depicted. Models could be expensive and time-consuming, but the Polaroid allowed French to set up shots quickly and store them for later use.
The Polaroid camera revolutionized the world of male erotic photography, giving artists and photographers the chance to create high-quality images of the male form. It also opened doors for people who would have otherwise faced legal consequences for their work. French was known for his attention to detail, as well as his sense of style and composition. His work helped to usher in a new era of photographic art and set the standard for generations to come.
The legacy of Jim French lives on through his groundbreaking work. While there may be those who don’t know his name or the impact he had, the impact of his work is undeniable. He will always be remembered as a pioneer in gay erotic photography and a true artist.