Black Bodybuilders in Oakland

The photographer wishes to thank the Puffin Foundation, the Cultural Funding Program of the Crafts and Cultural Arts Department of the City of Oakland, California, and an anonymous private donor for their generous financial assistance. Without their financial help, this project would not have been possible.

It is especially difficult for any artist to work in isolation, without feedback and constructive criticism. I am also grateful to members of the Berkeley Camera Club, to members of the Royal Photographic Society, and especially to local Oakland artist Jeff Berger for their interest and encouragement.

My attempt in taking these photos has been twofold: (1) To expand and develop the genre of physique and bodybuilding photography by exploring new settings and possibilities; and (2) to depict my subjects as the admirable, dedicated human beings that they are, and not, as is conventionally done in this genre, as pieces of meat.

While taking these photos, I learned a great deal about the direction of my future development as a photographer and also about the artistiuc possibilities of working more extensively on my pictures in Adobe Photoshop©.

Again, I thank all the organizations and individuals who have helped me with this work.—Richard A. Goodman