Hugh is a guy that did something marvelous, he popularized shaving the bush, doing a little deforestation. When I was doing my Duty in the Far East you had to be at the PX when Playboy hit the rack. I think it was the most popular Mag on base, we all had centerfolds hanging in the locker and a few on the walls, and of course who could forget the Vargas girls.
When he sold his mansion, the deal was that he could remain living in it until his death. I still have some old mags from many years past. He had a great life, living to age 91. RIP.
Chris TLoc: from England across the pond to New England
mas24 wrote:
When he sold his mansion, the deal was that he could remain living in it until his death. I still have some old mags from many years past. He had a great life, living to age 91. RIP.
Everyone will have their opinions of Hugh Hefner but Playboy magazine was head and shoulders above any and all the mens magazines and even mainstream ones in terms of photography. I have been following and collecting men's magazines (as well as others) since the late 60's and have also read many "behind the scenes how-to" and "how I shot..." stories (many on the net, just Google "Photographing for Playboy magazine") about Playboy photographers and their technique through the years. After using stock images for their centerfolds (Marilyn Monroe's was a stock calendar shot) in the early issues of the magazine, Playboy started shooting their own, using large 8x10 large format transparency film and Hefner approving any needed retouching and airbrushing to get the ideal images that he wanted. Early on, the centerfolds were shot against sets but later real locations and outdoor backgrounds were used. This continued for decades with the only changes made in film sizes, now using 4x5 and 120 and 135 film for candids. Unfortunately, as circulation and revenue dropped and with the rise of the internet as well as budget constraints, freelance photographers replaced some staff. This was especially evident with later Playboy's "Special Editions," which I felt was a few steps down in overall quality. Regardless, "Playboy" style photography was to be many photographers' goal and stepping stone to their own style.