'Do not pray for easy lives, pray to be stronger men.'
John F. Kennedy
Strength, both physical and mental, is such an intrinsic part of American Pride. No other country has as many iconic examples power and strength. From movie and sport stars to superheroes, American is land of the free, but a land where freedom must be fought for.
Most of these iconic examples of strength are America's heroes, men and women who fight the good fight, vanquishing evil and championing those in need. The nexus between strength and patriotism is a strong one, but it's about more than just physical strength and muscle mass.
Zade
So much of the respect and awe over build body is more about the journey than the destination. If you look at almost any superhero, you know they didn't begin their lives spinning webs, wrapping bad guys in their golden lasso's or with the ability to jump tall buildings in a single bound. These skills were taught and learned, they were hard fought skills that came from hours, days, and sometimes years of training.
I think that's why men and women of strength are so fascinating to many. I know on FH, whenever I profile a bodybuilder or fitness model, most started their journey from a place of pain, and their desire to make changes, in their lives, in their bodies, and in how they are viewed, and most importantly, how they view themselves.
This past May, I profiled Tyler Berta, a contestant on the short lived CBS reality show Paradise Hotel. (HERE:) When I was looking for images, it wasn't a surprise to discover the beautifully built Berta had done some modeling. When I noticed most of Tyler's shots were from PhotoRSH, I immediately got in touch. We had already been communicating about a piece for FH, and the Illinois based photographer generally shared the results of his work with Tyler.
Troy
Before even finishing that piece, I was already looking to feature more of the artists work. Although when I can I usually like to focus on one model or shoot, when PhotoRSH sent on portfolio's featuring a selection of model's that he's worked with, a theme began to emerge. Not only were many of the models fitness focused, PhotoRSH shot many of them were shot in front of the American Flag.
The flag not only represents strength, it represents the pain and hard work it takes to achieve it. It also represents the hope that the countries strength and power will be used for good. To protect, to provide safety, opportunity and a shelter from the storm to those in need. The flag is an ideal background to showcase the strength, and the bodies, of the models standing proud in front of it.
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