Peter Gowland is one of the original Hollywood glamour photographers. He was born in 1916 in Los Angeles, so he has been around town for a while. He was also an actor, of sorts, and a camera designer. His father was Gibson Gowland. Originally from England, Gibson was a Hollywood actor who starred in silent films and later in the talkies.
Gowland’s Glamour Photography
Peter Gowland and his wife Alice photographed many movie actors and young Hollywood starlets, including Jayne Mansfield, Barbara Osterman and Pat Hall. Altogether they photographed over 1000 magazine covers.
Los Angeles back in the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s was a hotbed for glamour photography because so many young and attractive hopefuls passed through Hollywood hoping for their big break. Whenever I think of Peter Gowland, I always image the character that Bob Cummings played on the 1950s television show Love That Bob.
Gowland’s Books
I first learned of Peter Gowland during the late 1960s when I would see his books on glamour photography in camera stores. I would read them in the stores because I wouldn’t have been allowed to take them home–they were too risque. But Peter Gowland’s books were one of the things that really got me interested in pursuing photography. I am sure he inspired many other photographers just like me.
The were numerous books by Peter Gowland about photographing glamour and nudes. One of his most popular books was Peter Gowland’s New Handbook of Glamour Photography. He also published “posing guides”, books with numerous poses to follow. Unfortunately today most of his books are out of print. If you see one for sale, snatch it up. It is a collector’s item.
Gowlandflex Camera
Peter Gowland is also known for building his own cameras which he sold under the brand name Gowlandflex. He was quite the inventor and built many award-winning cameras, most large format.
This is our salute to Peter Gowland, actor, inventor, author and one of the most prolific glamour photographers of the 20th century.
You can visit Peter Gowland’s website:
Peter Gowland Glamour Photography and Cameras
