Bruce of LA’s Poolside Series: Paul Strand and Drew Burton
The sun-kissed moments that pushed boundaries and created an iconic gay-summer fantasy.
Picture a sunlit California backyard in the 1950s: a crystal-blue pool, palm trees swaying in the heat, and two strapping young men—one named Paul Strand, the other Drew Burton—lounging at the water’s edge. Enter Bruce Bellas, better known as Bruce of LA, who sets up his camera and begins snapping away. The resulting images would become a kind of legend: the “Poolside Series,” featuring these two bronzed models in poses that transcended mere “fitness” and veered into the realm of erotic summer dreams. In an era when even bare torsos could spark moral panic, Bruce of LA dared to capture full-frontal nudity, playful tension, and yes, more than a few glimpses that left censors fuming.'
Two Men, One Lens, and a Whole Lot of Sun
Paul Strand and Drew Burton weren’t random gym rats Bruce picked off the street; each had built a modest reputation in physique modeling circles. Paul was often praised for his boyish face offset by a ridiculously ripped torso, while Drew had an almost feline grace—long limbs, lean muscles, and a playful glint in his eye. Both men were rumored to be open to more risqué angles, making them the perfect collaborators for Bruce’s daring brand of photography.
Their synergy was undeniable. Sometimes they’d lounge side by side, toying with the idea of a suggestive “bros just hanging out” vibe, except the carefully positioned towels and the way their bodies nearly brushed against each other hinted at far more. In one memorable shot, Paul stands waist-deep in the pool, water dripping off his shoulders, while Drew perches on the deck with his entire body on display—blurring that line between “tasteful nude” and “holy shit, is this allowed?” The sense of tension—like you were witnessing an intimate moment that had almost slipped into the lens by accident—gave the Poolside Series its special glow.
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