WESTERN PHOTOGRAPHY GUILD
Box 2801
Denver 1, Colorado

SERIES SEVEN: STAN McINTOSH

To those who argue that natural talent alone is not enough, but must be combined with intelligence for genuine artistic achievement, Stan McIntosh is a good example. Stan not only possesses natural ability both as a model and a creative designer, but also exhibits genuine intelligence in his approach to both. He can criticize his photographs with more than just a casual statement of likes and dislikes. And the fact that he is equally at home in front of the camera as a model or behind it as a critic may in large part account for the high quality of photographs of his excellent body.

Lest the foregoing give the impression that Stan is a remote intellectual, we hasten to say (although he might not approve) that Stan is not only a friendly, likable chap but also a man's man and at the same time somewhat of a ladies' man. In fact, we seriously doubt that Stan has any enemies at all. His personality is the sort that appeals to everyone, and it might take a real curmudgeon to dislike him. Far from the exhibitionist type, Stan is quiet, modest, and unassuming. He's the good-looking young chap in the letter sweater who lives down the next block in thousands of cities all across America.

Stan McIntosh by Don Whitman / Western Photography Guild

A Denverite born and bred, Stanley Phillip McIntosh entered this world August 27, 1927, when mothers little thought their sons would go through a searing economic depression and a global war before they got out of their teens. Such an outlook faced Stan, but it didn't particularly affect a happy childhood except to leave memories of rather rough sledding during the worst of the depression. The middle of three brothers, Stan had a normal childhood--attending public schools, summers filled with play until he became a little older and got a job cutting grass in the Denver park system. Stan mowed a lot of grass in a day, driving a small tractor with three grass cutters hitched onto the rear. He joined the Boy Scouts, and found fun in their outdoor pursuits, learning various crafts and skills, and pleasant comradeship.

Any game or sport was Stan’s meat, and it was not surprising that he found a wide outlet for his ability along this line when he entered Denver's North High School. Football was his favorite game, but he participated in a different sport every season, and would have gone in for more if there had been more seasons. As it was, he won three letters in football, one in wrestling, and one in baseball. The three football letters weren't won in a row, however. Following completion of his junior year, Stan was drafted into the Navy on August 5, 1945. The war was virtually over and Stan's Navy service proved to be just a temporary interruption of high school.

Stan found the Navy a whole new life, a little of it on the disagreeable side, but most of it educational and engrossing. After boot training at San Diego, Calif., Stan was transferred to Camp Shoemaker, near San Francisco, where in October he went aboard ship, the U.S.S. LST 735, a Baltimore-built ship. Stan was a "plank owner”, a member of the original Crew, and destined to remain aboard until the ship was decommissioned at Portland, Ore., the following year. In between, the LST went to Samar in the Philippines, transported Marines back to Pearl Harbor, and performed shuttle duties between Hawaii and Maui islands.

Stan took to shipboard life rapidly, and soon was as salty as they come. His ability and application quickly won him a petty officers rating as Ship-fitter Third Class. After his ship was decommissioned he was stationed at Vancouver, Wash., where he helped lay up other ships. His discharge came at San Pedro, Calif., on May 8, 1946.

The following fall he resumed his high school career as a senior. The service hadn't adversely affected his football ability, and he was named all-city left end. Then, following his graduation in June, 1947, he was chosen to play on the all-star Metropolitan Denver team in its annual fall gridiron classic against the all-star state team. Denver sports writers singled Stan out for his excellent play.

Stan received a football scholarship to the University of Denver, and became a college student with his good friend, Phil Lambert, in the fall of 1947. Following an interest he had pursued at odd times since early youth, Stan is majoring in art and specializing in design. Although he hasn't got to life sketching so far, it is not inconceivable that when he does, if the regular model shouldn't show up, Stan could take his place and feel just as at home in front of the sketch pad as behind it. There's no doubt that Stan will make a fine record in his college career, but a few weeks after he started an itching foot acquired in the Navy took him off to California all of a sudden. He lived and worked for a month in Burbank, but when the winter quarter rolled around was back at D. U. to resume his studies. "It's not that Denver isn't a Wonderful city to live in," Stan says, "but just occasionally it seems a little dull after some of the Coast cities." How many ex-sailors have said the same thing about their hometowns?

A six-footer, Stan shows an excellent build even when fully clothed because of his excellent posture. He has brown hair that inclines to be curly, sparkling blue eyes, and a complexion that manages to give a tanned impression the whole year round. His weight fluctuates considerably, but generally is somewhere between 175 and 180. Occasionally he lifts weights at the Central Y.M.C.A. with Phil Lambert, but more often he uses his set at home. Stan's measurements are: neck 16, chest normal 44, chest expanded 45, waist 29, hips 36, thigh 23, calf 16, biceps 15., and forearm 14.

He likes to dance, and has a good-looking brunet, with whom he's “been going” for some time, for a dancing partner. "She's really swell, '' according to Stan, "and smart too." He doesn't care much for movies, but goes for any sport, particularly outdoor ones. Among dance bands he has three favorites, Gene Krupa, Stan Kenton, and Vaughn Monroe. Stan doesn't miss many of the big-name bands that are drawn to Denver's Lakeside and Elite Gardens in the summertime by cool Colorado's appeal.

As a poseur Stan leaves little to be desired. Like most models, he was a little nervous the first time he stepped in front of the camera for a physique photograph. However, it didn't take long for him to become a seasoned hand, and he can take directions with ease. As you might expect, he prefers having outdoor pictures taken. Blue skies, a bright sun, and heady mountain air provide considerable inspiration.

Aside from his well developed body, if we were to sum up Stan it would be easy. We’d simply say (and if you met him you'd no doubt agree), "He's a swell fellow”.

Model Profile: Stan McIntosh

SERIES SEVEN: STAN McINTOSH