Dave Martin Obituary

Dave Martin, longtime San Francisco resident and photographer, instrumental in raising the profile of the male nude throughout the world, died here May 4th

Mr. Martin, born 1922 in East Pennsylvania moved here in 1948.
He was self-taught and opened his first studio on Sacramento Street in 1951. He photographed military men, college athletes, law enforcement.

His mentor was Alonzo Hanagan (Lon of New York) who he met in 1947.

Dave's output spanned 1951-1974; but he continued to make prints and worked in his darkroom to develop them from his original negatives until 2010.

In the late 1940s San Francisco had no photographer exclusively specializing in the male nude. Dave seized the opportunity and moved here. He photographed muscular types en plein air, including at the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as indoors. He did have competitors on the West Coast-Russ Warner, Bob Mizer (AMG) and Don Whitman (Western Photography Guild).

In 2003 the Green Library at Stanford acquired copies of most of his photographs eventually, 2600. There may not be another such archive in the US.

Dave's work was published in American Photography of the Male Nude 1940-1970, Volume III [Janssen, Berlin, 1996]. He also appeared in the documentary Beefcake [Mitchell/Fitzgerald, 1999].

A fan of film history, he was a loyal caller to Minds Over Matter, a weekly KALW radio quiz show, also co-founding The Trading Post, a group of local film buffs.

A public memorial will be held on Sat June 21st at 2 PM at St. Aidan's 101 Gold Mine Dr. SF Diamond Heights.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jun. 7 to Jun. 8, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Dave Martin

10 Entries

Dave's 89th Birthday lunch at Mel's

Patrick McMahon

August 3, 2014

I met Dave at a photography studio where his work was being displayed. I liked him immediately and had the privilege of spending some time with him over the years. I enjoy his photographs but his life stories were even more special. He took me to a BINGO game a week or so before his death. Like most other outings with Dave it was an experience. I'll miss him. Attached is a photo from his 89th birthday lunch at his favorite restaurant Mels. Patrick

July 1, 2014

I'm really going to miss you.

Manny Serrano

June 21, 2014

Today I went to Dave's memorial and met a lot of nice and interesting people who knew Dave. I learned things about Dave that I never knew and just makes me admire him even more and lucky to have shared a friendship with him.

I met Dave over 30 years ago when I was in the Track team and our coach took us to get some body work from Dave. He was a sport massage therapist and an excellent one. The intense two hour sessions that combined reflexology with Swedish massage would have you feeling great for weeks. I tried to see him once a month, sometimes more, when I could afford it or when he would give me a complimentary one. As the years went by and he got older, he stopped doing body work, yet our friendship remained. We would get together once in while and do lunch. I invited him to some of my parties and even brought him to see me sing Karaoke.

He was a kind, generous and spiritual soul. I considered him like my second father and I am really going to miss him. I know that he is in a better place and probably watching over me.
God bless you Dave.

David Klein

June 10, 2014

During the 15 years I knew Dave, we went through a few phases: awestruck (me of his photography), partners (I sold his photos on ebay for a time), a wary friendliness, and lastly we became long distance correspondence/phone pals. I feel privileged that Dave shared some of himself with me. Now he belongs to the ages. "Thank you, Dave Martin."

Stephen Sexton

June 9, 2014

MY UNCLE DAVE

My name is Steve Sexton, and I'm Dave Martin's nephew. In my 60 years of life, I never knew about Uncle Dave. I've always been on quests, but had come to the conclusion there may not be more at my age. I'm back on the saddle to find out about the uncle I never knew. In life we all experience, celebrate and regret life moves. In the case of Uncle Dave, I have learned so much already. He was daring, innovative, honest and had a great group of loving friends (some have said I sound just like him). I would like as much information about Uncle Dave as possible. It's so inspiring to know his photography is cherished history; his eye was amazing. I regret so much not having known him....before now.

Eleanor Dugan

June 8, 2014

I knew Dave only through his founding the Trading Post and his remarkable knowledge of and interest in our movie heritage. Thanks to Dave, I now have many film friends here in San Francisco and elsewhere.

charles p jr sexton

June 8, 2014

It has been about 60 years since I saw my Uncle Dave, indeed he was a man who was ahead of his time. My Mother often spoke fondly of her beloved brother, even in a time of death. Dave, you are now in a place where you can be a truely free man, may
god be with you!

Irv Gelb

June 8, 2014

Dave Martin was a true artist with a unique eye. His work was ahead of his time and he pioneered a genre of photography based on his passion. He was a gentle and caring person who loved to talk. Our phone conversations would last a long time due to his inquisitive nature. He shall be greatly missed!

Lawrence Chadbourne

June 7, 2014

I had the privilege of knowing Dave for almost 25 years, but I am just realizing aspects of his life after his recent death.His passing has brought an interesting group of different friends together, to keep his memory alive.

gary noguera

June 7, 2014

Dave, your work will never be surpassed.
You were extremely talented. One of a kind. Robert and I loved you as if you were our own family.
We will always miss you and will treasure the times we had together. Bon Voyage.

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