Timeless Vision

List all the well-known bodybuilding photographers in the world.

- Joe Wuebben

There aren’t many, but Per Bernal is one of them. In fact, Bernal is probably the most accomplished, most sought after working photographer in the fitness industry today. Professional bodybuilders want to be shot by him. Fitness models ask for him specifically. Those who have been reading bodybuilding magazines over the past 20 years are honored to meet him.

Per Bernal was born in Stockholm, Sweden, but grew up about a four hour train ride north of there in the small town of Härnösand. At an early age, he developed a passion for both lifting weights and creating art. Years later, in his 20's, he combined these two interests and created a living for himself. Now 52, Bernal has a career that spans more than three decades and has a distinct portfolio to show for it. In a recent interview with FLEX, Bernal gave an oral account of how he got started and the events that led to him first coming to America and then creating iconic physique images that are known as much for the man behind the camera as the famous bodybuilders in front of it.

I came from a pretty artistic family, and I was always drawing stuff as a kid. I would draw these superheroes and muscular physiques, probably from the sixth grade and on. I was always fascinated with it, and it was always lingering in the back of my mind. When I first saw Pumping Iron back in 1977 or ’78, it had a huge impact on me. I wanted to hit the gym, but I was 12 or 13 years old at the time, which I figured was too early.