Nicholas Muellner, a scholar on the history of photography, says that "Bruce Bellas (Bruce of LA) is one of the most important figures in the history of American Male Physique Photography. His photographs were produced for publication in 'physique' magazines, to document body building competitions and for sale in printed sets to individual enthusiasts. The photographer's finest work is characterized by exceptional young models depicted in highly stylized poses, costumes and lighting. In the days preceding legal distribution of male erotica, his photographs were instrumental in defining and refining the aesthetics of male homoerotic photography in the United States.".