Musclemen: 'Strength, power, pride'

Todd Leopold, CNN

Updated 0204 GMT (1004 HKT) November 12, 2014

Photographer Leonce Raphael Agbodjelou took portraits of west African bodybuilders.
Photos: Photos: Benin's bodybuilders
Benin's bodybuilders – Photographer Leonce Raphael Agbodjelou took portraits of west African bodybuilders.
Hide Caption
1 of 7
In each picture, the strength of the musclemen is contrasted with the delicacy of the flowers they hold.
Photos: Photos: Benin's bodybuilders
Benin's bodybuilders – In each picture, the strength of the musclemen is contrasted with the delicacy of the flowers they hold.
Hide Caption
2 of 7
The boldness of the fabric colors creates a vibrant twist on conventional strongman photographs.
Photos: Photos: Benin's bodybuilders
Benin's bodybuilders – The boldness of the fabric colors creates a vibrant twist on conventional strongman photographs.
Hide Caption
3 of 7
Bodybuilders pose with flowers against a colorful backdrop.
Photos: Photos: Benin's bodybuilders
Benin's bodybuilders – Bodybuilders pose with flowers against a colorful backdrop.
Hide Caption
4 of 7
Untitled (Musclemen series), 2012
Photos: Photos: Benin's bodybuilders
Benin's bodybuilders – Untitled (Musclemen series), 2012
Hide Caption
5 of 7
Untitled (Musclemen series), 2012
Photos: Photos: Benin's bodybuilders
Benin's bodybuilders – Untitled (Musclemen series), 2012
Hide Caption
6 of 7
Untitled (Musclemen series), 2012
Photos: Photos: Benin's bodybuilders
Benin's bodybuilders –