Portraits and Photos Books

If you are an Elvis fan, this is really one of those must have books. The pictures are to die for and it is just wonderful.

the photographs are spectacular, but where is the non-limited edition that i've seen retail in the bookstore for $65?

i Love this Book it has very good quality photos of the king in his prime!

This book is beautiful. The pictures are excellent and it is nice to have as a collectors item for any Elvis fan or give as a gift to any Elvis fan.

If you only have one Elvis book in your library, or one photography book, let it be "Elvis at 21"...you will never buy a more sumptuous volume. The printing of the images is phenomenal, with wonderful use of gatefolds. It is one of the very few art books I've bought that I didn't balk at the retail price.

Wertheimer's photographs are collectively an artifact of our cultural history. It's amazing to see so many of them gathered together and in sequence. A much smaller selection of this body of work was published about 20 years ago as "Elvis '56"--this was my one-book-in-the-library, even back when I only had a photocopied edition. With this expansion, a whole new king is crowned.

2007 is of course the 30th anniversary of the King's passing. The world should expect a vast onslaught of new and revised offerings on the man. "Elvis at 21" throws down an early gauntlet so firmly, the other publishers might just as well crawl back into their niches.

Buy it, and wear a bib so you don't ruin the pages with your drool.

It's difficult to describe why Bruno Bisang's images are so exciting when many similar books are dull and repetitious. I suspect that the photographer has a really deep sensual appreciation of beautiful women, and the results show on every page.

I like this book because you can see really nice shots, technically and artistically marvellous, but you can see others in wich you just see a really pretty girl.

I think is a book of nude and glamour photography, and I prefer just the nude. If someone likes glamour pictures, this is his book

...haven't seen a good book like this for long long time..!! As a freelance photographer, I'm truly impressed by Bruno's artworks, whatever from light setting to posing or from color to techniques, I am so impressed. However, I have fewer opportunities to take pics of nude models. Personally, I really like those B&W pics on this book and you won't be disappointed with it at book..!! Well, sorry I want to know when the second book comes out coz' I am looking forward to it..!!

This is my first Bisang Book, and I must say that I'm definitely impressed. I would recommend for anyone's collection who is looking for tasteful nude photography that can be left on your coffee table and not be ashamed for anyone to look through...

I've got an entire shelf of books on nude photography, but this is certainly one of the best. No "average people are beautiful too" here -- all the models are gorgeous and well developed. The pics are in both color and black & white, and usually take up the full page. Heavy paper, large size, tasteful clear photos, and gorgeous women. Fantastic.

I happen to have had the chance to visit with John int he studio where most of this was shot - and I must tell you that the sense of reality you see in his art is present in John's daily life.

The book is an amazing addition to your collection.

before my friend pratically made me buy this book, i had never really understood or appreciated visual art. it didn't do anything for me. but after i discovered this book, that changed. his pieces made me feel something, offering me a glimpse into what must be an infinitely complex and talented individual. they made me think about a lot of things, like what constutites beauty and sensuality and power. some of his pieces still make me catch my breath and i feel a sense of awe.

When I first saw John's work displayed on a website I was overwhelmed by the visuals. The design of his sets, to the models he used, it looked aged to me, antique and quite beautiful in a rough way I have no words for. I immediatly wanted to write something about the scene I was viewing, and that is the highest compliment I can give to another artist. Soon after I had the pleasure of getting to know him as a friend as well as an artist, and there are so many wonderful things to be said about him and his work. His work never ceases to move me in some way and I will always recommend it to others I think will appreciate his unique vision.

John expertly shows his ability to turn the most mundane of objects into an absolute feast for the senses. With anything from baby dolls to birdcages, fruit to frogs, coffee tables to coffins; he paints a picture that is at times both unsettling and comforting. It brings to the forefront of our minds the dark thoughts and fears that lay within each person upon this planet. However, it also shows in tasteful elegance that such is the way we are all made and there is always a desire for what is considered "forbidden". Victoria's poetry adds to the ambiance and effect by providing a written "map" in this journey of the soul. It was my honor and pleasure to read this book and I hope for and expect many more visits to this magical place, compliments of this duo.

As an erotic photographer myself, I dont see too many of my peers whose work Id cross the street to see. Or whose work I would say even "moves me". But for Santineross Id run across the street. His haunting images that showcase femalians wrapped in gauze or naked and clothed merely with angels names written upon them, are really some of the the most original images Ive seen of late. You cant really put his art in a "slot" which is what makes people shy away from some artists and I think this is one of the things that will hurt Santineross in the long run as they will try and slot him in with Witkin. His stuff is really more erotic and more glamourously beautiful than Witkins imagery. Give this book a chance. Youll be happier for it.

I saw the film of this book at a film festival in Boise, ID a year or so ago. I was so taken by the beauty and the quality of it I chased the presenter down, lost sight of her and then went from one email address to another until I contacted her. I bought the film and now have the book. I've lived in Idaho off and on for a few years now and can say that the absolute beauty of the area, the people and the way of life there are wonderfully captured in this book and film. I'd recommend this to anyone who still believes that there is a code to live by, honesty, hard work and being true to a way of life.

Kendall Nelson captures her subject well. I saw her photos on display at my friend's house and she showed me the book. I couldn't afford the photos, but the book was right in my range. Book is great. Photos are wonderful. I especially enjoy the photo of the cowgirl and her dog.

If you have any interest in cowboys or the American west, you'll love this book. The stunning photographs and elegent text tell the story of a simple, rugged lifestyle that is, sadly, disappearing all too quickly from our national landscape.

You'll want to keep this one handy to look at again and again. And it makes a great gift!

Here's another book of fine photography devoted to cowboys and buckaroos, this time put together by three women. It's a big oversize book, with 48 black and white plates by California photographer Kendall Nelson. The rather worshipful and romantic text is by German-born writer Felicitas Funke-Riehle. Gretel Ehrlich has provided an introduction about the lonely, hard work of a cowboy, written in her own meticulous eye-for-detail style. (Clint Eastwood has a brief 5-sentence foreword.)

The photos were taken 1996-1999 on several ranches in Nevada, with some additional shots taken in Texas, Wyoming, and Idaho. Most of them are of individual cowboys, many with their horses. Typically they are captured against a sweeping terrain under a big sky with scattered clouds. A buckaroo gathers sage brush for a branding fire. Another sits in the open flap of a teepee tent bent over a silver bit he's repairing, Four vaqueros sit in the shade against a wall, smoking cigarettes, the oldest of them watching the photographer.

Cowboys move cattle through sage brush, raising clouds of dust. A cowboss stands with his wife and son against the plank walls of a shed, their three border collies gathered at their feet. A man leans, head down against a fence, snow collecting on the brim of his hat. The photographs capture the relentless, hard work of these men and something of their solitude. Even as they wait for their horses (see cover photograph) they stand separately, keeping a distance between them. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in cowboys, cattle ranching, Western life, and thoughtful photography. For vintage photographs of cowboys, I suggest also Richard Collins' "The American Cowboy."

Timeless black and white photography of a timeless subject, Cowboys of the American West. Well done with an obvious emotional connection to her work. A must for everyone's home and heart!

This book is a wonderful "visit" to Abania. We visited there last year and fell in love with the people there. I highly recommend it.Very interesting!

Albania is a third-world European nation with dismal gray communist block buildings littering the cities, and more than 600,000 concrete pill boxes land studding its countryside and beaches. For the past fifty years, under the tyrannical dictatorship of the communist leader Enver Hoxha and his isolation from the rest of the world, the people of Albania have languished. After 50 years of no contact with the outside world what must the Albanians have thought when they awoke in 1991 to the fast-paced, competitive world of the 21st century?

Northern Albania (High Albania) is a totally different land than the South. High Albania is an intriguing part of the country that retains separate customs and identity. Marjorie Senechal interviewed scores of ordinary men and women with the intent of discovering who these people are, what have they been through, and what does the future look like to them. She invites the common people of Albania to talk candidly - and talk they do. Without the past fears of being beaten, jailed, or even killed for expressing their thoughts they now talk openly about their children, their work, their problems, their fears and even their dreams. Each interview is accompanied by portrait style photos. Stan Sherer has chosen B&W photography to capture the soul of this suffering country. Sherer does a commendable job in discovering both the ethos of these people and the beauty of this part of the country. His photos reveal a balance between the despair and backwardness of Albania, and the strength of will and hospitality that are found in its people .

The harmonious marriage of text and photos is divided into four chapters: ancient history, the past 100 years, the emerging present, and the hope for the future. In Albania it remains a daily struggle just to survive. Yet despite these difficulties, the traditional Albania toast - "Long life to your children" - is a cry for the future, a future of dreams fulfilled.

This book talks about life in Albania from an outsiders view, however it also introduces you to many citizens of the country, doctors, lawyers, farmers, students, etc. and allows them to speak to you in their own words. I found this very refreshing since many other books don't give you that personal connection to a country. The book is also filled with great pictures. Many Albanians are frustrated that the West has decried communism for so many years, yet now that that these countries have embraced democracy, they feel lost, they need help and don't feel that the international community has done enough. After reading this book, I am sure you will agree that a "Marshall Plan" should be implemented in the Balkans. I know this was mentioned during and after the bombing of Kosova.

A very well written and organized book. It describes this amazing country and its people in a very original and pleasant way. A must read.

This book is a definte highlight and must have for anyone intested in Ghegeria (North ALbania). Long Life to your children is an excellent book with fantastic literary content about the culture and way of live for many Malesores (Higlanders) of North Albania. Anyone interested in Gheg clan culture and the typical life of many North ALbanians will find this book of valuable isight. There are also many wonderful photographs throughout the book to accomapny the text and provide a picture of what the North of The Land of The Eagle looks like. Shume i Mire (Very Good). A definite item to have in your collection of Albania.

the first
a visual street photography book of new york city
my winnogrand's work set the standard
this is a great coffee table book

I recently took a class in street photography at New York's ICP and Winogrand's work is something I could never even hope to approach. Some of his images are startling, you feel like the crowd is STILL headed right at you and that you must somehow get out of the way. He was fearless in the street and this collection proves it.

Gary Winogrand was the type of photographer who had a very itchy camera trigger finger. When he died he left behind around 10,000 rolls of undeveloped film. If it moved he photographed it. Did he shoot so many good pictures simply because he took such an unbelievably large number of them, i.e. if you take a million shots aren't you bound statistically to get at least a thousand good ones? Good question, yet GW is one of my favorite people. If you like street photography with insight and humor he is almost unbeatable. These are candid portraits that catch people gawking, staring, laughing, having fun, showing pain, and often being oblivious to everything around them. Gary was not shy; he thrust his camera right into people's faces, and caught them in off guard moments. A man crawls along a sidewalk unnoticed by a group of American Legionnaires. Another man walks nude through a crowd without attracting much attention at all. Another man walks through a crowd carrying an immense poster of the Beatles. Why is he doing this; where is he going? A man with a bandaged nose stares strangely at his female passenger as he drives along. Is he angry with her or is he perhaps lusting after her. You decide.

It takes you forever to get through this book as you sit and look at each picture for a long, long time. How revealing are the faces, the postures, and the gestures; each shot prompts you to weave a story around the captured event. Winogrand seems to be made up of equal portions of Elliott Erwitt, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Diane Arbus, and Andre Kertesz (if you are unfamiliar with any of these folks, and you like Winogrand, you had better check them out). The saddest thing is that almost all of Winogrand's books are out of print. This is a breathtaking collection of his work.

As far as I know, this is the only in-print book of Winogrand's photography available. For me, relatively young and new to photography, I am thankful for the opportunity to see some of his photos. They are a revelation. Even a cursory first glance through the book, I was struck at the complexity of the scenes photographed. These photos speak volumes, though I'm not sure what it is they say. In fact, the attraction of these photos lie in their mystery. Repeat viewings will reveal more nuances...so many layers emerge that interpretations will get lost in themselves. Well, that is TRUTH.

Regretfully, the printing quality of this book stinks. The duotone curve they used for this book is all messed up. Many photos end up looking like sepia prints rather than a black and white print. There are few pure, deep, dark blacks in the book. Instead you get this black-brown color which is really ugly and does a disservice to GW's work. True, Winogrand himself said "anyone who can print a photo can print my work" downplaying the importance of the printing process. And while the poor reproductions in this book does not take away from the strength of the photos, I still find it annoying and most of all...UGLY. All I can hope for is another book of Winogrand's work to be published. With all his millions of negatives, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

This book is worth reading by every person loving cities, not just photograph-lovers. A book so real, you feel you are walking through a cith while flipping the pages!

this is a great book of photos. i have the original first addition big version of this book which has more pages and is bigger in size, so get the big one if you can. if you can't, get this small one because it has so many beautiful photos.

OK. This book is really magnificent. Alone the cover and the back cover are to frame. The Black Sitting is indeed breathtaking and belong on billboards.
However you want to be aware that there are different editions of this book. This one is a tiny hardcover edition, very small. I don't know why it was made. The regular one was a regular sized coffee table book, of around 10 inches height. It looks as though this may be out of print.

Simply put, Milton Greene's photographs, as a group, place him first among equals of the group of Marilyn photographers,some now dead and a fair number still alive (as of this date),whose work-along with, of course, her theatrical motion pictures-are all we have of this enigmatic and emotionally compelling figure, dead 42 years now.

This book is available both in a small pocket edition and in a larger coffee-table version, and each has its purpose, although most will prefer the bigger one.

Greene's relationship with Monroe differed from others in that he was also her business partner in Marilyn Monroe Productions, the company they formed that was one of the first serious assaults on the then-reigning Hollywood studio system. It gave MM the contractual withal to have much more control over the types of films she did, and the standards to which they would be made, and discretion over her actual work (an example being the provision that she did not have to film while periodic) than was generally the case at that time.

This also provided Greene with insight as to Monroe's thought processes and a great deal of interaction with her personal life, which photographers not so affiliated wouldn't have.

While there are many fine portfolios of Monroe by many very fine photographers-George Barris,Eve Arnold, Richard Avedon-Greene's,as a whole, stand out as capturing the Marilyn Monroe essence. No one image of his is iconic in and of itself-it's only in the aggregate that his work dominates. If you are only allowed one volume of Monroe, this clearly is the one to get.

We've seen enough pictures of Marilyn Morone, but this book unveils some of the rarely-seen backstage and real life pictures of Marilyn taken by her favorite photographer Miller Grenne. In addition to her normal sexy appearence, Marilyn looked natural, stunning and relaxed in these pictures. A must buy for Marilyn fans!

As the previous reviewers commented, I found this book to be a superlative photo album of one of America's foremost photographers. Mr. Green truly captured Marilyn Monroe's candid beauty. Green brought forth Monroe's innocence as well as her sensual and goddess like images through the lens of his camera. You see her playfully swimming and frolicking in a pool. You see her riding atop an elephant in Madison Square Garden, NY to help benefit Children's Charity. The closing photos in the book of her portrayal of Elsie Marina, in the Prince and The Showgirl and "Cherie" the "Chanteuse" in her first movie production of "Bus Stop" are memorable as well. I truly recommend this magnificent work for anyone who enjoys seeing a creative master photographer and the beautiful legendary Monroe.

annie's book is an incredible collection of celebrity images with a series of text that describes her ascent to the top in her field

Annie Leibovitz's name is as recognizable as her photos. This collection spans two decades filled with her best work mostly from Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone, but including some previously unpublished ones. She has the knack to bring out the side of a celebrities personality unexpected, and a way to turn a comic photo on it's side for another uplift of laughter. Some serious, some funny and many sentimental, Annie Leibovitz's photos invoke thought, humor, tenderness and empathy in every frame. A woman from modest beginnings shows the world what she has accomplished so far. It is an impressive feat.

Annie Leibovitz has searching eyes which catch the light, the action, the expression of people the way Ansel Adams had the eyes for nature. In this beautiful coffee table book, one of the favorite pics is of Whoopi Goldberg. The contrast of her dark caramel skin peeking through the surface of a bright white milk bath is astounding. The curved artistic forms of Yoko Ono & John Lennon show them as they were--as one. You just want to slowly trace your finger over their shapes.

There are over 200 photos to delight the senses. Most are of famous people which Ms. L has had contacts with from her work at Rolling Stone and other venues. These performers seem to open up to this photographer and are willing to show something more than their "star" profile. Even people who are not into art or photography, like this book.

A grand illusionary celebration.

Thanks for your interest & comment vote--CDS

Seeing so many celebrity photographs from the beginning of Ms. Leibovitz's career unveils many of the most effective methods that she uses to create her deep insights into the subject of the portrait. Although you may feel the subtlety of her work viscerally, these comparisons make it easier to appreciate the purposefulness of how the effects are brilliantly captured. If you are like me, this book will enhance your already deep appreciation of her work.

Before going into all the reasons I like this book, let me mention that the book contains tasteful nudity and sexual situations that would probably cause an R rating for a motion picture (or possibly something a bit stronger, like an R plus). Many parents would be uncomfortable with some of their children seeing these images. So judge the appropriateness of this wonderful book for your own family.

First, Ms. Leibovitz is looking for the soul of the person. Who are they at the core? This is captured by establishing a composition that overtly expresses this inner kernel of truth. For Roseanne Barr and Tom Arnold, this is captured by mud wrestling. For Muhammad Ali, you see a fully confident, capable man fully comfortable with himself and the world.

Second, she captures the subject's personality with posing and expression within the composition. Whoopi Goldberg's playfulness is captured by a composition that has little bits of her beautiful blackness emerging from a milk bath, with a characteristicly wry, happy smile.

Third, she shows the social mask that the subject uses. Lily Tomlin's face poses behind a television set image. Diane Keaton is shown wandering around with her face averted from the camera to capture her preference for privacy and appearance of shyness. Keith Haring appears wearing nothing but his painted on designs.

Fourth, she connects her subject to another person where that helps to establish part of the person's reality. John Lennon appears in foetal position with Yoko Ono, in that famous image from this book's cover. The Rolling Stones are literally flying through the air at the same time while performing. The Grateful Dead are asleep on each other's shoulders. Interestingly, she is usually able to do this with a humorous, light touch that dispells some of the celebrity power of the person.

Fifth, she lets a little slip in composure or a little blemish show where that adds to the underlying reality. Louis Armstrong looks scared in one classic portrait pose, while totally relaxed and in control in a less formal setting. Mick Jagger's partially healed scar is shown in another image. Jodie Foster puts on an intelligent expression that shows the Yale graduate rather than the young female star.

Sixth, she captures motion in ways that give the kinesthetics of the person and situation wonderfully. For example, a group of prisoners and family members hug at Soledad Prison in California at Christmas in 1971. You see many different relationships in this one image. It's like a microcosm of all humanity.

Here are my favorite images:

John Lennon, New York City, 1970

Louis Armstrong, Queens, New York, 1971

Christmas, 1971, Soledad Prison, California

The Grateful Dead, San Rafael, California, 1971

Ray Charles, San Francisco, 1972

Lily Tomlin, Los Angeles, 1973

Richard Pryor, Los Angeles, 1974

Andy Warhol, New York City, 1976

Tennessee Williams, Key West, Florida, 1974

Ron Kovic, Santa Monica, California, 1973

The Rolling Stones, Philadelphia, 1975

Brian Wilson, Malibu, California, 1976

Muhammad Ali, Chicago, 1978

Robert Penn Warren, Fairfield, Connecticut, 1980

John Lennon and Yoko Ono, New York City, December 8, 1981

Greg Louganis, Los Angeles, 1984

Bruce Springsteen, Asbury Park, New Jersey, 1987

Whoopi Goldberg, Berkeley, California, 1984

Twyla Tharp, New York City, 1989

Michael Jackson, Los Angeles, 1989

Mikhail Baryshnikov, New York City, 1989

After you have enjoyed the book, I suggest that you make a drawing that does a similar unveiling of someone you know well. You might even consider a self-portrait. Ms. Leibovitz says those are the hardest to do.

Look deeply into those all around you and see the truth . . . as well as the fictions.

No-one captures the human face of celebrity on film like Annie Liebowitz (except for the brilliant Herb Ritts). This softback book is a wonderful chronological history of Annie's work over a 20 year period.

From the playful magic of Whoopi Goldberg in a bath of milk, Bette Midler under a blanket of roses and Sting baked in mud, this book shows the wit and insight of Annie Liebowitz. To lovers of either photography and/or celebrity this book is a must. Reasonably priced at $40 USD it also features the "foetus" shot of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. To students of photography, this book demonstrates her inventiveness and ability to portray the 'human' behind icons and public creations. A book you can leaf through time and time again whilst delighting in Ms Liebowitz's art.

Jenny documented the work of artists from all backgrounds and ethnicities. She was one of a handful who documented the early Hollywood punk scene, which was pretty well integrated. Jenny was never afraid of me and that's saying something, because lots of people were. The Vex and the Hollywood scene did not happen at the same time and those who attempt to distort history by lumping them together are making a big mistake.

Punk Pioneers by Jenny Lens is far and away the most awesome coffee table quality book about the early punk scene. It contains an incredible range of artists that were around during punk's conception, birth, and childhood. Its scope is much broader and helps the reader understand where punk was coming from and what was going on in the parallel musical universes of bands like Van Halen and artists like Bob Marley. I think this aspect of Jenny's book is really important, because as I've said time and time again, seeing early punk in isolation does not really convey how far it was from the mainstream nor does it acknowledge the influences of what came before it. Jenny's book acknowledges the New York punk and early glam bands that set the stage for what would become a unique West Coast cultural movement. Punk Pioneers cements Jenny's status as punk photography's Alpha Bitch.

Aside from Frank Grimes cries of racism (yawn - read his other book reviews which contain the same EXACT, ludicrous accusations) ... keep in mind, he's 100% incorrect: Jenny is the least racist person I know, and the other positive reviews regarding her recent book are spot on! Punk Pioneers is a truly fantastic collection of writing and pictures from one of LA punk's greatest artists. Unfortunately, the early LA punk scene always took a back seat to New York and England; which no doubt, is a shame. When one fast forwards to over 3 decades later, it's easy to see LA punk may have actually had a bigger impact on the music scene than its east coast and trans Atlantic counterparts. Jenny's book gives LA its due credit, and captures the essence of this creative, unique, and influential scene. In addition, it includes excellent shots of NY and the UK. I've been waiting for Jenny's book for years; I've always considered her the greatest photographer / punk historian there is. This book validates that view: these amazing photographs breathe life back into the days of old. I put on a compilation of 70's punk, turned the cell phone off, and allowed Jenny to take me on an incredible journey ... what a trip!

I was so Waiting for this Book! It does NOT disappoint!

Not only do you get Jenny's Iconic Pictures, you get some Personal anecdote's of her Insider's time in the scene. I talked once on the phone with her for over Two hours! We talked about it All & the Stories in the Book are the same to what she told me, 3 years earlier! before she could even Think about Making the Book! More is Coming!

Her Genuine Enthusiasm for the Scene & its Music & bands comes Right on through! Just Buy it!

Support the Real Supporter's of the LA punk Rock Scene! Check out [...]

This book is the bomb!I like the book because it shows the musicians (and fans) in impromptu settings,which creates an air of being there.I like the large photo layout and the fact that there is not too much text to distract the reader from focusing on what's going on in the photos.It has become my new "coffee table" book!

Artifix Greg: "I was on Amazon and I saw that your book is finally coming out! Great news there!!!!! You've inspired us at Artifix Records with your work and friendship. You have produced an amazing body of work and you will be remembered forever. I see the name Jenny Lens popping up so much now! In just a few short years, you have really re-established yourself and you are the top dog! Congratulations!" -from an e-mail sent to Jenny Lens from Artifix Records

When Ruth Bernhard turned 100, this book was reprinted as a Centennial Edition to celebrate. Published in a limited edition of only 1000 copies (hardcover) it features beautifully embossed end papers and minor editorial changes. It is the best version of this book to buy if you are a collector of photographic books. Ruth signed copies immediately before her death and those are available from the publisher.

Bernhard simiply reminds us of the beauty of the female body. It is a study of perfect lighting and posing.

I recently purchased this book and why did I wait this long? All I can say is breathtaking. Being a photographer who sometimes does nudes for personal project, it is a challenging task to compose and light the human body avoiding from making it "pornlike" or overtly sexual. Each style has its own place in the marketplace; however, the former requires much more skills than just a good looking model.

Ansel Adams declared Berhard "the greatest photographer of the nude." Perhaps she is, but I haven't wholly understood why - not because the work is obscure (it's not at all), but because it's deep.

This book contains plenty of evidence. These fifty B&W pictures span forty years of her career, in chronological order. In the 1930s, "In the Circle" and "Embryo" use simple props to contrast the harsh geometries of human products with the softness of the human herself. Other photos from that era use running water or draping to highlight the figure. By the 1950s, though, Berhard had simplified down to just the figure itself, as in "Dancer's Hips," making her work plainer, but bolder and more monumental. Still later, Berhard added back in screens to soften focus and create a new play of shadow. Although interesting, I'm still more moved by the compositions in terms of figure alone, including "Crossover," "Two Forms," and "Sand Dune."

Throughout, Bernhard examines the female models with a female eye, celebrating the feminine in the figure for what it is. "Early Nude," "Harvest," and "Hourglass," among others, emphasize curves that embody strength - curves that other photographers, especially male, could have made awkward. It's a wonderful collection, one that I know I'll keep coming back to. I have much to learn from it.

-- wiredweird

Well, it's four stars worth of disappointed...and I realize it's something of a heresy to be less than thrilled by the work of this pioneer artist in the field of the photographic nude. This softbound book is a touch under a foot square, and the 50 photographs are of nearly that size. They are all black-and-white, though there is a great range of experimental treatment that belies the suggestion of sameness. Some superimpose female figures and subjects from nature ("Harvest," e.g., is the midriff of a very pregnant woman superimposed with a field of grain); some are highly abstract, utilizing very high-intensity light with shadow contrasts, delivering a very impressionistic human torso; and others utilize transparent material and the like to create unique effects.

Why didn't I like it better? I don't like impressionistic, highly stylized nudes, but realistic skin tones and recognizable features. Beauty counts more for me than technical fireworks. You may feel otherwise, especially if you are a professional photographer.