portraits

Thanks to the Amazon.com reviews already written for Greg Gorman's book, I bought it online and couldn't be happier. Gorman is a contemporary photographer obviously enamored of his subjects. The care and dignity he bestoys on all his models in this book is exemplary.

A previous collection, published by Rizzoli, is called "Inside Life" and consists mainly of portraits of celebrities from Brando to Sarandon, from Quincy Jones to Leonardo Di Caprio before he was LEONARD DI CAPRIO-from a cross-dressing Sharon Stone to a nude Keanu Reeves. But these are much more than publicity pictures one might see in a magazine like "Vanity Fair;" they really bear repeated viewings: has any of us seen Sugar Ray Leonard looking so troubled?; How clever to let us watch Savion Glover resting his feet, rather than tapping; How witty to show us gay porn icon, Jeff Stryker, as he might have looked in an MGM 1940's studio shot.

As beautifully put together as the above volume is, Gorman's "As I See It" is even better. Powerhouse Books has given Gorman the publication he deserves. This is a magnificently designed and executed collection of classic male nudes, most of whom are posed in neutral surroundings, so that our eyes go to the male form and how this photographer wants us to see it.

Included is a reproduction of a charming, hand-written note to Gorman from his fan (and sometimes model) Elton John. A wonderful book of beautiful images. Highly recommended.

Word's can't describe this beautiful new male nude-photography book from Greg Gorman. The photos in this book are so beautifully reproduced, I don't think I have ever seen better. The book binding itself from the brown cloth cover to the beautiful sepia tone black & white photos is perfect. The images of these models (Gorman's friends, acquaintances, and professional models) are so sensual and so clear because of Gorman's talented use of light and shadows. These hot men are handsome and good-looking. There are over 240 photos in this collection, a great achievement that was 20 years in the making by this photographer. These young men are not big and overly built, but very natural looking young men. As Gorman says, "They are not really boys, yet they're not really men, either.

Anyone who appreciates male beauty, great photography, or both should own this beautiful collection. I have reviewed and collected many male nude photography books, but I was more than impressed with this book. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. It's a must for the collector of male figure study books.

The photographs in this book are just marvelous. Gorman has a way of evoking each model's personality so well with his shots. There are also some lower level celebrities in the mix so that is cool. Christopher Atkins has a great spread. If you love the male form, you will love this book of breathtaking photos.