Female Nudes Reviews

• Figure, plain and simple

  
  By AUTBHG6070SL4 on 2006-07-06
  Alicia Reyes provides a commentary to Bernard Matussière's monumental photography. And, as model, she provides many of the photos as well.
  
  This oversized book of black and white photos is lush and inviting. The format is simple: one photo of one figure per spread, with a few exceptions, and a simple background, also with exceptions. After seeing so many shots of the figure framed on a neutral ground, the more normal kinds of interior scenes seemed cluttered. And, although Matussière's preference for peeling paint and rough interiors creates contrast with the sleek lines of the models, I found that contrast tipped over into disparity.
  
  I was very happy that the black and white photos included black and white models, too. I like all the different looks that the human species has to offer. I especially like the way light plays differently on darker skin than on lighter. In models with pale coloring, the shadows seem to define their figure, but dark-skinned contours seem more defined by their highlights. Maybe it doesn't make sense in words, but the difference is vivid in the images.
  
  Matussière also emphasizes that most human of features: the buns. Humankind is the only ape that runs on two legs, and the gluteal muscle group is central to that ability. When the deep muscles combine with a pelvis widened for childbirth, the feminine derierre become a true landmark, a necessary and dramatic part of womanly beauty. Although the models tend toward slim hips, many of these photos praise that feature with silent eloquence.
  
  The photos are so commanding that they quite overwhelm Reyes's writing. She is eloquent as well, and also passionate about women's beauty - her own and others' equally, by the sound of it. Although her text is enjoyable, this book is about the imagery. But, as with Charis Wilson's commentary on Weston's figure photos, the model's voice adds a lot to the collaboration between the people on the two sides of the camera. I recommend this highly.
  
  //wiredweird
  
  

• Somewhat Repetitious

  
  By A8D5WKQGRR2XN on 2006-09-06
  The size of the book is good, and some of the models are not Caucasian. However, this variety is substantially undercut by many very similar shots--especially of womens' bottoms. I admire this aspect of women as much as anyone else, but these photographs have a sameness about them that insufficiently honors the beauty of each woman. Finally, some of the experiments at variety, such as taking deliberately out-of-focus or "smeared" shots, left me cold.
  
  The faces of the models are probably the most interesting and beautiful aspect of the entire collection. This book is overpriced and overhyped, but it is nice.
  
  

• Fairly disappointed

  
  By A2Y42KO5BKKTC8 on 2007-11-28
  Stark black and white photos, and, on average, not very attractive models. The defects in the skin were too visible. I thought the text was pretty pointless, too much b.s.
  
  

• not what I thought

  
  By A1H7ZI6KUBYT9D on 2008-06-13
  I really was hoping for more from this title. The photos are standard file photos and nothing special to me, seen better studio work. the words that go with the photos have meaning but again not to my taste. Again nothing too inspired, but almost workman in choice. If I had seen the book before I bought it I would not have.
  
  

• Relatively Monotonus

  
  By A29Z0B2L367ZO on 2008-11-24
  This book indeed disappointed me a little bit. First, it is quite restricted with respect to the variety of shots. Second, the book is too big for my personal taste.
  
  The good things: Great quality printing, as well as the binding. Every model is fairly attractive (though, sometime I would like to see a great picture of a more normal looking woman). Perfect lighting.
  
  

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