Adam Raphael : Friends and Brothers [Paperback]

Adam Raphael (Photographer)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: HM Publishers (November 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970802021
• ISBN-13: 978-0970802026
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,036,277 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Adam Raphael Is Becoming A Major Presence in Photography!, December 1, 2004

By 

Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Adam Raphael : Friends and Brothers (Hardcover)

For those connoisseurs of fine photography who happened upon the refreshing work of Adam Raphael in his successful debut monograph FRIENDS, this new collection appropriately entitled FRIENDS & BROTHERS will come as no surprise. Raphael's vision of the male form differs from those of better-known photographers: he is more concerned with the vitality and natural beauty of his models than he is in creating dramatic, titillating portraits. And as a result his images capture more of the essence of youth, of the radiance of the young males at their most fit moment in life, that elusive but eloquent Walt Whitman Presence.

Working with primarily non- (or pre-!) professional models, Raphael avoids the practiced pose, opting for the transient moment of interaction both between groups of beautiful young men and between individuals and the photographer. At times he captures technical virtuosity as in #83 Sven Florida where the whiteness of the undershirt appears almost otherworldly against the more natural tonality of flesh and leather ball. In the opening portfolio #2 - 5 Brian & Gerard Florida, two men are at play on the beach in a captivating progressive motion of game that echoes Muybridge pioneering studies that have influenced artists for the past century. In #21 - 26 Justin, Sven & Curtis Florida and in # 61 - 63 Buddy & Paul Florida the joys and tenderness of male bonding is fresh and robust and never cloyingly sentimental. And as for sensual celebration of masculinity the closing portfolio of John New York is about as fine as it gets.

Adam Raphael grows as an artist with each book and each exhibition: FRIENDS & BROTHERS is satisfying on every level for the ever-growing wide audience for appreciation of the fleeting joys of the male form at its zenith.

Grady Harp

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Thin book, contrived shots, massively over-priced!, September 26, 2010

By 

photo4 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Adam Raphael : Friends and Brothers (Hardcover)

I read some reviews for this book suggesting the shots of guys captured their natural beauty. The front cover also shows a beautiful image of guys with a bit of masculine tension but at peace with themselves. What disappointment on receiving the book though. The front picture is the best of the lot, the rest, mostly action shots of buff american lads with very bland faces. Not the natural beauty I was expecting.

Many of the portraits look like the guys are wearing make-up or they've been heavily photo-shopped. It looks like a hairstyle catalogue essentially, something you would find in a discount bin for $5. Unfortunately I thought the price of the book might indicate its popularity and quality - so far from the truth. I can't believe I spent $80 on this and there is not one picture in the book I would happily display or look at again - the front cover is great, the rest is terribly boring. I really am having trouble understanding that there were some good reviews and the price is so high - the product simply couldn't be further from that.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Peak of Innocence & Perfection!, December 2, 2004

By 

Joseph J. Hanssen "Joe" (Upstate New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Adam Raphael : Friends and Brothers (Hardcover)

Touching and tender, and beautifully designed, what a dedicated display of youth this book is. It is a world of good-looking, sensual, yet innocent young men that Adam Raphael seems to capture in all of his photography. Where does he find all of these hot looking young guys? I am really impressed. It is a tribute to these young men that he immortalized them at the peak of their beauty and fleeting youth, a time that will not last forever. Ask any former model for the proof. It is also to these young guys's credit that they worked with a talented professional photographer like Adam Raphael to frame their beauty forever.


Following Adam's first book, "Friends", this is a welcome addition and new collection that includes more "Friends" and now "Brothers too." The sepia toned, color, and black and white images are printed on sepia colored backgrounds and are beautifully photographed displaying these handsome young men wrestling, playing ball, enjoying a day the beach, and just having a good time. Adam has accomplished what he set out to do (be sure to read his foreword) capturing the innocence and beauty of these masculine & handsome young men at the peak of their athletic ability. What is intriguing about these photos is the playfulness of these young guys, who are naturally photogenic as they peel off their shirts to expose all the hard work they done in staying in shape, and improving their bodies.


Adam is a gifted photographer and each book he publishes seems to get better and bigger. This book belongs in every serious collector's library, and in the hands of everyone who appreciates excellent photography and youthful beauty. A stunning achievement!