Customer Reviews

Couples

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Photographer Stefan May has compiled a fine collection of b&w photos that rates high on the scale of eroticism, but [thankfully] falls way short of smut. There's a spontaneity in Mr. May's portrayal of passionate couples, but what's more amazing is the intimacy infused in his work through extreme angles, creative cropping and the depiction of depth and movement. I enjoy this book more every time I pick it up.

I'd say that "Couples" falls squarely between the refined artistry of Patrick Demarchelier's "Photographs" and the joyfully haphazard presentation of Sante d'Orazio's "A Private View." Mr. Demarchelier is unsurpassed (my opinion) in "nailing" a photo: perfect pose, perfect angle, perfect exposure, perfect everything. Mr. d'Orazio does a great job of chronicling a glamorous and fun lifestyle. Whereas these two artists (both masters) still leave the viewer somewhat at a distance from their subjects, Mr. May brings us right into the photo with a perspective that can only be had from an involved point of view. Sometimes we're spying ... undetected; other times, we're right in the scene ... point blank, yet ignored; still others, the subjects are looking right at us ... caught in the act. There's movement, there's action, and everywhere there's the sense of erotic touch. Sheer brilliance. The chemistry (yes, those pheromones) of physical attraction is on virtually every page, but nothing about the photography is "dirty" or "in your face."

Save for the thickness (it's not), "Couples" is a large format book with coffee table dimensions. The 100+ photos range from 3" x 5" all the way up to fully both pages of the open book. There seems to be an overall randomness to the ordering, front to back, although there are many groupings (with titles) in place to portray photographic "suites" of a suggestive nature. Not surprisingly, the couples are all gorgeous. Not one looks at all posed, i.e., the spontaneity of the photo shoot(s) comes across very strongly. These had to be the most enjoyable gigs for everyone involved.

"Couples" is recommended for lovers of love, as well as lovers of great b&w photography.

Not just as a study of black white photography. The power of emotion these photos emit is staggering. I bought it while getting over divorce, so the palpable emotion felt between subjects of May's pics was unbearable. I wept flipping thru it. Really strong.

We reviewed this text together as a (heterosexual) couple and both highly recommend it to all who have an interest (or think they might have an interest) in erotic art. All of the images are wonderfully conceived and beautifully reproduced in an oversized hardcover format. After reviewing this collection, it is easy to conclude that Mr. May invented the art of erotic photography. The staging of each detail in each image is absolutely perfect and the erotic tension between the models drips from the pages. An absolute "must have" for any collection of erotic art and the essential first step for any couple beginning an exploration of erotic imagery.

I'm really glad to have bought the book, it's wonderful and exceptional. Exceptional because it shows amazing high-quality erotic images without being pornographic at all. I can only recommend this item! Stefan Mays other books are also worth looking it. I love them.

This is a great book, I highly recommend it. I had looked at the book in a local bookstore months prior to purchasing a copy. At the time I felt the $60 or $70 the bookstore was charging was too much to pay for the book but after leaving the book there I was still thinking about it and felt the overwhelming urge to go back to get the book. When I went back they were sold out and I was told it is out of print. I searched online to find used and collectible copies for hundreds of dollars which I Was unwilling to pay. I found this copy on Amazon and was very happy. Upon arrival I opened the book to find a print wrapped in paper inside the front cover as well as the photographer's signature on the cover page. The photos are so compelling. Black and whites are so crisp, they are very pleasing to the eye. The couples have chemistry between them that comes alive on each page. The stories are so vivid and clear.

I don't care if he's a world famous photographer with a starry portfolio - these photographs are not inspiring nor inspired. They are ok, but nothing particularly touching, nothing that strikes a chord with a real person. The models have cliche looks and somewhat exaggerated and strained bodies. And say what you might about the beauty of the female form and black and white film, but his lens is more objectifying and, well, pornographic, than artistic on the female bodies. He is best suited for photographing celebrities for MAXIM.