Customer Reviews

Cruising Grounds

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Bruno Gmünder Verlag publications can always be depended upon releasing a variety of books that are not only interesting in subject matter, but that are also representative of the best in color reproduction of photography available. Bound in covers that are enticing and moody, these excellent art books are finding a wider circulation than ever before. At times the topics of these are controversial, as in the recently published CRUISING GROUNDS, and that simply makes them more collectors' items than others!

Mustang Studios is responsible for this collection of very raw images, and whether these photographs are 'staged' or are taken in those dark places in every city around the world where pursuing pleasure tinged with danger at night occurs, makes little difference in the impact of this visceral collection. The majority of these muscular, tattooed, unshaven men seem to be posing not so much for the camera, but for the 'shoppers' looking to buy their services. The lighting is heavily influenced by shadows and stark contrasts and the models vary from executive men in suits to men in stages of bondage gear to simply more frank suggestion and invitation.

While this book is directed to a specific audience, the presentation of the content and the manner in which the photographers have presented it makes it more a study in a different arm of the culture. It is artsy, yes, but it also documents a part of life few have witnesses. Grady Harp, March 10