Customer Reviews

H2O

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For all its variety, this collection has one underlying theme: water. The most dramatic photos in the collection are like the cover shot, dancers floating underwater. The amazing results shown here come from an equally amazing adventure in developing the techniques for taking these pictures.

In most of the photos, the artist and model both release their breath underwater until the air in their lungs no longer floats them to the surface. Then, the model is free to pose in ways that would be impossible in air. The model need not worry about balance or support against gravity, true. The water has subtler effects on the figure, too - for example, breasts float, giving them higher, rounder forms than gravity normally allows. Schatz's one zoftig model, Alexandra Beller, has the curves to show that effect in the most striking way. And, as the cover shows, hair and gauzy drapes can reach a flowing lightness that just isn't possible elsewhere.

Schatz found that dancers, and very few others, could work as his models. For one thing, they had the muscle knowledge and physical skill to use weightlessness effectively - after all, hadn't so many dancers been trying for that all along? For another, most women naturally bob to the top of pool. Dancers and other athletes typically have more lean mass, so can reach netural buoyancy much more easily.

Although the free-floating forms caught my attention most firmly, Schatz uses water on other ways, too. Its reflective surface, whether seen from above or below, creates baffling mirror-pairs of arms or legs that pierce that surface. Underwater bubbles or above-water droplets adorn the models, and bubble-trails create unearthly auras. Then to push his imagery even farther from the world of gravity, Schatz somtimes rotates or inverts his photos. In a few, the model faces her rippled reflection in the water's surface - but the image is turned so the surface of the pool appears to be a vertical plane.

It's a stunning collection, and not just because of the gorgeous figure studies. Schatz has done something truly new: he has freed the figure from gravity, and in doing so he has changed the shape of the figure itself.

-- wiredweird

Howard Schatz' creation is indeed a work of art. If you appreciate creative photography and the human form you will marvel at the detail in creating this masterful collection of underwater ballerinas and professional performers. Nuances of color, shape, shadow in conjunction with the dynamics of fluid motion are brought to life in this unusual and breathtaking book. The images are large and the models are credible artists in themselves. Each page is breathtaking and speaks volumes for the painstaking skills of the authors.I have not seen any of his other photographic compendiums but this is one book I will savor and review again and again. Add this to your collection right away.
Amateur photographer

H2O exemplifies a master artisan working at the height of his powers. Howard Schatz showcases once again his unparalleled genius in capturing the elegance of the human form. And short of attending Cirque du Soleil tripping on peyote, this work is unlike anything you'll ever experience again. It's one of those rare publications that literally transport the viewer into another realm; a dreamworld where beautiful, swanlike models float like angels in a surreal water ballet. Where reality is twisted into some sort of magical, impressionistic state of being. Refracted light, color, even the airy magnificence of water bubbles all go into engineering each impossibly delicate image.

It's no secret nor a coincidence that Schatz uses professional dancers, ballerinas, and athletes to populate his underwater stage - few others could so gracefully perform the unimaginably beautiful feats that construct this work.

...personally, I really like artworks in this book, from posing of models to color using is all beautiful. But I found out the paper quality and book binding is not perfect. From my local bookstore, this book has 10% discount, but I still think it's too much coz' the publisher printed it in middle grade paper and glue. Overall, this is still a good book if quality is not your primary concern.

The superlatives heaped upon this title are well deserved.

Page after page of fascinating, beautiful imagery ranging from visions of aquatic heaven to Alice in Wonderland surrealism.

Much of this art seems to touch the deep human instinct to both love and fear water, as well as our fascination with the human form.

I did not notice any inferior production mentioned in the only 3 star "review", but then although I've spent my life around books, worked in bookstores, and have quite a library, I'm no glue expert...nor inclined to become one. I disagree the paper used was mid-grade however, judging it to be up to presentation of this amazing collection.

In fact, I recommend purchasing a Jasmine Book Stand (Bookstand / Bookstands / Holder / Cookbook / Music), you will want to display your favorite pages.

This book is amazing. The pictures are absolutely breathtaking. Schatz's pictures are unique and varied - switching from elegant and erotic to surreal and abstract and back again. The book is really large, so the pictures get a chance to really stand out and allow the viewer to examine them in detail. I think a smaller format would have taken away from the impact of the photos, so I'm glad the publisher chose this size. Each page could be its own print. The price of the book is absolutely worth it.

Howard Schatz has created another beautiful underwater photography compilation of female models. The subject matter is similar to his two prior underwater books, Pool Light and Water Dance. Some photographs were taken from Cirque du Soleil performers in the show "O". The picture composition is excellent as the models appear weightless in the water and the lighting is perfect. This book is great for the coffee table and for serious collectors of color photography.

Fine Art Nudes done under water. The colors are simply beautiful and stunning. Recommend to anyone collecting "Color" fine art nude. Makes a fine addition to any collection.

I have long been a fan of Howard Schatz the Photographer, his work is fantastic in my opinion and his underwater photos are just unbelievably incredible.
Not disappointed with this book.

I have long been a Schatz fan and actually had the pleasure of meeting him once in his studio in NY and I have to say - he is an incredibly kind soul. H20, his latest work, continues to showcase his talent and how it grows and swells with beauty. Worth every penny.... each of Schatz's books that have been of human subjects have gone on (when out of print) to be VERY high in value. This is a fantastic gift for any photography fan.