Customer Reviews

Helmut Newton: Pola Woman (Schirmer Art Books on Art, Photography & Erotics)

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This well produced book offers that rare opportunity for us to see some of the "studies' that leads up to the defining newton final print. The graphic compositions and the icy allure of his statuesque heroine is unmistakable. Polawoman covers both newton's personal work as well as many of his fashion masterpieces, particularly from the daring pages of the late '70's french vogue. A fascinating book for any Newton fan with many of the polaroids having witty and revealing notes scribbled over them.

The man virtually invented modern high-class fashion erotica. If there is another photographer who did it better, earlier, please let me know so I can acquire that person's work as well. The book in question here features reproductions of Polaroids from throughout Newton's career that served as "sketches" for some of his finished work. Some of them have text magic-markered on the margins, and many are accompanied by some sort of charming reminiscence by the photographer. They show how much work went into some of Newton's iconic photos, and conversely, how he could take advantage of the moment and get a unique shot when fortunate enough.

What a life! Many a man would love to have lived Helmut Newton's life, but I doubt many would be suave enough to pull it off. You walk away from this book with the impression that Newton was dedicated to his craft, but at the same time managed to have more fun than many people will ever even read about.

Great book offering a different angle on the work of Helmut Newton. This selection of his polaroids over 3 decades give an insight on the making of his provocative photographs. But the polas have also a beauty of their own, some of them displaying an authentic aesthetic quality.
Jean-Pierre Pepin, Montreal