Customer Reviews

Men

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Fresh off the success of his breakthrough book, Couples, German photographer Stefan May has followed up with a gorgeous compilation of male nudes in an equally polished production. It's a gargantuan sized book at 15x11" and printed in pristine fashion. Viewing these pages is like walking through a fine art gallery. The photos are so perfect, and so vibrant, they literally jump out of their pages at you.

One-hundred and three photographs are presented here and most are full-page. The men that May has created this body of work around are splendorous, god-like examples of the male form. Each is a slender, muscular, glowing example of physical perfection ... and physical beauty as well. Credit must be given to the models themselves, but the flawless vision overall has to be attributed solely to May. His incredible talent and experience in editorial and advertising photography are quite evident here. Without exception, each image is an electrifying portrait of captured moments in the lives of what are surely high-end fashion models. Each of these prints could appear in the most prestigious fashion catalogs (if the subjects were wearing clothes) and indeed, it is this trait that makes this work so exciting. It doesn't appear to be created for a gay audience, nor even for a female audience (although the lack of penis pictures might endear women viewers, who often proclaim a preference for male nudes without having to see the one-eyed snake). This is a refined and mature perspective of the male nude from a master photographer, at the height of his power, using the razor-sharp skills he's amassed as an elite fashion and advertising professional. It's a spectacular and visionary look at how beautiful men can be.

This 2012 MEN SLIM Calendar is a selection of images gleaned from Stefan May's very fine book from teNeues Press simply called MEN. Whether it was the photographer's intention to narrow down (pardon the pun) the models who are particularly lean of physique or that of the editor from the publishing house is inconsequential. But what happens in turning the page at month's end to the next image the stimulus is the same: try looking at these practically 0% body fat men and still reach for that extra helping or that scoop of ice cream.

Stefan May has defined his creativity in these photographs by selecting an assortment of men that could very well live next door - if those neighbors spent a good part of their everyday routine working out or running. This is a calendar of handsome studs who happen to know how to relate to a camera and a skilled photographer. There is evidence here of collaboration - the model and the photographer find a midline where each is comfortable and then play with light and shadow and accoutrements to enhance the mood of the finished image. There isn't a weak shot in this collection. If this calendar hangs on the wall where it is seen daily, it could very well be the impetus to fitness we all are seeking. Grady Harp, October 11

Nothing less than I expected from the photographer who's managed to capture couples in an inate, unassuming manner. I like the style of his work, genuine, and at ease ... nothing seems to be staged in the end result. Whatever encouragement he lent, was well received. The pics are great, the book a nice gift for that conniseur of all things erotic, ready and fresh. The only other question I pose is, "where are all these men living?" Send some, at least half to Tyler Street in Hollywood, Florida certainly not on the N65th Way block anyway ... send one to the corner house!

What can I say? I eat a lot less when I see the latest month!

I looked at a lot of different calendars before ordering this one. I was looking for something sexy AND tasteful. I like the black and white format and I think there is only one month that I don't really like the photo. The calendar is international, with the months and days of the week in seven languages. The weeks start on Sunday.

One would be hard pressed to find any images more compelling than those discovered in this landmark collection by Stefan May. It is a volume dedicated to the male face and form, a celebration of the human psyche and physique.

Photographer May is known for capturing images that seem to leap from the page, astounding in their naturalness. His craftsmanship in the world of photography is surely unparalleled.

The German born May took up photography following a study of medicine. In addition to his focus on the human form he has presented a series of photos of the world's large cities. These scenes will entrance even the most experienced traveler as each metropolis is seen through the eyes of this gifted photographer.

May's "Couples" published in 2002 received the highest critical acclaim, as will his latest offering, "Men."

- Gail Cooke