In the Studio

Rating:
Summary: Manly Contact
Review: "In 1991, with the release of Out of the Studio, Tom Bianchi revolutionized the way in which artists conceptualize and photograph men. The unselfconscious and affectionate contact between men that is characteristic of his photographs was a reality that had rarely been reported in art." - text excerpt from Stoneweall Inn

Rating:
Summary: Manly Contact
Review: I have been a long time fan of Tom Bianchi's work (he is a close 2nd on my list of favorite photographers .. behind Bruce Weber), and have always thought that he has pushed the envelope of Nude Male Photography. He doesnt just take pics of solo glamour boys in coy poses.. He takes pictures of naked men in homoerotic situations interacting with each other while nude. He pushes that envelope even further with "In the Studio." This is simply a daring and breathtaking work. While "out of the studio" referred to being open and free to be yourself among "extraordinary friends,".." In the studio" takes advantage of the privacy and security that the studio provides, allowing more erotic situations to surface. He pushes the envelope by illicting images that male nude photographers today shy away from, and some might consider fit only for pornography, but i agree with Mr. Bianchi in that "there is no such thing as pornography, just bad camera angles". "In the Studio" features an array of erections, sexual situations, and yes.. orgrasms... Meaning that many models are shown with all out erections, some show models carressing their erect penises, even a pic of two body builders caressing each other's penises in their hands. Even pushing this idea further, there are about 3 photos where the models have climaxed, leaving trails of semen on their ripped torsos. Another interesting thing about this book, is that often, Tom, has put mirrors strategically placed so you can see him taking the pictures. In these pictures, Tom is also nude while snapping the pictures. This really gives you insight to the process of taking the pictures, and makes you feel more like a part of the action. (I wonder if he was nude the whole time while taking the pictures for his previous efforts) :) .. also.. It was a pleasant surprise to see how great his body is.. no wonder he has such appreciation for the male body. This is definately the best book of Nude Male !Photography i have come across in some time.. So.. why didnt i give it a '10' rating?? There is only one thing i would have shown different. The majority of the pictures in the book are taken from the model's neck down... Or often their face is turned away from the camera.. I thought this was the biggest crime in the pic of the two bodybuilders holding each other's penises. If the pic was showing them in a deep kiss, or a romantic look, would have pushed the pic over the edge of eroticism ... My second complaint is just pure selfishness.. I WANTED MORE!! I hated reaching the end of the book, and am eagerly awaiting his next volume..So Tom if your readng this... hint hint :) I hope you enjoyed my review.. I am not a professional writer (as you can tell by reading this review), i am just a fan of Male Nude Erotica in Film and Photography.. Please feel free to email me and tell me what you think of my review, and talk about your fave books :)

Rating:
Summary: Not what I expected
Review: I have watched Tom Bianchi's images find a broader audience as the years have gone by. And I must say that I was really disappointed with "In the Studio". I understand that Bianchi "pushes the envelope" on images of gay men in photography, but these photos were just poorly done, in bad taste ( a semen shot is not my idea of art), and generally tired. Unlike Ritts, Weber, or Mapplethorpe who give a knowing wink to a gay sensability/audience, Bianchi utilizes a style that one would find in some pornographic rag off the street. While Bianchi idealizes his men, claiming beauty=worthiness, his photos do everything to not be beautiful, to show his men as solely physical gay men (as opposed to emotional AND physical gay men) who seem to be there for his keyhole voyeurism.

I used to feel proud looking at his images, the blatant tenderness between two men that was apparent for all to see. Now I feel like I am flaunting pornography.

Rating:
Summary: Really Disappointing
Review: I was hoping for much better from a photographer that had done such good work in his previous books. I am not Virginia, and you would probably have to be excessively slow to not realize that there is sex in the studio, you don't have to prove it. Previous books showed beauty and emotion. "In the Studio" had the beauty of the physical body but lacked the emotion. If I was intrested in this style, I would go to an adult bookstore. Not all of it is borderline pornographic. There were some that were worthy of him. I feel Tom Bianchi has strayed from the ideals of "Out of the Studio" for no good reason