Bare Strength Hardcover – 1 Nov. 2014

There is art. There is erotic art. There is pornography. The lines between the three are always blurred and totally individual.I would argue that there is a fourth category, the art of naked vulnerability and that it is in this area that the photographer Michael Stokes belongs.To a large extent our clothing is our outward armour. When our clothing is removed our defences have gone. This is why it is right for lovers to be naked together, why kidnappers often strip their victims bare and why most of us would not choose to be photographed in the nude.For the models working with Michael Stokes, it is otherwise. These are models (mostly) working in the fitness industry. Their bodies are their tools, their livelihoods; muscles are their armour in the same way the beauty of the glamour models is a defence. Nudity is every-day.Even so, this particular photographer has transcended that defence. This book consists solely of muscled and beautiful young men, often fully nude, sometimes exhibiting impressive erections. Even so – for me - it is about something other than sexuality.It would be easy to write an appreciation for my favourite shots: the proud but broken soldier lying, like a defiant Pietà, before a Goth Madonna - gun and ammunition belt like Rambo; the American flag behind them. Is this a political statement? Is it blasphemy? I don’t know: America is not my country, Catholicism not my religion. I know it hits hard. Or the shot of the tattooed model, wearing only battered boots as he lies asleep on a white comforter, tenderly cradling his motorbike to him like a child his beloved blankie.Perhaps I should turn at random to any page. Here’s a shot of a model dressed as an American Football player (perhaps he is an American Football player), lifting his shirt up to show his muscles, the mischief in his eyes inviting us to admire. But the background Michael Stokes has chosen to use shows a stadium floodlit, but empty. The crowds are gone; any moment the lights will be shut off and darkness will descend. The glory is temporary.In every shot Stokes shows his mastery of technique. His lighting superbly shows off form and texture; the rhythm and line of his compositions resonates on a visceral level and his occasional injections of sly humour provide an essential counterpoint for the intensity of emotion this collection of photographs invokes.This is no mere coffee table book to be giggled over with friends, but an emotional journey. It is said that primitive tribes feared the camera: they believed it would steal their souls. Any model working with Michael Stokes might do well to bear that belief in mind.

I'll be honest and admit that until I stumbled upon one of Stoke's Photos on Facebook late last year I had never heard of him. I quickly became a fan of his work and was eager to have a copy of this book. A wish my husband fulfilled for my birthday.The photos that Stokes shares on his social media doesn't really do this book justice, I found several of my favourite photos in this book and I'll be honest, with some I had to do a double take because they looked SO much different. There are some details that get lost in the little screen that just stand out when you have the print in front of you.This is a wonderful mix of nudes, barely nudes, mostly clothed and faces... some of new favourites are the faces. Anyone can point and click a camera... but it takes great skill and artistic talent to produce the quality that's between these pages.In short, I love this. And I've only had a quick look through. I look forward to getting lost between the pages again and again

If you have never seen any of Michaels photos then you are really missing out. Many of his models are veterans who have been injured, the way the images are taken makes you ignore any missing limbs. He truly is a master at portraiture. Be aware there are many full frontal nudes in this book. It is made of superb quality and well worth the money. Makes a great coffee table book 😉😉

I think over time Micael Stokes imagery will be greatly aclaimed.There is dignity, honesty and sensuality represented here. I especailly like the way he has treated the veterans. He shares the thought that you aren't limited by something physical. He strokes the mind, theirs and ours.

Absolutely stunning photos as is always the case with Michael Stokes. Awesome photographer! And the fact he's got gorgeous, stunning, and sometimes hotly tatted young men in the shoot...well, you just can't go wrong with this book!

I love this book - Michael Stokes is a fantastic photographer. Some of my favourite pieces are those of the veterans - he has done a wonderful job of highlighting their strength.

Love it!! Michael Stokes is an amazing photographer. I am never disappointed with his work.

Fantastic

as always, Michael Stokes has outdone himself. I'd recommend to anyone that appreciates fine photography! I bought this as a gift & it was loved

Michael Stokes has once again assembled an incredible collection of amazing photographs! Each photograph presents the male model and male body in a unique and beautiful way. Each photograph has its own story to tell, and the staging of the models and any background props etc., are minimal. The body relays a message or story through the camera lens. Michael's unique artistry brings that to life on still film prints. There is far more in Michael Stokes photographic books than bodies of hot men. There is art and artistry in abundance. Michael's photographic books are thought provoking and appeal to intellectual perusal in addition to presenting gorgeous male bodies to admire, that lend themselves to book covers. I think some of Michael's photographs are "important" artistic messages and I hope he is accorded that respect.

I had ordered the calendar a few weeks back and decided that I just had to have this HARDcover book. ;) If the past proves anything, this book will only increase in value as the years pass. (As seen in the book released in 2012 that's now going for $658.00). The paper is of a very heavy stock and the layout is very well done. Kudos to Michael Stokes on another amazing collection done in only a way that he can ! The subjects are beautiful and very tastefully done. Not recommended for prudes. ;)~ I was going to have it as a coffee table book, but decided that I will only share with certain people, due to it's contents. Definitely worth the money. <3 :)

The human body is beautiful. Michael Stokes has a gift in a raw, grunge sort of way to capture this. He has a chapter denoted to returned Vets that have lost limbs, but have gone to the gym and have magnificent bodies. Love his use of props, and settings. Beautiful heavy paper so they don't bend while turning pages. There is some nudity, but I like it. ❤️

This book is a huge volume of striking photographs of very masculine guys. Some full frontal nudity, but mostly side views, or front views with partial clothing. As someone who does NOT like tattoos, I probably would not buy this book again, and if you're the same, I would not recommend purchasing it, as the great majority of the photos depict guys with tons of tattoos on their body. Otherwise, it's a beautiful book and I think anyone who admires the virile and very masculine form will be happy with it.