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Grady Harp wrote on 05/21/2010:

Adam Raphael continues to explore the highest plane of sensual male photography with the release of this very elegant, sophisticated book ROOM SERVICE. In his introduction Raphael speaks of his affinity for grand hotels and their prepared lush atmospheres he sees as perfect settings for the privacy of adding his extraordinarily beautiful male models as artistic and erotic accoutrements. For two years he has traveled to some of the most elegant hotels of the world, accompanied by models, and the resulting spontaneous `studios' he finds offer some of the more sensitive, quiet, private views of these carefully selected young men, completely at ease in the solitude of beauty that mirrors their personal gifts: ROOM SERVICE calls upon us to open the door to an amazingly successful portfolio.

This hefty book speaks of eloquence from the size, the cover, the design (courtesy of J. C. Suarés and Paul Perlow), the unique first few pages that open the door to full page views of handsome men before a colophon or words distract the viewer, and the added subtle art pieces by Nina Duran the quietly remind us of the title - room service delivered. And then once inside the `room' there are page after uninterrupted page of full color photographs of thirty-seven masculine, very handsome men, completely at ease with their sole observer Raphael and his camera. The results are warmly sensuous, beautifully composed images of stunning men, nude and partially clothed, asleep in soft white sheets, fresh from the shower with towel, caught in languid poses in briefs, and at times communicating directly with the photographer (and thus, us) with gazes that take the breath away. Raphael continues to avoid full frontal nudity, finding that the hints of the most private aspects of his models are in the end more erotic.

Adam Raphael is a master of understatement and never more so than in this splendid visual monograph. He capitalizes on fantasy, on textures, light and fabric, and on finding a cadre of some of the most wholesomely handsome men ever collected in a photography art book. His attention to detail makes these fine images seem like personal visual communications from men so at ease with their collaborator that each page is a sensual experience shared as a moment with the viewer. This is as fine as art photography of the male nude gets - until Raphael's next inevitable foray! Highly recommended for all audiences.

Grady Harp

Joe Hanssen wrote on 05/29/2007:

As I sit here wondering what I can say about this new Male Photography book titled “Room Service” by Adam Raphael, I find myself at a loss. I am at a loss because I am so impressed with his conception of the unique idea to feature his latest male models in luxury hotel settings that are located up and down the U.S. East Coast from Miami to New York. There are 37 handsome men photographed here for our viewing pleasure. Photographed over a period of two years in the most luxurious hotel suites, it’s enough to make you wish you could have been there with them. But this was a private event that brought out the best in both the photographer and the models at the peak of their beauty, in their twenties. Surely these images will last a lifetime for all parties involved, including we collectors of male photography. It’s because of this private setting that you can feel the trust and cooperation that was established between model and photographer. Adam Raphael has a talent for this, and you can tell that the models appreciate the added class and sophistication that Adam brings to each shoot, and enjoy being photographed by him. This makes his models different from the ordinary young guys photographed by other photographers. I am at a loss to name any other photographer that would treat young male models with such respect and admiration, while at the same time giving them a taste of luxury, plus a delicious “Room Service” meal. I know I always love being pampered while away in hotels, and can imagine being there with such handsome models.

These 150 color photographs are almost 3-D in viewing, that’s how good the lightning and reproduction is. This is definitely the Male Photography book to add to your collection this year. I will be surprised to see any beat this one in design, style, and content. With my experience in reviewing Male Photography for many years, I certainly would put Adam Raphael’s book on my Top 10 List, and believe this book will become a valuable collector edition quickly. Highly recommended, one of the best.