Naked Pictures Of My Ex-girlfriends

by Mark Helfrich

Cultural nostalgia is omnipresent as we enter the new millenium, and much of the looking back is focused on the 1970's. It was a time when being young and American meant a world of sexual freedom in an era untainted by AIDS. For photographer MArk Helfrich it was a time to not only explore these freedoms, but also to document them. In 'Naked Pictures Of My Ex-Girlfriends', Helfrich shares with us what most have hidden away or have long ago destroyed- intimate, private pictures of his ex-girlfriends, a decades worth from 1970 to 1980. Helfrich explains "...it was no big deal photographing my girlfriends topless or nude, almost all of them were thrilled to pose for me, because they knew I was so into it. It was fun. It was like playing a game. It was like living Antonioni's 'Blow Up." This collection of black & white and colour images is presented as a nostalgic diary from the carefree sexual seventies, a glimpse of a time and life many wish they could have lived.

Genres: Photography

120 pages, Hardcover

First published April 17, 2000

Reviews

[Barnaby Haszard · Rating 1 out of 5]

Helfrich is such a good guy because he asked all these women for consent when he took these photographs, and when he wanted to collect and publish them in a big book.

Except for that one time, when he didn't ask for consent and snapped a photo when she wasn't looking.

And that other time, when he forgot her name but published the photo anyway.

Oh, and yeah, that other time, when she died of cancer years before the book's publication. But he published the photo anyway. Gotta keep it real, right?

He doesn't shy away from harsh truths either, describing one former lover as 'overweight and living in the suburbs'.

Actually, I've reconsidered. Helfrich is a dick. He thanks his 'patient' wife in the endnotes, and man, she must be.

[Skoogfors · Rating 1 out of 5]

An hoax, photographer used models, perhaps with a few-ex girlfriends who may not have given permission. And the photographer younger than he claimed on publication as he exploits women and the age of Aquarius. Do the research.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book of the women in the author's life in the 1970's

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the best documentary photography books I've seen in a while. Definitely on my list of photo books to own.

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

an ex-girlfriend gave me this book. She said this guy beat me to it. "I hope this book inspires you for future projects" she wrote.

One day perhaps ;-) .....

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

He even has me beat.

[Jake J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than watching Dazed and Confused