Sally Mann: Immediate Family Paperback – Illustrated, June 23, 2015

This book is so much more than just an appealing array of three often unclothed young siblings. Each photo repays many times over open-minded attentive scanning for components relevant to the observer. For example, I love the photo of Emmett ("Popsicle Drips") for its shotgun blast of simultaneous images and references which contrasts the physical vulnerability of this pre-pubescent lad with the in-your-face early genital maturation, his sturdy thighs vrs the twist of his still undeveloped trunk culminating in an extended arm in a "Christ on the cross" position: an impossibly rich photograph, not to mention its titled highlight, the popsicle drips (intrinsically early childhood) framing his budding genitals. While we know from Sally that many of the photos were "Hold still!" posed, none of her children's reactions were posed and in fact their reactions to being posed (boredom, annoyance) are so authentic their scowls are intrinsic and integral to the impact of each such photo. If your interest in this book is prurient, don't bother: on the other hand, the children's natural reactions to being posed and photographed could be an antidote, a form of therapy for the voyeur who might fantasize that the photographed nude child invited the attention.

Wonderful autobiography about a courageous, talented, free-spirited, and kind-hearted woman. It was absolutely absorbing to come to understand how her life experience was embodied in the subjects that she focused on. As a southerner, I was lead by Mann to recall once again what it was to grow up white in Louisiana in the fifties, and to understand in a deeper way how out of touch we whites actually were with blacks in general, but more specifically with our loving black maids, who raised us like their own children. Many of us sensed that something was fundamentally wrong with our lives, our churches, and our families, but we also knew that trying to talk about these things with our parents and pastors would not be well received. What cowards must of us were; I have always felt guilty about this, as Mann so bravely described in her own life. A stunning book, one of the best that I have read in years. Sally Mann is a national treasure.

Sally Mann's mastery of the medium can't be disputed. These photos are remarkably intimate and technically superior. You can see how much time was put into the creation of each shot. The story of her family's domestic help was particularly poignant although I was disappointed that she included so few pictures of the first Virginia and concentrated on her daughter, namesake of her childhood caretaker. Brilliant photography that brings you into the Mann family. The times and days portrayed in Immediate Family feel languid and the communication purposeful, just like all of Sally Mann's other work.

Sally Mann captures a beautiful slice of life. The images portray a childhood that would be unfamiliar to most. I would venture to say it wasn't as idyllic as my imagination would suggest. However the images capture an unmistakable innocence and beauty that is childhood.

This is a well-produced book of lovely family photographs. Some are unposed, but those that are posed are not elf-conscious, "studio-like" pictures, and the children do not seem to be inhibited, even when nude. My only criticism,if you could call it that, would be that the children all look so serious. A smile here or there would not go amiss.

I loved these photos! You might hate this book if you are sensitive about art that is a bit more intimate. This is her family! She would never have malicious intent and if you can see it as something more than "naked kids" than you might really enjoy this book.This book and Dan Winter's work of his son are, in my opinion, some of the best work on youth in america.

I am not very artsy inclined. This photo essay, as I am told such books are, was my attempt to understand photographic art a little better. I am not disappointed, the book sits on my coffee table as a decoration as a hint to others that maybe I have something interesting to say about art. Well..... I don't, but at the very least the Photographers story and explanation of each picture was an interesting read. I guess I feel a little more artsy having read it.

Excelente livro com fotos maravilhosas. Particularmente, aprecio cópias desde negativos grande formato. No caso, o trabalho feito em 8x10" é precioso. Não posso deixar de mencionar uma crítica feita ao trabalho que aponta para crianças nuas... Resumo minha opinião sobre este tipo de ressalva na frase de um fotógrafo russo que toma imagens de adolescentes nus e que foi questionado sobre uma possível desaprovação do seu trabalho em países como França ou Inglaterra. Ele disse: "quando está doença chegar até a Rússia trataremos do tema..."

Sally Mann dans toute sa splendeur. Elle porte un regard sur sa famille absolument captivant, original et brut. Une de mes photographes préférées

One of my favourite photography books. Fantastic images that have been well reproduced. Highly recommended

Adorei o livro! Chegou direitinho e tudo conforme estava descrito. E no prazo! Recomendo o vendedor!!

da molto cercavo questo libro fotografico Sally Mann una fotografa che amo finalmente una nuova edizione che non mi sono lasciato sfuggire, anche se mi sarebbe piaciuto avere questo libro nella traduzione italiana, ma sono le foto quelle che contano

Es un libro que emociona desde la primera página, quizás se mereciera una edición algo más cuidada con tapa dura pero lo que es el contenido, es soberbio. Impresicindible.