AMERICAN PHOTO Celebrates Helmut Newton

In their first issue of the 21st Century, American Photo truly shines with one of the hottest covers on the news stand. In an almost-tribute issue to photographer Helmut Newton, the magazine chose a wonderful Helmut image of five foot ten and a half inch, "Teutonic muse" Nadja Auermann in a pose that reflects the sensual vibrance of youth, promise, & purpose all wrapped up in stunning beauty - she's rather like Joan of Arc in a cocktail dress.

Praising Helmut Newton is a fitting way for American Photo to begin this new century since his life and work reflects such scope in human emotion. He is a master at capturing both mood and subtle beauty in everyone he photographs. In the Special Section of this Jan/Feb2000 issue, American Photo was generous indeed to dedicate four separate articles to Newton and his work with a good many of his products featured in the regular columns. Photos of "famous" beauties are prevalent in the pages and the images might have been taken yesterday or over fifty years ago - Newton's photos are timeless. But also there are other moody snapshots: one two page photo spread is the distasteful "Fat hands and dollars, Monte Carlo, 1986" which brings to my mind an unflattering picture of round and pasty bourgeoisie with a tendency towards gout...eeeeww.

I've never been displeased with any issue of American Photo and I state this from the layman's perspective: I am not an aspiring photographer yet I enjoy good photographic composition and, with this magazine, I always receive my money's worth of both viewing and reading. Advertisements are kept at a minimum so the magazine is easy to roll and tote without disturbing the great covers. I also save the issues because each is so unique and informative. For instance, this latest issue had a tidbit in the FYI Section on "Marilyn's Sixth Toe," showing a 1946 beach pose of Monroe by James Nachtwey with a sixth toe on Marilyn's left foot clearly visible. James laments, "I've had people accuse me of painting on the toe afterward," but he stands by his claim that she later had the extra digit surgically removed. Now there's a Trivial Pursuit question!

You don't have to be an avid reader of American Photo to appreciate the many benefits of the magazine. Regular columns report on Books, Destinations, Editor's Choice, and much more from many fine writers so any copy is always time well spent. Whether or not you become a regular subscriber, I highly recommend that you at least purchase this century's first issue for your personal archives. I guarantee you'll appreciate the gravity of this Newton offering.