Photographer Russell James has a new album out titled Angels, featuring thirty-five Victoria’s Secret Models posing in the nude. The photos are part of a series of beautiful things on this planet, including places, things, and women. I have not seen the full book, nor do I know much about this artist, but as a writer, super opinionated person, and feminist, let’s discuss the pros and cons of his work.
Pro: Celebrating women and all of the things that make us beautiful in nature. For a full preview of his work, visit his official website (Hint: NSFW!).
Con: The book represents about ten percent of women’s body types. Entitled Angels, featuring only media-praised body types, and setting a standard for something that shouldn’t have a standard, it kind of contradicts itself. How many times do we have to beg the media to give us real real women, not like the Aerie Real campaign, the Dove Beauty campaign, or any other campaign, where it includes making a profit? I am pretty sure everyone knows that women don’t look this way in real life, and I’ll be the first woman to sign up for the real real women’s naked photo shoot. Let’s go, ladies!
Pro: Apparently his profits are going to his project called “Nomad Two Worlds,” celebrating the indigenous aboriginal culture in his native Australia. It is focused on selling clothing and fragrances that celebrate local cultures. This is extremely important in a world where globalization has taken over, because it provides sustainable ways for “primitive” communities that struggle with poverty and inequality to make a profit in a world economy.
Con: This album is proof that sex sells, specifically the sexiness of women. If James wants to make this right, he needs to make another book focused on naked men. That may sound ridiculous, or maybe he is already lining up a project about just that. Because our culture is so focused on the appearance of the female body, and there is no celebration of a man’s body. Or maybe it would be better if neither sex’s physicality is objectified as a selling point.
Pro: Proof that there is no such thing as the perfect woman. The nude photos take away everything that the lingerie industry puts on. The women are absolutely gorgeous of course, but it is refreshing to realize that they don’t have perfectly round and large breasts and tiny bodies. The combination is something that the lingerie industry and media in general has told us we should want.
Con: Many of the models are wearing makeup. I think it’s kind of funny that they are exposing their whole bodies, yet they were still expected to or wanted to cover up their faces, something that shows true vulnerability.
So how do you feel about these pics? Are there any real pros and cons, or do you even care? Let us know in the comments below!