photo essays

Known for his outrageous photography and amazing phototaking techniques, LaChapelle has built a modest legion of fans throughout the world. Similar to Warhol's use of pop icons, Hotel LaChapelle compiles most of his work since the release of his first book. Many celebrities such as Madonna, Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Wahlberg reappear in this compilation, and as usual, LaChapelle does a fantastic job of reaching new visionary limits. Fans of Matthew Rolston and Herb Ritts will enjoy this book, but LaChapelle is in a class by himself. He is America's equivalent to Dali.

Lachapelle is a master of digital manipulation and, in fact, would probably concur that he is more a "conceptual artist" [employing digital technology as a template]than a fine art photographer, wherein what he sees through the lens is what is presented. His work dazzles because the "reality" in it isn't any more real that the "Starship Enterprise." This doesn't diminish the dazzling effect the images have on the viewer. Stitching together all those pesky pixels took a lot of time and for that alone I purchased his book.

i have only really been a fan of LaChapelle's work, since 2002, when i visited his "Photographs" exhibition in london. i tried to buy the exhibition's catalogue, but it was sold out, and was out of print, so this was my only chance to get a taste of LaChapelle at his best. i had high expectations of this book, which were more than ful-filled as i browsed through the many glossy, colourful and vibrant pages. i highly recommend this book 2 any one. also: in the UK it is EXTREMELY rare, and not available in stores, and amazon's price (including P&P) is actually cheaper than the RRP. GET IT NOW, it is truely AMAZING *****