Big Up

Rating:
Summary: you won't regret...
Review: ...buying this book. it's a tour-de-force of photography. great images, great package.

Rating:
Summary: Big Up to Big Up
Review: A truely orginial "scrap-book" style photographic book....The energy driven pictures document the last decade of urban/youth culture....You will love this book if you're a fan of reportage photography.

Rating:
Summary: Bo bo bo....
Review: As the most vibrant photographic documentation of youth culture I have seen to date Ben Watts shows us a side of life that can have been easily forgotten in more recent times - freedom and dignity! The people who for whatever reason have come to be the subjects of this photographer are portrayed with a common sense of pride and are not the least bit self-concious, be they wealthy celbrities or youth from the 'hood. These photographs pretty much wreek of enthusiasm.
The random, 'scrappy' design of this book is evidence of the real joy of putting a photographic diary together rather than the fuss and pomp of what some of his professional life must offer, however does not necessarily leave that behind. The way it's been put together is almost autobiographical, the baggage tags, grease pencil and camera tape etc all serve to inform us that he is also a hard working, hard travelling professional photographer and the imagery shot over what would seem to be well over a decade reminds us that the personal and life long journey from youth to adulthood does not have to be solely devoted to being 'the career guy' as there is a life out there and you can be a part of it.
If this is his first book - I say, "bring on the second!!"

Rating:
Summary: rare gem
Review: Everything about this book oozes quality.the photography,
the printing,binding , and art direction make this book so interesting to look through.i got the book yesterday and have been through it about 3-4 times and am so impressed by it .ben watts is definetly one of this generations
hottest photographers.this book is a rare gem.it will never bore you.

Rating:
Summary: Up Up and away...
Review: I bought this book about 10 days ago and have probably flicked through it every night since I bought it.What an amazing piece of art. Each time you look at it you will see something you haven't noticed before. Ben Watts has captured the urban youth being exactly that - Young, colorful and full of life. What a privelige it is that a truly superb photographer has shared his personal diary/scrap book with the rest of us. I totally recommend this book.. PERFECT for a xmas present.

Rating:
Summary: 2 3/4 stars
Review: I found out about this book in some magazine (I only read Source, Vibe, Underlined Magazine, Essence, and the magazine with Vivica Foxx and 50 Cent on the cover this month) and I had to go to the bookstore to grab it. Photos like people on the El, Vin Diesel, Crazy Legs, and newspaper outfits make me miss my childhood (minus Vin Diesel, although he's just great eye candy). A few photos seem plain or typical (ex. Treach's photos, the everfamous middle finger shot, and the soccer photos), some were enjoyable for no apparent reason (Spencer 97 Pro Skater, man on bike in South Bronx), and others were completely unique (Usher, Naomi 03 in Da Studio, Karlene & Cindy, "Do Not"). Overall I enjoyed the book.

Rating:
Summary: La vida loca
Review: I saw this book and grabbed it at the bookstore. Even though I am no youngster, I found the images in this book to be so tantalizing and alive, that I wanted to go out dancing. Ben Watts' ability to document culture with a non biased view really took me aback. An avid reader of fashion magazines, I have always been a fan of his work. I had no idea that someone of his stature ( I see his work in Elle) would be able to touch the soul of inner city youth. Most people would be afraid to photograph the subjects he has so beautifully presented in this diary of life. Growing up as a Puerto Rican in New York , I am proud to see that there is finally an art book which celebrates the diversity present in our culture. The fact that Ben Watts reaches out and shows us this classically demonished part of society in a jubilent and non judgemental way makes me want to shout. I look at these images and remeber what it is like to be so fearless,so brave and so young.

Rating:
Summary: La vida loca
Review: I saw this book and grabbed it at the bookstore. Even though I am no youngster, I found the images in this book to be so tantalizing and alive, that I wanted to go out dancing. Ben Watts' ability to document culture with a non biased view really took me aback. An avid reader of fashion magazines, I have always been a fan of his work. I had no idea that someone of his stature ( I see his work in Elle) would be able to touch the soul of inner city youth. Most people would be afraid to photograph the subjects he has so beautifully presented in this diary of life. Growing up as a Puerto Rican in New York , I am proud to see that there is finally an art book which celebrates the diversity present in our culture. The fact that Ben Watts reaches out and shows us this classically demonished part of society in a jubilent and non judgemental way makes me want to shout. I look at these images and remeber what it is like to be so fearless,so brave and so young.

Rating:
Summary: Big Huh?
Review: Not great. Overly dressed-up showing of routine magazine-type celeb pictures. Big Whatev...

Rating:
Summary: high voltage
Review: What does it mean to be young ? What does it mean to have fun? This book really breathes with all the excitement and energy of our times. Big Up was recently given to me by a freind a week ago and I have not been able to stop looking at it. Each time I open it's high voltage collage pages, I see something new. It's fresh and real, candid and raw. Big Up is right up my alley. I see myself in these images, hear the music, feel the joy. It is a delightful tribute to youth culture now and always.