Always Loyal

by Michael Stokes (Photographer)

Inspired by a chapter in his 2014 book, "Bare Strength," which featured wounded amputee Marines, celebrated photographer Michael Stokes has created an entire photographic volume dedicated to U.S. Gulf War veterans. "Always Loyal," a large-scale, hardcover coffee table book, showcases the beautiful side of wounded soldiers, whose injuries and/or lost limbs are detailed in intimate, exclusive photographs and information that provide a highly unique appreciation for those brave souls who have fought for the United States of America. The goal of fitness photographer Stokes-who, inspired by a shoot with veteran and amputee Alex Minsky, wanted to put a different spin on how wounded veterans were depicted-was to create a book via crowdfunder KickStarter.com. The result of the book is pure art.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Art

96 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2015

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressive! I enjoyed reading each story behind every person in this book! I also enjoyed integrity and class put behind each pic not showing a full nude shot well done!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first learned of Alex Minsky through a romance author. Once I started looking for more photos online I discovered Michael Stokes. This is a beautiful album, showing wounded warriors as strong men and women.

[Queer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible images drawing on a lesser known set of inspirations.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is mostly portraits by Michael Stokes, however the stories of his 13 main models for this book are also there. Amazingly inspirational as well as beautiful (and really hot) this book will be remaining in my personal collection.

(I funded this book getting made on Kickstarter, so my little brother's name is in the book -- be sure to look for him - Frank R. Burton, USMC)

[Sparrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartfelt, inspiring, and sexy. Happy to have been a backer for this kickstarter project!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully done!
Bless our Vets!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would've enjoyed more written information about the soldiers, but I'm not complaining about the photos.