Polly Borland Weilds a Raw and Compassionate Lens
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“I am an advocate of this book, which some may regret they ever opened.”
–Mark Holborn (from the Introduction of “The Babies”)
“The Babies” is a photo essay of the rarest kind. Photographer Polly Borland has an eye for capturing intimate moments, and a flair for tease. In The Babies, Borland gently leads the viewer into a mysterious world — a world shrouded in pastel satin.
Now, this type of publication is easily (and quite often) misunderstood, because dwelling in its pages are transvestites and infantilists–adult men wearing diapers and dresses, sleeping in cribs and nervously clutching their teddy bears. So why thrust the taboo rituals of these men into the public eye? The goal of this book is not to be judgmental, lewd or pornographic. The goal is to feel… and understand.
The story is arranged so that the reader won’t see a face for several pages. There appears a foot, a leg, a shoulder. As soon as a full body does come into view, you get the sense that the shy introductions are over. These “babies” are ready to play. And oh, how they play! Their faces glow with enthusiasm as they take to the camera like children to an audience. Soon the raw qualities of adulthood, like yellowed teeth and wrinkled skin, are covered by a smoother mask of infancy. Occasionally, the reader is forced to observe the torment of loneliness and isolation in their subjects’ eyes.
Although this book is not a likely candidate for the coffee table, it sits inconspicuously on a deep shelf, ready for the day you have a daring audience to share it with. I suggest reading the Introduction first–as it doesn’t spoil the surprises like the essay (by Susan Sontag) does.
“… participants invariably speak of their loneliness. …Here the usual trappings of the underworld or sex circus are absent. There is no scent of leather, but rather acts of tenderness and talcum powder…”
(An additional excerpt from the Introduction)If this is your first time viewing a photo story, take your time. Turn the pages slowly and participate with the images. Don’t just scan for the icons that define the abnormal. Observe the elements common to your own life–whether it’s the floral wallpaper, or the nightlight in the hallway.
When you absorb the scene, you’ll have a better sense of where you are. Are you inside a hotel room? Are you at a party?
By the time you come to the photo with the kinky mattress straps, you’ve been fully initiated. You’ll see these men romp and play, and even muster the courage to go outside. The mastery of her craft now apparent, Borland’s photos transcend judgment and become part of a metaphorical mother’s photo album.
When you reach the last photo, try to imagine what that little girl inside is thinking. How does she feel? How do you feel?
You may have a difficult time finding a copy of “The Babies” to purchase in the United States. It comes and goes on eBay and in the Amazon Marketplace. But if you look hard enough–and are prepared to spend a few bucks on it–you shouldn’t pass up the chance to peer inside their world… The world of “The Babies”.
Have you read it? Let us know how this book made you feel by posting a comment!
About The Author
Favorite
Favorite is a 24-year old finance professional living in Arizona and the founder of iDiaper.me. He has been attracted to diapers since the age of five and is enjoying the challenge of integrating age play into his romantic relationships. Favorite is devoted to the study of human sexuality and the psychology of kink. He hopes to one day join the ranks of sex-positive educators with folks like Lee Harington and Alfred Kinsey.
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I dig this review.. and I look forward to checking this book out sometime!