I find the commentary of the photographer to be predictable.   She has entered a foreign culture and very private realm.  Instead of investigating what she sees, she is subjecting what she sees with the American prejudice.  Although Williams says she is celebrating women who are not controlled by the western constructs of body consciousness (and focus on being thin and young) she is constantly making us aware of that consciousness with her commentary.     Why do contemporary photo projects always have to have a running political statement behind them - that is usually defined even before the photographer goes out to shoot?

I have not seen the book or the comments made by Jenette Williams, only the photos here on Daylight. My reactions are to the photos themselves. Using a camera is an investigation in itself, thanks to the eye that chooses the scene.  These photos speak clearly that we are seeing a group of women, trusting and comfortable with one another, in common enjoyment in the pleasures of bathing, regardless of opinion or commentary.  Lovely photos.  I suspect that Anonymous suffers from shock due to the American consciousness she/he so abhors. Relax a bit and just look at them.

This is the finest work of Jennette Williams thus far. Not only is the photography striking, sensual, and artistic, but the social message behind her images is fascinating too. She wanted to capture society's perception of aging women and allow the images to reflect the female form. I'd say she succeeded rather magnificently. English dictionary

very  nice video! thanks for sharing!

nice video,keep coming!

This collection of images is superb and reminds me of a visit to a bathhouse that i made in Budapest a few years ago. It is a sublime experience that leaves you glowing inside for days!

It is a fascinating insight to a complete alien culture within the UK. Who would imagine nipping down a hot steam bath with a mate to catch up on life! Seems perfectly natural in central Europe - Turkey or Hungary, where these places are widespread.

I had seen ads for "The Bathers" previously, so was delighted to come upon the slideshow via Daylight Magazine's Website. I watched, without the audio...

How very, very beautiful are the images of, and the bathing women themselves!! I can't wait to urge my wife to view the slideshow, which confirms, magnificently, that there are mature women in their senior years who are secure in their embodiment, so much so that they are willing to make a gift of the beauty of the settled self-acceptance of their embodiment in this phase of their lives by allowing Williams to photograph them and display the images. My thanks to these generous and courageous women of beautiful embodiment, and to Jennette Williams.

Lou Outlaw • 25 Feb 2010

What I love most about these photos is the authentism. The women look completely comfortable in their surroundings, regardless of body, shape, and form. That's a remarkable feat for photography. Even more impressive is the sensual beauty that Jennette Williams managed to capture. Yet another rising star from the city of Philadelphia. Gerald

Well, interesting photos and interesting subject matter.  I wonder how this differs from the japanese communal baths...at least these baths aren't made out of future steel buildings

Great video. It's nice to see real women like me for a change, not stick thin models. Thanks for dose of pretty reality!

This is infect a best one movie and no doubt this documentry always help ful for us. mcpd

Story regarding the bathers obviously a unique story no doubt. mcts

This body of work is magnificent and well-conceived. BUT it is not documentary photography. I truly would like to read an explanation from Duke and Mary Ellen Mark as to why these photographs, which were heavily choreographed by the photographer are considered documentary. The photographer also has said she paid her subjects to pose for her.  Assigning an award for documetary dilutes the field of journalism and reportage which is already beseiged.