ESPN the Magazine Body Issue 2012: Artistic Photography in Mag Is Worth a Look

Sure, ESPN the Magazine's Body Issue always generates a buzz because it features some truly sexy athletes showing off their toned, muscular bodies in the buff. If sexy is watch you are looking for, I've already covered that base for you.

But if remarkable photography is what you are looking for, the ESPN's annual issue has you covered in that regard, too.

From athletes caught in remarkable contortions to some truly stunning contrasts, camera angles and wildly inventive concepts, the Body Issue has some excellent pieces for those fond of the finer points of photography.

Let's take a closer look at some of the wonderful photos ESPN released in its "Bodies We Want" gallery.

(Note: Pictured above is surfer Maya Gabeira.)

Carlos Bocanegra

It doesn't get much cooler than this picture of Carlos Bocanegra from Richard Phibbs.

The contrast of Bocanegra twisting and contorting in the air with the bright blue sky behind him is a stunning piece of photography. Hopefully, the US will score a few goals like this at the 2014 World Cup.

Well, with their clothes on, that is.

Maya Gabeira

Black and white photos always look classy and timeless, so when you add the still waters and the lovely Gabeira in the mix, you get a truly gorgeous piece of art.

Now all I need is a Jack Johnson tune playing in the background and some coconut water, and I'm good to go.

Danell Leyva

There is beauty in symmetry, and photographer Peter Hapak perfectly captured that beauty with this shot.

Sure, it isn't as stunning as Alicia Sacramone's incredible photograph last year on the balance beam, but this one gets the imagination going. How will he land from this position? What move is he in the midst of doing?

And how the hell can he get his body so perfectly straight as he propels himself into the air?

Anna Tunnicliffe

Battling the high seas has never looked this cool.

I don't know much about sailing, but it certainly looks like Ms. Tunnicliffe is engaged with quite a battle here. Steven Lippman's photograph perfectly captures the strain on the body as one does battle with the ocean's many moods.

Ashton Eaton

Safe!

Okay, okay, so Eaton isn't a baseball player, he's a decathlete in the midst of a landing a long jump. And as photographer Carlos Serrao shows us, that landing looks incredibly compelling when frozen in time.

Decathletes are truly remarkable. It's one thing to master one event. But to be proficient in 10 of them?

Very impressive.

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