(Translated from the original post on December 24, 2024)
This is ARA.
The winter holiday season is finally here. I'm sure many of you will be spending your time off with someone special.
This time, I've selected photos from my collection of street snaps in which the silhouettes of two people make a strong impression.
GR IIIx, Av mode, 1/1600s, F2.8, ISO 200, Hi-contrast B&W
When I think of “photos of two people,” W. Eugene Smith’s “The Walk to Paradise Garden” comes to mind first. It's such a lovely work showing the backs of young siblings. If those children were still walking today, they might resemble the people in the photo above.
Among his works dealing with heavy social issues like war, poverty, and pollution, “The Walk to Paradise Garden” stands out as a positive, hopeful piece. Perhaps it’s because he witnessed so many tragic scenes as a photojournalist that he knew how precious it was to have peaceful, everyday moments with his own children.
GR IIIx, P mode, 1/25s, F3.5, ISO200, Soft Monotone
By far the most famous photograph of two people is undoubtedly Robert Doisneau's “The Kiss by the Hôtel de Ville.”
Many passersby are actually captured in the photo, so it's not just the two lovers confirming their love on the bridge over the Seine. They probably can't see anyone other than their partner.
In fact, it was later revealed that the photo was staged. Earlier this year, news broke that the female model, Françoise Bornet, passed away at the age of 93.
Nevertheless, the couple will live on forever in the photograph, symbolizing the romantic city of Paris.
GR IIIx, Av mode, 1/40s, F4.5, ISO800, 71mm Crop, Monotone
GR IIIx, Av mode, 1/30s, F5.6, ISO320, Soft Monotone
There are only a few days left until 2025!
No matter how you welcome the new year—with loved ones or alone—may it be a happy and fruitful one for you!
(ARA)
