The kiss
Some projects come together over many years; occasionally the photographer is not even aware that a project or series of pictures exists at all. But as time passes, they may look back through their work and find a common thread.
One series that has been shot over the past quarter of a century is The Kiss by Brian Harris.
Brian was a staff photographer at The Times and then chief photographer of The Independent newspaper when it launched in 1986.
Brian told me that:
"While travelling the world as a news photographer covering insurrections and politics, it was a blessed relief sometimes to just go off for a long walk with one camera and one lens looking for pure images that were gentle and kind."
And so the series was born. I asked Brian to outline his thoughts behind the collection:
"I started looking, waiting, to photograph couples kissing following the likes of Robert Doisneau and his iconic photograph taken near the Hotel de Ville in Paris.
"I enjoyed the experience of trying to capture in one or maybe two frames that moment of pure joy as a couple embraced, kissed and were oblivious to all around, including me.
"It was a way of training my eye and brain and camera to all work in harmony. I think my first really nice kiss image was made in Paris, where else? It was of a young couple sitting on a bench in the Jardin des Tuileries. They would be middle-aged now and I wonder if they are still together.
"The series now contains photographs from Italy and Malta, from Berlin and London and more recently from my home patch of Cambridge where I now live.
"I've never asked permission, it was always one-two frames taken on the wing and then I moved on. So far, no-one has ever objected and no-one has punched me on the nose - but with the awareness of photographers working on the streets by the police and the public, I suppose it is only a matter of time before someone calls foul.
"Enjoy these images for what they are at this Valentine's period: all you need is love, love, love..."
You can see more of Brian's pictures on his website.
I'm 
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~06~RS~)
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For the years we had no money
The heartache we've had to share
Yet you remain sweeter than honey
And I know that you still care
So Im sending you this bouquet
But you smell better than this
So I do hope that it's ok
To give you a sloppy wet kiss.
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Pictures like this, even if taken in public places, will become difficult or impossible to take and publish if the Information Commissioners Office sets a new code of practice for "Personal Information Online". A consultation is currently under way and ends on 5 March; see the website www.ico.gov.uk
Photographs such as these will be treated as data under the Data Protection Act. Never mind that we have more CCTV cameras than anywhere else. Pictures in public will become private. "The ICO's proposed new code for personal information online has "commonsense" new rules that prohibit photography in public places where anyone who's in the photograph might be unhappy about being photographed. A photo, taken in public, is now deemed private data, y'see."
For further critique of this proposed new code and the impact for all photographers of 'orphan works' provisions in the Digital Economy Bill, see the website www.copyrightaction.com
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
And, it's truly a shame. If you're going to make the love with someone you should not be, a private place might be the better choice.
Photographing children in these times I certainly understand.
I take many photographs out in public and always ask first or if my camera is pointing in a direction that would imply I was photographing someone, I let them know I am not shooting them. I always carry release forms with me just in case.
Strangely enough while living in France and walking around with my camera around my neck I would be stopped by people wanting me to photograph them. Go figure
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From a Secret Admirer (Robert Frost)
Whose gift this is you cannot know.
My heart is in your keeping though.
You will not mind my writing here
To tell you that I love you so.
I know that you must think it queer
For me to love and not come near
But linger by some frozen lake
This most romantic time of year.
I sometimes give my head a shake
And ask if there is some mistake.
It's lonely out here 'mid the sweep
Of bitter wind and icy flake.
My love for you is dark and deep,
But it's a promise I will keep
As from afar I watch and weep,
As from afar I watch and weep.
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Phil:
Includes Brian!
Thanks, for the excellent pictures regarding these beautiful people kissing....
(Dennis Junior)
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I think the last one is my favourite!
For me; love is not a question or an answer, it is not offensive or rude,it is what makes us both individuals and a society. It is what makes us!
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I think it is beautiful, filled with happy feelings. If you kiss in public, you can be seen, and maybe photographed, but guess what??????? In most countries it is not against the law. If it is a crime..... then that country is probably one without much or any rights for women. To ban such a harmless sight as a kiss, usually is because women themselves are banned from an equal life. I love it, I think it is great for Valentines day, and how can anyone complain!
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We live in an open democracy and so anything happening on the public highway can be photographed by anyone. We must all stand together to protect this right we all have. Otherwise we may lose a hugely valuable visual historical record of our era and future generations will be deprived. Street photography, after all, provides for the very best visual reference of how we live our lives, of our fashions, technologies, environments etc. etc..
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I agree with the above poster that anything happening on the public highway can be photographed by anyone. But there are (or should be) limitations on the use to which the resulting photographs are put. Can they be published freely in a newspaper or magazine or on television to illustrate some point having nothing to do with the people depicted? Can they be used in commercial advertising without the permission or remuneration of the people depicted? Does my appearance on the sidewalk of Main Street cancel all my rights to the use of my photo?
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No matter what new laws or draconian rules are levied apon photographers by misguided ill conceived politics, we will always prevail in the end, you cant stop love.
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