(The Kiss by Robert Doisneau. It was posed, by the way.)
This poster used to hang above my desk. My business partner always thought I was a bit off.
St. Valentine’s Day is a god day to practice being a bit thoughtful. You’ve sent flowers to the workplace, laid on the dinner plans, polished your shoes, bought your buttonhole and are looking forward to an unusual Monday evening.
One last thing, why not detail your significant other’s car? Or at least run it through the local car wash and have the inside super-cleaned.
Small gestures say a lot.
But even the best laid plans have a way of going astray. If you find yourself without companionship today, treat yourself thoughtfully! Head for the salon or barber. Have your shoes professionally shined. Take a glass of champagne with dinner. Turn up some Harry Connick, Jr. or Sinatra or Ella and dance a little. Or rent a movie — an unabashedly romantic movie, “The Philadelphia Story” is my favourite — and order dinner in. Just make sure to set a tray with a fresh flower and your silverware. Better yet, invite a friend or two who are in the same situation over for dinner.
Happy St. Valentine’s Day.
It was really posed? I’ve always thought that the gent to the left was the best part of this photo… not the rakish rock-a-billy cock-a-bill making a scene with that public display. The other gent slips by mostly unnoticed, tie, 3-buttoned, beret, sweater, and specs… attempting to avoid attention.
YWP, I believe it was only the two kissers who were posed. The woman was a professional model.
Posed or not, I am charmed by this photo and consider it iconic. It sure looks spontaneous–I think the gent was genuinely enjoying his assignment. Your suggestions above are delightful. Simple plans are almost always the most romantic as well as elegant.