While we touch those we are close with regularly and freely, touch among strangers remains taboo in our culture. We are apt to apologize  for accidentally brushing a strangers hand or pull away quickly should our knees touch the person seated next to us.

Consequently, there’s something very moving about these portraits by photographer Richard Renaldi in which he asks strangers to touch other strangers.

There is a certain shock value to seeing people together that we would normally view as from different worlds – but beyond that, these photographs evoke the potential for intimacy that we all possess should we bridge the gap of space and custom a little more often.

View the whole series here. And read a great interview with Renaldi about the project here.

As it turns out, humans aren’t the only animals accustomed to planting kisses on one another. Check out the following photo compilation for ten different species who also get caught up in the moment!

1. Squirrels!

Squirrels “kiss” as a way of identifying one another, sniffing his partner’s neck gland for a familiar scent.

2. Meerkats!

Photo Credit: creativecommons.org Foxtongue

In a group, meerkats often groom and “kiss” the faces of their alpha members, both after they’ve been scent-marked as subordinate, and when certain members return to the group after a brief separation.

3. African Gray Parrots!

photo credit: Joachim S. Müller

Many parrot breeds (including the African Gray Parrot above), “kiss” one another in the wild out of acceptance, affection, and/or attachment – sometimes this may include one parrot’s (all too generously) sharing its nearly-digested lunch with its partner.

4. Puffins!

Photo Credit: creativecommons.org Sarah and Iain

“Billing,” the technical term for puffin kissing, consists of two puffins rubbing their beaks together; it is typically performed when the two begin their courting. And because puffins are so community-oriented, it’s said that a couple engaging in billing is wont to attract an audience of puffin spectators around them!

5. Blue Vervets!

photo credit: Swiv

Blue vervet monkeys “kiss” as part of a greeting – before play or grooming –  by touching their muzzles together.

6. Polar Bears!

photo credit: hrhaahr

Polar bears may “kiss” one another to show affection, especially in the spirit of reconciliation.

7. Chimpanzees!

Photo courtesy of creativecommons.org Judee71

Observations of chimpanzees report that after a fight, members of this species make up by embracing and kissing one another!

8. Snails!

photo credit: eskimo_jo

While mating, a snail caresses its partner’s antennae as an expression of emotion.

9. Cows!

photo credit: orangebrompton

Cows will “kiss” one another for hours as a show of their affection.

10. Elephants!

photo credit: Clover_1

When two elephants meet, each “kisses” by affectionately sticking its trunk in the other elephant’s mouth.

This super cute anniversary-present/photo spread shows that creativity knows no bounds when it comes to expressing love.

Floral designer Cori Cook posed for these shots as a present for her 3rd anniversary.

The photos were taken by the supremely talented Nina Barry. Be sure to check out her other work on her blog as well as another version of the layout here! Hooray!

photo and accompanying quote selection by: Michael Shane (michaelbshane.com)

Elaine: “What is the big deal about putting your lips on somebody’s face?”

Jerry: “It’s the obligation. You know, as soon as this person comes in, you know you have to do this. I mean, if you could, say, touch a breast as part of the kiss hello, then I think I could see the value in it a little better.”

Elaine: “How about an intercourse hello? How would that be?”

And all this time I thought Spiderman invented this suave upside-down move:

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After returning home from a tour of duty at sea, Life Magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstadt took this, perhaps the most famous photograph of two people kissing. The kiss symbolized so many emotions — an emotional release through which the entire nation could vicariously rejoice. The soldier and the nurse, in the middle of Times Square in 1945, were part of the very backbone of the American war effort. Years later the sailor came forth and identified himself as Glenn McDuffie.

Houston Police Department forensic artist Lois Gibson worked hard to find evidence that McDuffie was the sailor in the famous photograph. After a detailed investigation, it’s her official verdict that McDuffie, 80, is the man in the 1945 image.

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Gibson said she thinks McDuffie’s claim is bolstered by his explanation for why the sailor’s left hand and wrist are twisted around the nurse’s face. He said he realized someone was taking the picture, so he moved his wrist and hand so the nurse’s face could be seen.

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Source: Lozano, Juan A., “Forensics help identify sailor in famous kiss photo,” Associated Press, Aug 4, 2007

Looking to spark a little romance with the attractive lady/fellow in the plane seat next to you?

swamp devil free download Glancing at the window and spotting one of these Giant Hearts might just get things moving in the right direction.

Freedating.co.uk has put together a terrific visual tour of Gigantic Hearts seen from above complete with spiffy Google Maps of each location!

View all 9 hearts here:

link.

photo: Heart Shaped Mangrove, Voh, New Caldoni: Yann Arthus Bertrand