The book Love Pictures by photographer Jess T. Dugan and curator-writer Charlotte Cotton explores themes of gender, politics, family, and love. Born from a dialogue between the two, the work weaves together images and conversations with the communities that support them. At a time when hate and division can feel like the easiest, most accessible paths, Dugan and Cotton have created a publication that celebrates connection and relationships—a space where vulnerability is shared, discussed, and embraced.
Love Pictures, published by Radius Books, is a series of portraits of loved ones and members of Dugan’s queer community, accompanied by exchanges with friends and colleagues such as Dawoud Bey, Kelli Connell, Dorothy Moss, and Gem Fletcher. The book stands as an affirmation of the artist’s queer identity, framing photography as an act of seeing and valuing others and, in turn, being seen. It is an intimate and courageous gesture of trust—an opening up that allows others to witness and understand, step by step and picture by picture, new forms of relationality, love, and hope.
Love Pictures is available HERE.
Featured Images:
Self-portrait (reaching), 2021
Elinor floating, 2025
Austin lying in the grass, 2023
Kelli and Jen, 2017
Hasselblad H4D
Duchess Milan, 69, Los Angeles, CA, 2017
Anne and Dario, 2023
Sasha and Amanda, 2024
Shira and Sarah, 2020
Oskar, 2024
Self-portrait with Vanessa and Elinor (2 days old), 2018
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Love Pictures designed to answer questions from someone just discovering it to someone deeply engaged with its themes
General Beginner Questions
Q What exactly is Love Pictures
A Its a curated collection of real conversations and personal images that explore the deep themes of relationships intimacy and what it means to be truly seen and understood by another person
Q Is this a book a website or an art project
A It can be any of those The core idea is a collection or archive It might be presented as a photo book with interview text a digital gallery or a multimedia installation
Q Who is this for
A Its for anyone curious about the human heart Whether youre in a relationship reflecting on past ones or simply interested in human connection it offers relatable insights
Q Are the stories and pictures from real people
A Yes thats the core of the project It features authentic contributions from individuals and couples often shared anonymously to protect privacy while sharing universal truths
Deeper Themes Content
Q What does being truly seen mean in this context
A It goes beyond just being looked at Its about feeling fully known and acceptedyour vulnerabilities your history your quirkswithout judgment The project explores moments where people experience this with a partner friend or even themselves
Q What kinds of relationships are explored
A While romantic love is a major theme it also delves into familial bonds deep friendships selflove and the complex relationships we have with our own pasts and bodies
Q What role do the pictures play versus the conversations
A They work together A picture might show a quiet moment of touch or a shared glance while the accompanying conversation reveals the story insecurity or joy behind that moment The image shows the what the conversation explains the why
Q Is the content mostly happy or does it cover difficult topics
A It covers the full spectrum Youll find joy and passion but also themes of loneliness heartbreak miscommunication and the hard work required to maintain intimacy It aims for an honest complete portrait
Engagement Practical Use