Legendary Photographer Douglas Kirkland's Romantic Legacy Lives On

In October 2025, a new photo book titled "Romance" is being celebrated as a tribute to the legendary work of photographer Douglas Kirkland, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 88. Kirkland was renowned for his intimate and iconic images of Hollywood's most famous stars, including Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, and Coco Chanel.

The book, edited by Kirkland's wife, Françoise, and Sarah Menahem, is described as "a love letter to anyone who is as hopeless a romantic as I am." It features Kirkland's portraits of legendary couples, such as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, as well as familiar faces like Paul Newman, Meryl Streep, and Princess Diana. The book also includes never-before-seen images and captures the full spectrum of love and connection, from tenderness and passion to jealousy and commitment.

Françoise Kirkland explains that the idea for the book came to her shortly after her husband's passing, as she spent the night looking through his archive for images that spoke to her of "love, connection, togetherness." The book carries a dedication to Douglas, "the consummate romancer," and "all the lovers out there." Kirkland's work is celebrated for its warmth, humanity, and inherent romance, as described by director Baz Luhrmann.