Love and Companionship

This portrait series explores the evolving nature of human relationships, challenging traditional ideas of love and companionship. It reflects diverse experiences of companionship, intimacy, and support—whether through romance, friendship, or community. The work invites viewers to consider the many ways we find connection, love, and belonging in our lives.

When I grew up 50+ years ago romantic relationships consisted of a man and a woman, or so I believed. I had many relationships in my younger adult life, most of them unsuccessful. For the last 18 years after my divorce I have been single, bringing up a child and now he has moved out, it’s just me. My ideal romantic relationship would be someone who does not necessarily live with me, but thinks of me as a loving companion to do things, someone to think about and who thinks about me, someone to love and be loved but not necessarily be ‘in love’. I have wonderful friends with the many women in my life who lend a shoulder when I am down and laugh with me in times of sadness, silliness and joy. But wait, this is not about me!

And it’s not all about romantic love.

I am looking for relationships to be a part of this project. Couples and/or friends who would like to express their love and/or companionship in a portrait and as part of an exhibition to be shown in 2026. The fee is $250* and I come to your home (or somewhere that is important to you) to do the photography. I create a set of images from which we choose one or two images to be a part of the exhibition. The rest you get to keep as A4 printable files. I would love you both to write a paragraph or two about your love and companionship to be a part of the exhibition, too. The exhibition print will be for sale, but there is no obligation to purchase.

So, if you are new in a relationship or had 60 years of friendship, love or companionship/deep friendship, I would love to hear from you.

Please email me hilary@hwp.com.au

*this fee is necessary to help fund the out-goings of the photography and the administrative time, post production and the cost of holding an exhibition. If you’d like to participate but would find $250 difficult, please let me know.

“A companionship is a close, supportive relationship between two (or more) people. This can be a platonic friendship, a romantic relationship, or a professional relationship. The key element of a companionship is that both parties find value in the relationship and feel supported by the other person.”

as for the definition of love…. I leave that up to you…

Zev and Nick

Zev and Nick met 15 years ago and together for 8 years. Their relationship developed over time and they now share a home and often a bed. They have plans for the future. Zev is queer and 7 months into their relationship began medically transitioning. Nick also has a girlfriend and they have been going out for three years. Zev is not in an any other relationship at present. Zev and Nick’s relationship is non-monogamous and they love each other.