From Document and Calvin Klein, an intimate portrait series spotlights the nature of exchange between subject and photographer, treating each image as an act of love

The relationship between photographer and subject is in constant flux. But in its purest form, taking a picture—or posing for one—is an act of love, one that inspires confidence and ease of movement. It’s this spirit that Document and Calvin Klein set out to capture in their recent collaboration, In Bed With, an intimate portrait series where subject and photographer bear the vulnerability and passion of art-making in tandem.

At the center of this project is dedication to exchange, to position photography as a collaborative, shared experience. Director Adrienne Raquel dons Calvin Klein underwear alongside models Deon Hinton, Lizette Pinto e Melo, and Cameron Lee Phan, channeling the natural sensuality of the iconic collection and fostering one-to-one connections. It’s a play on the traditional relationships among all parties involved in the image-making process: equal rapport in every regard, from the faces in frame (both Raquel and her subjects), to who’s modeling the clothes (or lack thereof).

“I think confidence comes with wanting to be,” says Lee Phan. “Underwear is for intimacy, and underwear is meant to be shown.” The garments’ twin function—a means of rearing comfort and showing off—mirror the duality of the photographer as bystander, and as omnipotent creator. These identities crawl into bed together, sealing a world of complexity into images that are markedly simple.

Models Lizette Pinto e Melo at Muse; Cameron Lee Phan at New Pandemics; Deon Hinton. Hair Andrita Renee. Make-up Kuma using MAC Cosmetics at Streeters. Manicure Elina Ogawa using OPI at Bridge. Prop Stylist Joonie Jang. Director of Photography Jimmy Nyeango. Lighting Director Nigel HoSang. Digital Technician Jennifer Czyborra. Lighting Assistant and Swing Sam Dong. Lighting Assistant and Key Grip Elan Sherman. Sound Operator Rick Cardone. Camera PA Drew Espinoza. Stylist Assistant Kylese Smith. Production HARBINGER. Casting Director Angus Munro at AMC Casting. Post Production (Video) Snakk Studio. Shot at 7Line Studios.

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