Arts Design

THE ART OF A BEAUTIFUL PAIR NOW

Follow Me, Iguazu Waterfalls, Brazil, by Murad Osmann.

by Murad Osmann. “Follow Me,” Iguazu Waterfalls, Brazil.

There is an art in taking the lead. There is an art in following gracefully. And there most certainly is an art of collaboration. While there are glorious duets in dance and music, and famous pairs on screen and stage, photography is usually a solo effort.

MURAD OSMANN & NATALIA ZAKHAROVA

Say hello to this photo-snapping pair, Murad Osmann and Natalia Zakharova, who have created a beautiful series of images that uniquely document their travels around the world.

The photos are kind of like reverse selfies, taken by Osmann as he walks behind Zakharova while she pulls him by the hand, leading him onward, in a sightseeing extravaganza.

The series, entitled "Follow Me," began in 2011 when the couple was on vacation in Barcelona. Zakharova grew impatient with her photographer boyfriend, Osmann, as he was so busy taking photographs that he was missing the joy and beauty of their travel experience.

She took his hand and led him forward, pulling him into the experience, showing him the glory of what lay ahead. And as she did so, Osmann kept shooting. He posted his shots on Instagram and the pair never looked back.

The pair’s photo series went viral. They have attracted almost 2 million followers to date. It’s easy to see why. They pull you in, beckoning you to share their experience.

We never see their faces -- only the pair’s outstretched hands and Zakharova’s beautifully styled back.

From iconic to exotic scenes, the pair has delighted us with their colorful perspectives of the world. We revel in their romance, their hands always grasping each other.

We feel Osmann’s love and admiration as he views his beautiful mate from behind. We feel Zakharova’s heart as she coaxes her lover to enjoy the magnificence that surrounds them.

Osmann earned a degree in civil engineering before pursuing his photography and film career. He runs Hype, a tv and film production studio in Moscow. Zakharova is a journalist.

Enter your own images and ideas about Beautiful Pairs in this week’s creative Photo Competition. Open for entries now until 11:59 p.m. PT on 11.16.14. If you are reading this after that date, check out the current BN Creative Competition, and enter!