This photograph by Paul Gittings shows two young girls in matching dresses, standing on a porch, their arms interlocked. The monochromatic palette, working in reverse like this, is just the start of the image's appeal, offering a study in textures and contrasts that feels both intimate and slightly unreal. The surface quality is striking; it's not just a flat image, but alive with detail. The dresses of the girls create a soft volume, while the leaves of the vine create a lace pattern in the background. I'm struck by the area where the girls' arms meet; this creates a sense of connection. Gittings reminds me a little of Diane Arbus, both inviting us to consider the complexity of human relationships. The photograph leaves us with a sense of ambiguity, which is where, I think, the real conversation begins.