A celebrated beauty photographer whose work embodies sophistication, creativity and transformation, Malibu-based Mitch Stone is known for masterfully highlighting the subtle details that define true elegance\u2014bringing out both the inner confidence and outer radiance of his subjects. Known for his artistic vision and refined aesthetic, Stone creates compelling imagery that captures beauty in its most powerful and authentic form.<\/em> He also happens to be Kim Basinger\u2019s longtime love, and in celebration of Valentine\u2019s Day, he shared the unique perspective he sees when collaborating and connecting with the star. <\/em><\/p>\n To start, I\u2019m very aware that I\u2019d probably be considered one of the luckiest men in the world\u2014not only to be photographing Kim Basinger, but to be dating her as well. To that, I happily concede.<\/p>\n Whenever I photograph my girlfriend, it\u2019s always extra exciting. Each shoot feels like revisiting a different moment in time\u2014and honestly, it\u2019s a bit like date night. After 12 years together, connecting this way is still incredibly fun.<\/p>\n I believe photography\u2014especially beauty and celebrity photography\u2014requires connection more than anything else. Of course, you need to understand your camera and lighting, but what really matters is what happens through the lens. Over the years, I\u2019ve often been amazed watching photographers simply click, click, click without making any effort to engage or inspire their subject.<\/p>\n For me, connection is everything. A big part of my job is creating a space where the subject feels inspired and present.<\/p>\n What many people may not know about Kim is that she\u2019s actually quite shy, reclusive and incredibly casual. Around the house, she\u2019s a true surfer girl\u2014happiest in worn jeans or something comfortable you\u2019d never associate with a Hollywood icon. I\u2019ve often told her she should have been more of a punk rocker than a movie star, which is honestly what I love most about her. I\u2019ve even said she should play Kim Gordon one day.<\/p>\n She\u2019s never been interested in fitting the mold. There are countless stories of her pushing back against the status quo, standing up for animals and defending the underdog, regardless of the consequences. It\u2019s a side of her people don\u2019t always see, and one that makes me love and respect her deeply. She does the work quietly, without needing recognition\u2014she truly walks the walk.<\/p>\n Watching her transform\u2014from my girlfriend into the icon she is\u2014is honestly incredible. Having worked with many celebrities and models over the years, I can say without hesitation that photographing Kim is different from anything else I\u2019ve experienced.<\/p>\n That transformation during a shoot is something truly special, especially when you know her as I do. You can literally see her click into a character she\u2019s created in her head. She fully immerses herself in front of the lens, changing in a way I\u2019ve never seen anyone else do. At times, it feels as if she slips into another dimension entirely.<\/p>\n During this particular shoot\u2014especially with the boxer concept\u2014her face changed, her energy shifted and she became completely absorbed in her own world. In those moments, you don\u2019t direct her\u2014you let her go.<\/p>\n She\u2019s worked with some of the greatest photographers in the world, and I have a feeling they\u2019d agree.<\/p>\n Lastly, I\u2019d be remiss if I didn\u2019t mention her incredible skin. As a beauty photographer, photographing her skin is truly a gift. I\u2019ve walked past the magnifying mirror in our bathroom while she\u2019s putting on her potions and thought, she\u2019s the only person I\u2019ve ever seen who looks better in that mirror.<\/p>\n Great genes, unwavering discipline\u2014exercise, no sun, clean eating, lots of water. It still amazes me that she doesn\u2019t have a major skin-care campaign.<\/p>\n In the end, photographing the person you love is a reminder of why I fell in love with photography in the first place\u2014connection, trust, and seeing someone for who they truly are.<\/p>\n Happy Valentine\u2019s Day.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"Kim](\"https:\/\/cdn-cjhgk.nitrocdn.com\/CXxGixRVyChwAxySbAyltuCiQXRKaWDN\/assets\/images\/optimized\/rev-9dad235\/www.newbeauty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/kim-b.jpg\")