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We are not gonna tell you anything new by saying that the pandemic has changed not only our way of living but also the means by which we interact with one another. Today, like never before, we are prone to keeping our distance from each other. It seems that we have to relearn how to be around people again. While it's not a big struggle for some, others might find it quite challenging.

Richard Renaldi is a photographer from New York, USA who came up with the idea to create a photo series called "Touching strangers". The artist started this project in 2007 and completed it in 2013, way before all the chaos caused by Covid broke loose. The photographs depict complete strangers physically interacting while posing together. The portraits are very affectionate and intimate, encouraging us to reflect on the distance and boundaries we set for one another, especially in times like this.

More info: renaldi.com | Instagram | twitter.com | flickr.com

#1

Shalom And Jeff, 2013, NY

Shalom And Jeff, 2013, NY

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Felice Coles
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is nice. Two radically different men who aren't afraid to link arms.

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Richard Renaldi was born in Chicago, USA in 1968. He received a Bachelor's degree in photography from New York University in 1990. His works have been exhibited in many galleries around the world, like Third Floor Gallery, Cardiff, Wales (2012), Aperture Gallery, New York, NY (2014), Loyola University Museum of Art, Chicago, IL (2015) and more.

#2

Janaki And Dominic, 2013, Pa

Janaki And Dominic, 2013, Pa

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#3

Jesse And Michael, 2013, NY

Jesse And Michael, 2013, NY

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Triple Crown
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This entire collection is simplistically beautiful, different & innovative. Peaceful at first glance, but some of the pics have far more depth, emotion & even a couple have anger or despair. Wonderful project of silent humanity. Thank you for sharing.

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Besides "Touching Strangers", the photographer has released many other projects such as "Billions Served", "I Want Your Love", "Manhattan Sunday", "Fall River Boys", "Midnight Lobbies", "See America by Bus" and more.

#5

Elaine And Arly, 2012, NY

Elaine And Arly, 2012, NY

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Jackie Nettleton
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks like a strong protective person and someone who needs to be held for a little bit

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In one of his interviews, Richard mentioned that he did all his casting right there on the street without setting up the portraits beforehand. Nothing was prearranged. This way he had less control over the process.

The photographer was looking for a connection. It would take him from 10 minutes to 5 hours to take a perfect shot.

The artist wanted to take affectionate pictures showing that these people are strangers but they could also be good friends. However, sometimes it was challenging to find someone eager to participate in a photoshoot. It takes courage to show intimate moments in front of a camera, even more so when one has to do that with a stranger!

What do you think, dear pandas? Would you be brave enough to get super close to a person you're seeing for the first time in your life?

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#10

Soukhet And Dawn, 2012, Hi

Soukhet And Dawn, 2012, Hi

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Jackie Nettleton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one feels like they are uncomfortable with each other I’m not sure why as there’s nothing to suggest that but it’s how I feel they are

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#12

Deborah And Joseph, 2011, NY

Deborah And Joseph, 2011, NY

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GlassHalfWay
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure he didn't feel well, but he sat up anyway for a brief handhold and photo. He just looks complacent.

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#13

Angie, Steve, Edward, And Maria, 2012, Ca

Angie, Steve, Edward, And Maria, 2012, Ca

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DE Ray
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think I went to a concert of theirs in college. Angie was killer on drums.

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#14

Perry And Mark, 2012, Nv

Perry And Mark, 2012, Nv

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#15

Hunter, Margaret, And Abigail, 2013, NY

Hunter, Margaret, And Abigail, 2013, NY

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Sofie
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is that lady to the left a european princess from the 1700s in disguise?

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#18

Ashleigh And Tony, 2012, La

Ashleigh And Tony, 2012, La

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Felice Coles
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, we're really getting to know our neighbors here, aren't we?

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#21

Atiljan And Tiffany, 2011, NY

Atiljan And Tiffany, 2011, NY

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Jackie Nettleton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They both look like they are just starting to figure out what it’s like to be attractive to another person and how they will behave. Young love is what I think about with these two

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#22

Aminah And Erica, 2013, Il

Aminah And Erica, 2013, Il

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Sofie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She looks like every highly pregnant woman 😅 Fed up with people making comments and touching their belly.

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#24

Tiana Andgunnar, 2013, Il

Tiana Andgunnar, 2013, Il

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#25

Nicholas And Caleb, 2013, Pa

Nicholas And Caleb, 2013, Pa

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#26

Tari, Shawn, And Summer, 2012, Ca

Tari, Shawn, And Summer, 2012, Ca

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#27

Michal And Sarah, 2011, NY

Michal And Sarah, 2011, NY

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Katie Brandon
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and then they got married and got a nice house in the country and a dog named potato

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#28

Vincent And Charles, 2012, Ca

Vincent And Charles, 2012, Ca

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#30

Nathan And Robyn, 2012, Ma

Nathan And Robyn, 2012, Ma

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Note: this post originally had 40 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.