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This Photographer Asked Complete Strangers To Pose Together While Touching (30 Pics)
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
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Shalom And Jeff, 2013, NY
Felice Coles 2 years ago
This is nice. Two radically different men who aren't afraid to link arms.
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
#3
Jesse And Michael, 2013, NY
Triple Crown 2 years ago
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.
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.
#4
Michael And Jared, 2011, NY
#5
Elaine And Arly, 2012, NY
Jackie Nettleton 2 years ago
This looks like a strong protective person and someone who needs to be held for a little bit
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.
#6
Donna And Donna, 2011, Co
#7
Ekeabong And Andrew, 2013, Ca
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?
#8
Reiko And Brian, 2013, NY
#9
Leasia And Rebecca, 2013, NY
#10
Soukhet And Dawn, 2012, Hi
Jackie Nettleton 2 years ago
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
#11
Junior And Petey, 2012, Ma
#12
Deborah And Joseph, 2011, NY
GlassHalfWay 2 years ago
I'm sure he didn't feel well, but he sat up anyway for a brief handhold and photo. He just looks complacent.
#13
Angie, Steve, Edward, And Maria, 2012, Ca
#14
Perry And Mark, 2012, Nv
#15
Hunter, Margaret, And Abigail, 2013, NY
#16
Mila And Jm, 2013, NY
Pinkcorgi(Undercover panda) 2 years ago (edited)
That kinda looks like they could be mother and daughter
#17
Kim And Yoshie, 2007, Ca
#18
Ashleigh And Tony, 2012, La
#19
Jacob And Lola, 2012, Ca
#21
Atiljan And Tiffany, 2011, NY
Jackie Nettleton 2 years ago
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
#22
Aminah And Erica, 2013, Il
#23
Rayqa And Annalee, 2012, Ca
#24
Tiana Andgunnar, 2013, Il
#25
Nicholas And Caleb, 2013, Pa
#26
Tari, Shawn, And Summer, 2012, Ca
Bored Toadette 2 years ago
He looks like he is in shock. "wow two beautiful lady's touching me".
#27
Michal And Sarah, 2011, NY
Katie Brandon 2 years ago
and then they got married and got a nice house in the country and a dog named potato
#28
Vincent And Charles, 2012, Ca
Terry Waters 2 years ago
Two guys, chilling for a photoshoot, only touching palms and nothing else because they're not gay.
Janis Wise 2 years ago
Both nice looking boys (yeah, I’m old, under 40 all boys to me), but loving those eyes on the right.
#29
Gerry And Gian Michael, 2011, Fl
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Chaotic-Pansexual (she/they) 2 years ago
I dunno about this. A lot of the people in these photos looked rather uncomfortable and some of the poses looked like a bit too much for two strangers
Tardis42 2 years ago
Totally agree. Also, what is this supposed to be showing? The photographer tells two strangers exactly how to pose, then takes a picture. All it's showing is that some people can follow directions.
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gabe linman 2 years ago
Wow this is cool. I hope he keeps this up when covid fears can finally subside. Beautiful. Not just the startlingly intimate photos, but also the ones that allow you to see anxiety and discomfort in pushing closeness like this. Humans are so f***ing strange and basic and funny and sad and enigmatic. I love to see the scope of our social bonds and fears and tendencies to overshare or reach out all muddled. Great project. Thanks!
aceofspades 2 years ago
are we gonna say "eh?" after every sentence, eh? because i'm down with it, eh?
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deanna woods 2 years ago
I wouldn't mind being in a photo like this because in the big scheme of things, we are all family.
Nicole Normand 2 years ago
Being touched by family might be a problem for a lot of people. But I wouldn't mind being in a picture like this either.
Load More Replies...
Mr. Pigeon 2 years ago
such a lovely way to meet new people, some of which would make nice couples if they were to keep in touch....
Eunice Probert 2 years ago
No one smiling? Everyone looks rather unhappy, which makes me wonder why they agreed. I would have just said no thanks mate. I would have liked to have seen photos taken after they posed. How many of them were friendly to each other afterwards.
Soggy Crumpet 2 years ago
Hmmm… hope they were all vaccinated since social distancing has become the fear driven norm now
Curry on... 2 years ago
The dates suggest these pics were taken almost 10 years ago.
Load More Replies...
Wouter van Leeuwen 2 years ago
Love it! Amazing idea and those pictures speaks for themselves.
Anagram margana 2 years ago
I wish some of them looked like they were enjoying the moment…all those morose, expressionless faces!
Chaotic-Pansexual (she/they) 2 years ago
I dunno about this. A lot of the people in these photos looked rather uncomfortable and some of the poses looked like a bit too much for two strangers
Tardis42 2 years ago
Totally agree. Also, what is this supposed to be showing? The photographer tells two strangers exactly how to pose, then takes a picture. All it's showing is that some people can follow directions.
Load More Replies... gabe linman 2 years ago
Wow this is cool. I hope he keeps this up when covid fears can finally subside. Beautiful. Not just the startlingly intimate photos, but also the ones that allow you to see anxiety and discomfort in pushing closeness like this. Humans are so f***ing strange and basic and funny and sad and enigmatic. I love to see the scope of our social bonds and fears and tendencies to overshare or reach out all muddled. Great project. Thanks!
aceofspades 2 years ago
are we gonna say "eh?" after every sentence, eh? because i'm down with it, eh?
Load More Replies... deanna woods 2 years ago
I wouldn't mind being in a photo like this because in the big scheme of things, we are all family.
Nicole Normand 2 years ago
Being touched by family might be a problem for a lot of people. But I wouldn't mind being in a picture like this either.
Load More Replies... Mr. Pigeon 2 years ago
such a lovely way to meet new people, some of which would make nice couples if they were to keep in touch....
Eunice Probert 2 years ago
No one smiling? Everyone looks rather unhappy, which makes me wonder why they agreed. I would have just said no thanks mate. I would have liked to have seen photos taken after they posed. How many of them were friendly to each other afterwards.
Soggy Crumpet 2 years ago
Hmmm… hope they were all vaccinated since social distancing has become the fear driven norm now
Curry on... 2 years ago
The dates suggest these pics were taken almost 10 years ago.
Load More Replies... Wouter van Leeuwen 2 years ago
Love it! Amazing idea and those pictures speaks for themselves.
Anagram margana 2 years ago
I wish some of them looked like they were enjoying the moment…all those morose, expressionless faces!
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