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
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Shalom And Jeff, 2013, NY
This is nice. Two radically different men who aren't afraid to link arms.
I like this whole series. All these people were brave, & curious enough, to step outside their comfort zone to touch someone they do not know. I love those with inquisitive natures. Thinking to self: “I’m not sure what will happen, it’s an unorthodox scenario at best, definitely out of my confidence domicile, I could embarrass myself, wonder how I’ll feel about it later? Hmmm, something new? Hell yeah! Let’s do it.” Look at the subjects: Feminism, ageism, racism, culture clash, toxic masculinity, family, brother & sisterhood, religions & secular beliefs, so much. Many comments, while not wrong, show the need, & fear, that people have of not knowing, feeling awkward or wanting to envision these people as together or somehow “knowing” one another. Try looking at them as courageous strangers willing to put themselves into a social experiment.
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.
Janaki And Dominic, 2013, Pa
I love everything about this photo. The pose, the intimacy, the looks on their faces, the background, holy crap. Love, love, love this!
Janaki is an Indian name. Sita is another name for Janaki (Daughter of Janak).
That is Dominic DiTanna he has been in a long time relationship with his girlfriend Josette Pimenta
Load More Replies...They look like really close friends, completely at ease in each other’s embrace
Thank you for being the one person not pulling the 'ooh I hope they fall in love' card just because they are posing for a picture :)
Load More Replies...Jesse And Michael, 2013, NY
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.
Michael And Jared, 2011, NY
Strip poeple back from the nuances and nurtered thought processes and this is what you get 💖... True, good people are just that. They do not need a tattoo or statement. Just want to live this 1 life aggrevaited free. Why can't people see this?? 1 life after that we are all forgotten about 20yrs later unless you are super famous irrespective of how you got that fame. So sad some big d***s are killing millions for self gratification. PUTIN cough cough...
Elaine And Arly, 2012, NY
This looks like a strong protective person and someone who needs to be held for a little bit
Yeah, they look like two people who haven’t been hugged in a long time.
Load More Replies...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.
Donna And Donna, 2011, Co
I wonder if both were alone at that place? Maybe they did feel alone and after the camera they became friends?
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?
Reiko And Brian, 2013, NY
Leasia And Rebecca, 2013, NY
Ya, the way she's looking up at her... sparks are flying
Load More Replies...A spark here?? Or just good peeps. Irrelavant which it's just beautiful
Soukhet And Dawn, 2012, Hi
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
I wonder how these shoots went down. Did the photographer say, "I'd like to have a picture where the two of you are touching. Whatever you're comfortable with." Or were they told how to pose?
Load More Replies...It more looks to me like one is warm and nurturing and the other is afraid or holding back
Junior And Petey, 2012, Ma
Must've been a great moment for Petey. Wonder how many people must look away from him, let alone touch his limbs with no hands
Deborah And Joseph, 2011, NY
I'm sure he didn't feel well, but he sat up anyway for a brief handhold and photo. He just looks complacent.
He is probably struggling to stay upright and to simply breathe. People who can't breathe properly all get this tense expression
Load More Replies...Angie, Steve, Edward, And Maria, 2012, Ca
I think I went to a concert of theirs in college. Angie was killer on drums.
Haha. I was gonna say it looks like a band cover
Load More Replies...Perry And Mark, 2012, Nv
The white gut has his head turned away and his arm over the other, shows a sense of dominance to me. He’s not touching the black guy with his hand at all.
That's what I thought but "Eagle Girl" called me "judgy".
Load More Replies...My favorite of the series! It seems more successful to the theme than the others.
Those two from opposite worlds look nice and comfortable with each other. There might be hope for humans after all.
Hunter, Margaret, And Abigail, 2013, NY
They look so comfortable like they've known each other for years, Margaret looks protective-type motherly but they're STRANGERS, HOW-
Plantation lullabies. Margaret is tired and has kids at home to feed, bathe and get their homework done.
Mila And Jm, 2013, NY
That kinda looks like they could be mother and daughter
Kim And Yoshie, 2007, Ca
Doesent the lady on left have a wedding/fiancé ring?
Load More Replies...Ashleigh And Tony, 2012, La
They know each other, no way that a stranger is comfortable enough to sniff her neck/looks seconds away from kissing her neck
Aww. They should date. Already looks like they are in love🥰
Jacob And Lola, 2012, Ca
He is so handsome. And the woman looks like a proud mom. Love this picture.
Williamn And Felice, 2008, NY
Atiljan And Tiffany, 2011, NY
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
I like this one. Not sure why, maybe because they are young and she looks so innocent and he looks street smart
Aminah And Erica, 2013, Il
She looks like every highly pregnant woman 😅 Fed up with people making comments and touching their belly.
Agreed. Would’ve been a fun turn around if the pregnant person’s hand was on the blond’s belly.
Load More Replies...Rayqa And Annalee, 2012, Ca
We com from Bulgeria to see the big city of these Americans. It is nice.
Tiana Andgunnar, 2013, Il
"The Girl in the Blue Shoes" ...... well- it's the first thing I noticed .....
Load More Replies...He look Scandinavian (the name also). We are reserved, dont like to cuddle with strangers😅
Load More Replies...Nicholas And Caleb, 2013, Pa
I’m the guy on the right. Honored to be a part of this project. This was taken in the throes of an eight year opiate addiction and I’m grateful to have this memorial to mark those days. I was at a low point in my life, but I remember how much the sincerity of this project brightened my outlook. Nicholas was also a stand up guy.
I hope you're enjoying life now, Caleb. I'm glad the project helped you. I wonder if you ever saw Nicholas again. Wishing you every blessing an good health.
Load More Replies...they both look SO uncomfortable and honestly I'm getting kick out of it ;)
I feel so much towards this beautiful stranger. Wonder what hom-bois will say?
Tari, Shawn, And Summer, 2012, Ca
He looks like he is in shock. "wow two beautiful lady's touching me".
Michal And Sarah, 2011, NY
and then they got married and got a nice house in the country and a dog named potato
Vincent And Charles, 2012, Ca
Two guys, chilling for a photoshoot, only touching palms and nothing else because they're not gay.
Both nice looking boys (yeah, I’m old, under 40 all boys to me), but loving those eyes on the right.
Gerry And Gian Michael, 2011, Fl
The pose and their facial expressions just makes it look like they were interrupted as they were about to start wrestling.
Love the picture. Wish the photographer told the left guy to fix his belt though. It's so weird this is 11 years ago. Time flies..
Nathan And Robyn, 2012, Ma
Not sure about this. He is holding her as if she wants to escape. Only my opinion
I would feel the need to interrupt this to make sure that Robyn is ok with everything or does she want to leave
Why is she looking so scared?? Loved all the other picture bit this one made me feel uncomfortable!
Keebs And Beth, 2012, Nv
Orville, Rebecca, And Joyce, 2012, La
This one is truly beautiful. All of them are wearing glasses! :-)
.and hats/ something on they'r head. Beautiful picture❤️
Load More Replies...Claudio And David, 2011, NY
What's with the belt things? Is it to keep your back straight or something?
Michael And Kimberly, 2011, NY
Josette And Juan, 2012, Nv
Tom, Alaina, And Charlie, 2012, Ca
I didn't see you mention it on #32. Maybe she asked for this pose?
Load More Replies...And no wonder with such handsome guys on both sides of her... :-)
Load More Replies...She doesen't look uncomfortable to me. She looks like a pretty model❤️
Hewitt And Ryan, 2012, La
Simon And Kiya, 2012, NY
Bruce And Naom, 2011, NY
Alex And Maria, 2013, Dc
Ohhhh....look at Her, Seriously look Deeper... that Woman is Incredibly Funny, Charming, Intelligent, Witty, etc...etc... She is Unbelievable.... if u only see Her Beauty, ur Missing Out on an Amazing Woman..... Pretty Maria 🦋 bonzozep@live.com
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
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...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!
are we gonna say "eh?" after every sentence, eh? because i'm down with it, eh?
Load More Replies...I wouldn't mind being in a photo like this because in the big scheme of things, we are all family.
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...such a lovely way to meet new people, some of which would make nice couples if they were to keep in touch....
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
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...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!
are we gonna say "eh?" after every sentence, eh? because i'm down with it, eh?
Load More Replies...I wouldn't mind being in a photo like this because in the big scheme of things, we are all family.
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...such a lovely way to meet new people, some of which would make nice couples if they were to keep in touch....
