3 days ago
They Meet for the First Time, Have Intimate Photo Shoot During Blind Date — and the Pictures Go Viral (Exclusive)
A photographer from Iowa is testing out photographing strangers in her area
The 25-year-old hopes to push willing participants outside their comfort zones and show that connections can be found in the most unlikely of places
So far, she has had two successful sessions with two pairs of spontaneous individualsIn a world where genuine human connection often feels out of reach, one photographer is challenging strangers to step outside their comfort zones – one photo at a time.
Using Facebook as her platform, Anndee Jaelynn Clark invites individuals living in Indianola, Iowa, who are looking to meet someone new, to apply for her sessions.
With just a few details, the 25-year-old carefully pairs people together, capturing the raw, unfiltered reactions of strangers meeting for the first time.
While the idea of taking pictures of strangers isn't new, Clark wanted to branch out from typical photoshoots and offer something more unique and meaningful in her area.
'I decided it would be so fun to not only get out of my comfort zone but to help others get out of theirs,' she tells PEOPLE exclusively.
After sharing her first post in late March, looking for willing participants, she was shocked at how many people expressed interest – and yes, Clark makes sure that they are all truly strangers.
'I make sure the matches don't know each other or have mutual friends,' she explains. 'I also used social media to find singles, whether through mutual or suggested friends, and I reached out to them to see if they would like to be in a shoot.'
While the experience can be uncomfortable and sometimes awkward, most of Clark's participants come in excited to leap outside their comfort zone.
Those interested in the unconventional dating experience can sign up for her $45 sessions by messaging her photography page, Anndee Jae Photography, where she asks for basic info, such as age, interests, hobbies, and what they look for in a partner.
'It was a new way for them to meet someone outside of dating apps,' she shares.
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So far, Clark has had two successful photoshoots, with the parties involved exchanging phone numbers in the end. 'A big thing is participants knowing that these sessions require no commitment afterwards. It's just for fun, or it can be all of that and more,' she emphasizes.
Both of the stranger sessions she's done so far have been effortlessly fun and easy. The matches connected well, making the experience more comfortable and the shoots full of laughter.
'This project has made me realize that in the dating world, people are so quick to cut someone off when their first interaction is over their phones,' Clark explains.
'This has changed my own perspective on human connection, whether that be romantic or platonic, by seeing two complete strangers being able to let their guard down and connect with each other so quickly.'
At a time when forming friendships or finding partners can feel more isolating than ever, Clark's project reminds participants of the magic that can happen when they dare to connect.
'The role photography plays in this is to capture their real emotional reactions to seeing each other for the very first time,' she says. 'In these shoots I wanted to reveal that even though getting out of your comfort zone can be scary and uncomfortable, it can also be rewarding and memorable.'
Clark hopes to inspire others to take chances on new experiences, showing that unexpected connections with strangers can lead to meaningful relationships.
'You never know what you and another stranger may have in common, which is why I encourage doing something like this; whether it's a blind date or a stranger photo shoot,' she tells PEOPLE. 'You may even end up with a romantic partner or a great friendship.'
Read the original article on People
