So-called stranger photo sessions have been growing in popularity over the last few years with the popularity inspired by photographers posting their images to social media platforms. There are many reasons why photo sessions between perfect strangers have become so popular, including the fact these photo shoots remain a good way to meet new people and are often free of charge. Meeting new people can be difficult with most of us working from home or traveling to different locations, including Dan Doyle Pleasantville NY photographer.
What is a Stranger Photo Session?
The use of strangers in photo sessions as models is not a new one with many photographers looking to push these sessions for themselves. Dan Doyle Pleasantville NY photographer points to the use of models in photo sessions each day as a good example of people coming together who have never met before. The use of non-models has been a new phenomenon in the last few years with people from all walks of life coming together to be photographed by professional photographers.
WSBT News reports photographer Joanne Csansky shares the view of Dan Doyle that there are many benefits to photographing regular people who come together for a few hours for a photoshoot. Cranky is one of the photographers who brought the trend to the attention of the public when she decided she wanted to be more creative in her work and decided she wanted to set up strangers for a photoshoot blind date.
A Free Photoshoot for Those Involved
There are some benefits to taking part in a blind date session that is for the people involved, rather than for the photographer. Lindsey McCaffry is another photographer who has been working on stranger sessions and feels they can be of benefit to the subjects as well as the photographer involved. McCaffery explains her subjects receive a free photoshoot shot by herself, a professional photographer in return for a $10 application free. If you are looking for a professional photo shoot, the chances are it will cost far more than $10 with the locations and props already planned and ready to go.
Capturing Real Emotions and Reactions
The Pharos Tribune discussed the many benefits of stranger sessions and conclude that one of the main benefits of these photo sessions is the ability of the photographer to capture real emotions and reactions, instead of manufactured emotions of models.
When you are looking to gain an honest reaction to the arrival of another person who you are meeting for the first time you will often be left feeling slightly vulnerable and unsure of the events taking place. For your photographer, the initial reaction to the meeting is one of the moments they want to capture as you and your blind date meet for the first time. For the majority of people who are taking part in these sessions, they are looking to learn more about their lives with an introduction to a new friend and the chance to enjoy spending some time with somebody who has chosen to enjoy a photoshoot with you.
Developing a Connection
Alongside the chance to enjoy a free photo session, you will have the chance to develop a connection with the person you are being photographed with. FStoppers reports almost every person who has been involved in a stranger session has reported they quickly developed a connection with their fellow model as they were thrown together to create an impressive photo shoot. The connection has led to some of those involved in these photo sessions becoming involved in relationships and furthering their friendship in the future.
Expanding into Groups
The stranger sessions may have begun as couples, but they are now expanding into groups of people who have never met before. Dan Doyle Pleasantville NY photographer believes this gives both the photographer and their subjects the chance to try out different combinations of people to judge their reactions. The expansion of these groups into increasing numbers means a photographer has the chance to expand their shoot to see how different groups interact with each other for even more creativity over the time they spend together.
Dan Doyle believes the cut=rrent unpredictability of the times we live in could help bring increasing popularity to the stranger sessions we are sharing as groups and couples.