Inspired by Renaldi

A few days ago I was looking at dozens of photography blogs in order to get inspired for my last photo project of the semester, and I came across Richard Renaldi's blog. The more of his projects I looked at, the more I realized that I love his work! Touching Strangers is the project that I was really impressed with, concerning both quality and concept. Renaldi created these unique group portraints by finding two or more people who are strangers to each other, and posing them in a way that requires them to touch each other somehow.

This project is brilliant! The expressions on the strangers' faces are genuine; the subjects are transparent, and you can tell who is uncomfortable and who is warm and open. I'm fascinated with the fact that people can so easily and quickly interact if there is a "reason" to. The body language in each of the photos shows who is relaxed and comfortable with the idea of touching a stranger and who is uneasy.

I began this project yesterday, and have taken 5 portraits so far. My process is very much the same as Renaldi's: I meet at least two strangers, ask them if they would like to participate in my photographic project, and pose them before taking a small amount of photos. Typically, I don't allow time for introductions until after the photos are snapped - this allows everyone to remain interacting as strangers. After I've taken a few photos, I begin introductions and thank my subjects.

Here are the portraits I have taken so far!

Touching Strangers, A Continuation
Gabbie Hernandez-Webb
Denton, TX 2011

 

Seantay & Terry

 

David & Gwen

 

Kevin & Caleb

Victoria & Ben

 

Josh, Cody, & McCall

I'll be adding more photos to the blog later this weekend! Stay tuned!

the past 2 weekends

My sweet Mom came down to visit me last weekend! We talked about her graduate counseling program and my undergrad English/Photo program, and how we're both so ready for a break. So, as kind of a teaser of the upcoming summer, we did everything from homework together & running errands to sleeping in & getting coffee. Lately I've been really needing the intimate, safe connection that comes from family, and I've been so blessed to visit with my family for two weekends in a row. It's really helped me "keep calm & carry on", as the saying goes.

The weekend before, I went up to my grandparents' house and visited with them, my dad, and his kiddos. I gave Dad a tour of UNT's campus, my favorite coffee shops and cheap but yummy restaurants, and my classrooms. After that we spent a lot of time at my grandparents' place with the kids, cats, and BBQ (yummm).


I happened to have a photo project due Monday morning and I hadn't been feeling very inspired lately, so the past two weekends have been ideal for some cute snapshots! I love the pictures I got of my mom and a couple of my sibs. These memories are so sweet, and I've already bought some new picture frames to hang around my room!