There’s a subtle art to posing people. Getting couples who are in love to look like they’re in love in front of the camera isn’t always easy. Toss a good handful of nerves into the equation, and it can feel like you’re calling in miracles just to get two people to keep their eyes open at the same time. Most sessions start out with more than a few awkward giggles and cringe-worthy fumble-ey moments. But how about posing couples who are not in love? Or couples who might not even be couples at all?
Steneal Ryell is an Indiana-based photographer who wanted to put his posing skills to the test. Could he create the same warmth and authenticity with two people who had never met each other before? He decided to run a stranger session to find out.
We were curious, so we asked him all about it.
1. What is a stranger photography session?
A “Stranger Session” is basically just a couples shoot. BUT. The “couple” has never met, spoken to, or seen their counterpart! They don’t see each other until literally right before we start shooting.
2. Why did you start doing stranger sessions?
I did my very first stranger session as a way to get myself out of my comfort zone. I wanted to push myself far enough past what I’d normally do so I’d be forced to create something worth looking at. I knew that if I ever wanted to be proud of the work I was creating, I needed to be challenged--and what better way than to do a couples session with two people who have never met? Now that I’ve done a few, I can see why they’re so important to the photographers that do them, including myself. Giving myself the opportunity to see if I can capture natural, raw emotion and chemistry between two people who would otherwise never have crossed paths truly excites me!
3. How do you find your couple?
Typically, I post a model call on my personal or business page and ask for willing candidates who are comfortable with the concept, comfortable in front of the camera, and ready to get steamy with someone they’ve never met before. Sometimes I have a specific idea or “theme” in mind so I’ll choose people based on that. Other times, I just choose based on questions I ask and if I feel they’d compliment one another!
4. What kinds of questions do you ask in your stranger session questionnaire?
I try to focus on compatibility questions that will help match people based on more than just their looks. Questions about what their passions are, what their deal-breakers or love languages are, what their favorite personality traits are... I sometimes even go as far as to ask them who their celebrity crush is because if I can match two people based on that, the chemistry is likely to be insane!
5. Do your couples go on to see each other again?
While my goal isn’t exactly to pair people that will go on to date, my most recent stranger session resulted in exactly that! There was so much natural chemistry and passion between these two that they agreed to do another two-part shoot a month or so later and at the second part, our stranger Deven asked his stranger Tashenna to be his girlfriend... and she said yes! The devoted group of people that I’ve started calling “Stranger Nation” have followed their journey and absolutely lost it when I announced that these two were in a relationship.
6. Do you consider yourself a matchmaker?
I don’t consider myself a matchmaker in the sense that I’m creating relationships (even though this most recent session resulted in one). But I feel that in a sense I am a matchmaker due to how much effort I put into trying to pair people that will have an undeniable chemistry that brings something special and truly magical to the shoot. I guess you could call me Cupid.
7. Where do you see this trend going in the future?
When I first started doing Stranger Sessions I had only seen 1-2 before. Now I see them all the time, and I love it! I definitely didn’t create them, but I do feel like I found something that people love seeing from me, and it’s such an amazing feeling. Some photographers will post in groups asking for tips on how to do a session and other photographers will tag me or share my sessions with them. To know that someone sees the value in what I do is a feeling that I can’t even describe. I hope these sessions never go away because they’re so worth the courage they demand of us.
8. What advice do you have for others wanting to do their first stranger session?
My best advice to anyone wanting to do one of these sessions is: go for it! Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and just remember to have fun! Plan something fun, find your strangers, and make some magic!
Sometimes we all need a little nudge out of the comfort zone and into the exciting and scary space where all the magic happens. Stranger sessions are a great way to give yourself the opportunity to expand your skills and practice finding the authentic emotion in any situation. Nail a couple of these, and you might find your next engagement shoot to be an absolute cinch
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FAQ's
What is a stranger photography session?
A “Stranger Session” is basically just a couples shoot. BUT. The “couple” has never met, spoken to, or seen their counterpart! They don’t see each other until literally right before we start shooting.
How do stranger sessions work?
It involves selecting strangers to model for the session, and the photographer guides them through various poses and prompts to create genuine and emotive photographs.
Why choose a stranger session for couples photography?
Stranger sessions offer a fresh and spontaneous dynamic, often resulting in uniquely candid and compelling images. It can be a fun and adventurous way for couples to break out of their comfort zones and create memorable moments with a new acquaintance.
How are strangers selected for these photography sessions, and is it safe for participants?
Participants are carefully chosen through a screening process that ensures their comfort with the idea. Safety is a top priority, and photographers take precautions to create a secure and respectful environment for everyone involved. Background checks, initial meetings, and clear communication are common practices.
What types of poses and prompts work best for stranger session couples photography?
Stranger session couples often thrive on prompts that encourage interaction, vulnerability, and connection. Examples include sharing personal stories, dancing, holding hands, and engaging in playful activities. The goal is to elicit genuine emotions and create authentic moments.
