Julie & Xavier, Illinois, 2007
Seventeen years ago, photographerRichard Renalditook a gamble.
What would it look like if he brought two strangers spontaneously together and asked to take their portrait?
And not just any portrait at that.
Julie & Xavier, Illinois, 2007
These portraits were intimate, intended to unite two worlds, if even for an instant.
Working both as a photographer and casting director, Renaldi’s images are incredible.
In an age filled with divisive rhetoric, these portraits seem even more important than ever.
Hunter, Margaret, & Abigail; New York; 2013
Read on for our exclusive interview.
What would that look like?
But I wanted more.
Matthew & Jeromy, Ohio, 2011
Casting in public is challenging.
The first subject also had to be willing to wait with me until I found them a partner.
I lost many opportunities when people simply walked away as I was searching for their companion.
Nathan & Robyn, Massachusetts, 2012
There were many memorable encounters; however, this one feels particularly compelling.
She reluctantly agreed, and I went looking for her companion.
Moments later, I saw a Muslim woman wearing a hijab walking with her husband.
Tari, Shawn, & Summer; California; 2012
I had been trying for years to cast a traditionally dressed Muslim woman and had always been turned down.
Rayqas husband gave her permission to pose for me, but she refused.
The two women were holding hands.
Will & Becky, Ohio, 2014
Annalee had intercepted Rayqa, introduced herself, and asked her to be in the picture with her.
Technically I think as the project progressed the photographs got better.
Why did you decide to release extra photos now, and what does this anniversary mean to you?
Ekeabong & Andrew, California, 2013
It feels like 10 years went by really, really fast.
How naive this all reads now.
Sometimes, these projections embodied a desire for intimacy or a unifying of our fractured politics.
Elaine & Arly, New York, 2012
Allies or enemies, we cant really escape our relationship with each other.
Rayqa & Annalee, California, 2012
Soukhet & Dawn, Hawaii, 2012
Chris & Amaira, Illinois, 2013
Aaron & Ava, Ohio, 2014
Matt, Allyson, Daya, Ohio, 2014
Paul & Andrew, Ohio, 2014
Jesse & June, Hawaii, 2012
Stanley & Carla, Pennsylvania, 2013
Tom & Kim, Ohio, 2014
