When photographer Annie Torres’ friend approached her with the idea for a “stranger session” photo shoot, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to do it. Her friend Grace had seen a TikTok trend of people meeting each other with the help of a “matchmaking” photographer and photo session. The published results were romantic and dreamy. She was smitten with the idea and wanted to give it a go.
While initially unsure, Torres agreed to give it a go. Torres is the owner of Magnolias & Lace Photography in Valdosta. (photos below)
A nurse by profession, Grace wanted to meet new people but could never make the time due to her busy schedule. When she saw the idea of the photo shoot, she knew it was what she wanted to try and convinced Torres to help her set it up.
Together, they made a plan, set up an online form with a few questions, and asked if anyone in their community wanted to apply. They asked for submissions through social media. The questions were made to be simple like age, cats/dogs, drink/smoke, and others.
One by one, applications came in. And in just a few days they had a full list of eligible men. Torres and Grace sorted through the entries, hoping to find someone who was a good fit. And they did.
They landed on a local guy named Kyler. He was the one. Torres called him to confirm, and plans went into motion for the photo shoot. Location, time, and date were all set – and soon enough, it was time for these strangers to finally meet.
Photographer Torres chose a quiet park in Valdosta for the photo session. She introduced the first-time couple to each other, and began taking pictures.
Torres had Grace and Kyler stand and sit in several poses for the photo shoot, which she said had an awkward start. And that can be expected with with two people who just met.
However, not long after the session began, things started looking up. Conversations between Kyler and Grace became noticeably smoother. Torres said she could tell they were getting along quite well, and their chemistry was apparent.
She took the two through a range of photo poses for the session, garnering stunning results. In the completed photos you can see some initial trepidation that grows into comfort and confidence in the series.
Once everything was complete, Torres thanked Grace and Kyler for participating, but these two former strangers weren’t ready to leave just yet.
So after some goodbyes Torres packed her things up and left the park with her husband, who had also attended the photo shoot that day.
Grace later told Torres that she had a wonderful time at the photo shoot, and spent more time in the park talking with Kyler after they left.
So what happens next? That is still to be seen. Torres says Grace and Kyler have been keeping their conversations to themselves so far, and does not know if or when things will continue.
What we do know is they both got some good photos out of it, and a story they won’t soon forget.
Annie Torres has been taking photos most of her life, and says she got serious about photography about 7 years ago. She’s been doing photo shoots for others for the last 5 years. A mother of five children, Torres and her husband moved their family to Valdosta from Tampa, FL in 2023. She says she wanted an escape from the big city and better housing options.
As a photographer, Torres describes her photography style as “country” with “light and airy” themes. You can learn more about her photography business, Magnolias & Lace Photography here.
Featured image and gallery courtesy of Magnolias & Lace Photography.
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