In my Photography I class, we went into the "Special Collection" in Milner Library, were presented with some very interesting books and met some really fascinating people that work in this collection. I found the artist, Richard Renaldi. He is a modern American photographer, born in Chicago in 1968, and attended school at New York University in 1990. He received a BFA in photography and has known for many of his projects such as "Touching Strangers", "I Want Your Love", Hotel Room Portraits and more. Not only has Renaldi published his projects online and in exhibitions but in the form of books as well.

The first project that I found absolutely fascinating was "The Crossing" because the who project as a whole as aesthetically pleasing and such fantastic, eye-pleasing photos.

Clouds Photo By Richard Renaldi

I feel each photos moment in time when I look at these photos. It gives me a sense of calm and I notice the patterns within each photo I turn to next. The light within the land and in the skies just connects with the sunset with the photo below. I am so glad I choose this photographer because his eye for beauty and moments are perfect captures in each project that I have looked through.

Cactus sunset Photo By Richard Renaldi

From the cactus fields to the camels crossing, the movement of each photograph sets the stage for a completely different story; how they got there, why they went. Each photograph has similar connections, colors and sometimes even myths. I love the reflections created in this photo. The sense of journey or adventure I get when I look at the photograph of the camels makes me want to go out there and join him. He was a popular, fashionable and lovable guy with such a beautiful eye for photography.

Camel LinePhoto By Richard Renaldi

The second piece from Renaldi's projects that I found the most fascinating was, "Touching Strangers", released in 2017. It was placed in different towns and cities across the United States, he paired two complete strangers with each other; asking them to pose in intimate and sensual ways as if they were someone who share a close relationship. Renaldi did not use any ordinary camera but an 8 x 10-inch view camera, standing out amongst the crowd while photographing inside two person's personal space bubbles.

My two favorite photos from this project are ones that defy stereotypes and cut those ties about religious or racial injustices.

Shalom and JeffPhoto By Richard Renaldi

The awkwardness is amazing and their pose is actually really interesting. They don't know ahead of time what they are getting themselves into, but it gives them such a weird feeling/experience. I have been a part of this before so I know what it feels like. Their hands seem to be a bit awkward and misplaced because they just feel so weird. I think both men in the photograph were feeling weird about this photo in the first place which makes me laugh, but it is a work of art and so pleasing to look at.

Whenever people are doing things as a group, it's all hands in. When you were younger and played team building games where you would have to link arms or hold hands, becoming closer and putting your trust and physical mood in someone's personal space is sometimes revolting and it makes people uncomfortable. Stepping out of boundary zones and being brave and outgoing is what all of these people are to help Renaldi capture these crazy moments.

Jenelle and FabricePhoto By Richard Renaldi

I think this photo should be made into a tapestry. Why? I have no idea. But I love it and I honestly think it is badass.

Sometimes I like to believe that people really have no idea what goes on behind the art that we, artists, produce.

Secondly, whose motorcycle is that?!

How did he find these two people?

Why is this such a STUNNING fake couple?

A little awkward but amazing.

Julie and XavierPhoto By Richard Renaldi

This picture is SO fun. Would YOU agree to do this in your wedding dress, on your wedding day? I would! I honestly may even be the photographer at my own wedding… haha! It's about the art and the creativity of experience and interaction. Renaldi takes portrait photography and human interaction to a new level.

I think that what he does could change people's opinions about someone from a different culture than them. For my photography I project, I hope to redesign this project using my film camera to represent Renaldi's work. Using strangers who don't know each other, now must share something close with each other to break bonds between man and woman, black and white or old and young.