After the longest flight from Raleigh to Minneapolis, we finally touch down. The moment the seatbelt light blinks off, I’m up with everyone else in an aisle seat, hoping I can get off this plane quickly. When the front of the plane is finally clear, and it’s my turn, I pull down my carry-on bag and push it in front of me as I walk off the plane, more than ready to leave this trip behind me.
The moment I see the sign for the men’s bathroom, I head towards it. Changing in an airport restroom isn’t exactly what I’d like to be doing, but I feel like showing up for this stranger photoshoot in joggers and a hoodie would disappoint Sadie, the photographer. I also don’t want my partner for this shoot to think I don’t care about it, so I dig through my overpacked bag until I find a pair of jeans and a clean linen button-up that isn’t too wrinkly.
Small miracles.
By the time I’m changed and headed out to the parking lot, I’m feeling a bit more excited than nervous. I’ve always been that person who believes things will work out. Not because life always proves it, but because I don’t know how to live any other way. I like to think there’s meaning tucked inside small moments—the right song on shuffle at the right time, meeting eyes with a stranger, running late and somehow ending up exactly where you’re supposed to be. It’s probably just the hopeless romantic in me, but I think that mindset makes life better in general.
That’s what today feels like even though I was frustrated sitting at the airport far longer than I’d anticipated.
I unlock my truck, toss my bag in the backseat, and smile to myself because I made it and I’m doing this. Once again, I said yes to something that scares me, and in my mind, that’s what keeps life interesting.
My phone buzzes as I get into my car.
Sadie (Photographer): ETA?
I type a reply as soon as I have the location pulled up on my GPS.
35 mins
Sadie (Photographer): See you soon!
I head toward the studio Sadie rented for the session. I’ve never done a photoshoot like this, or any professional photoshoot, but I figured, why the hell not?
Once Sadie reached out after I’d submitted my application, I felt good about it. The session sounded spontaneous and kind of ridiculous in the best way. I’ve seen a few of these pop up on my social media feed before, and they always look like two strangers just clicking in an almost fairy-tale way. It’s impossible not to smile at the idea that it could be me clicking like that with someone.
As soon as I pull into the parking lot of the studio, I do as Sadie instructed and text her that I’m outside. It’s a little space tucked outside of downtown Minneapolis with big windows and ivy climbing the brick. At first, I thought it was odd we were doing a studio session in the summer, but since it’s disgustingly hot, I’m glad she booked it, so I’m not dripping sweat the whole time.
A moment later, I see a woman who must be Sadie walk out in a black romper, brown hair in a messy bun, and her camera already strapped on.
“Collin! You made it!” She takes me in with quick, kind eyes. “You look great.”
“That is generous of you,” I joke. “But thanks, it’s good to meet you.”
“Right, hi.” She laughs. “Your session partner is already here. He’s excited to meet you.”
“Me too.” My stomach does a quick flip. “Any ground rules or things I need to know?”
“Consent first. If anything feels weird, we stop. I’ll keep directions simple at first. Think: ‘walk and talk,’ ‘sit and smile,’ but you two set the pace. It’s really all about you and your chemistry.”
“Copy that.”
“And have fun! That’s the whole point of this session,” she says, and I nod with a smile. “Alright, let’s get ready to start. He’s waiting for you in a room inside the studio. I’ll walk you inside with me and place you where we’ll start. Then I’ll grab him. You’ll start back-to-back so I can capture you turning around and seeing each other for the first time.”
“That works for me.” I smile, excitement continuing to grow.
“Excellent, let’s go,” Sadie says. We walk into the studio. The main room has cement walls and an industrial feel with large black-framed windows. It’s bright with sunlight spilling across the concrete floors. There’s a simple backdrop already set up with a few plants scattered around, a couch, a bed set up, and some random additional props.
I don’t see anyone else in the room yet, and for half a second, I wonder if this is how every true crime podcast starts. A willing victim shows up at a meeting spot, then boom. Dead.
“Stand here and cover your eyes,” she says, offering me a soft smile. “No peeking or it’ll ruin all the fun!”
The fun of being murdered?The thought flashes through my mind and then disappears just as quickly, replaced by anticipation. I trust the process and do as I’m told because I just know this will work out.
Footsteps approach, and I hear Sadie’s voice while my eyes are squeezed shut. “Alright, I’m putting you two back-to-back now,” she updates as I feel a presence behind my back. I smile, knowing that in a moment, I’ll see another stranger who was crazy enough to agree to do this blind photography session with me.
“Ready?” Sadie calls.
“Yep,” I respond.
