In August 2017, Los Angeles-based photography duo KremerJohnson (Neil Kremer and Cory Johnson) decided to publish a “Portrait Subjects Wanted” advertisement on Craigslist in search of “interesting people to photograph… all shapes, races, genders and sizes are welcome.” Offering $20 per hour to anyone that applied, the project—entitled Craigslist Encounters—initially attracted around 100 responses. The ad is now running for it’s third time, and so far, 30 people have been photographed. The result is a growing series of intimate portraits that capture the unique qualities of human beings.
Here’s how it works: once a person responds to the Craigslist ad, they receive questions via email, asking about their lifestyle and hobbies. The trusting participants are then asked to provide contact details so that they can schedule a photoshoot appointment. The next challenge is to create an environment where the subject feels comfortable in front of the camera. “Being good listeners allows the person being photographed to really relax and tell us who they are,” explains Kremer. Each portrait is styled according to the person. Whether in their own home, or a location of their choice, the subjects work together with the photographers on every creative decision. “So far, only two of the participants have actually accepted the $20 payment. Most walk away loving the project and happy to have played a role,” says Kremer.
KremerJohnson are currently looking for willing participants based in Los Angeles. If that’s you, you can apply via their Craigslist ad. The series is due to finish by March 2018.
Photography duo KremerJohnson’s photo series—Craigslist Encounters—features portraits of complete strangers found on Craigslist.
Each photo is styled according the the subject’s lifestyle and hobbies.
