# Intimate Stranger Photography Hemya Moran Invites Strangers to Become a Part of Her World By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-11-14 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/intimate-strangers References: [featureshoot](http://www.featureshoot.com/2014/11/hemya-moran/) & [hemyamoran](http://hemyamoran.com/) Photographer Hemya Moran creates artificial intimacy with strangers in her latest series, the aptly titled 'Intimate Strangers.' Loneliness and isolation are experiences unique to the human condition. Moving forward in the digital age, it can seem like technology and [social media](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/month-friend) are bridging the gaps and creating a smaller world. However, the gaps between us in interpersonal contact appear to be widening. For instance, you can now express yourself in 140 characters or less to your 500 anonymous [Twitter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elon-musk-and-x) followers, but would you utter the same words to a friend or acquaintance, face-to-face? Moran approached people on the street and invited them to engage in an intimate moment with her, each exchange mirroring a relationship she feels is lacking in her personal life. The project speaks to our constant [longing for connection](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/satellite-exhibition), and the puzzling unease we have in experiencing it. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.9/10 - Popularity: 100% | Activity: 100% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Artificial Intimacy:** Creating opportunities for individuals to experience emotional closeness through unconventional means. - **Digital Isolation:** Highlighting the growing interpersonal distance caused by technology and social media. - **Longing for Connection:** Exploring the persistent desire for meaningful relationships in an increasingly disconnected world. ### Who This Affects Most - **Photography:** Developing new approaches to capture and convey emotions through unconventional photography techniques. - **Social Media:** Integrating features that encourage genuine connections and real-life interactions among users. - **Mental Health:** Creating innovative solutions to address the emotional impact of isolation and loneliness in the digital age. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Friend-Finding Virtual Hangouts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strangely.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Thought-Provoking Interactive Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antibodies-installation.md) - [Counter-Loneliness Social Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/friendship-corner.md) - [Loneliness-Coping Workshops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dr-anna-mclaughlin.md) - [Perception-Challenging Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/becoming-familiar.md) - [Social Connection Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/is-this-seat-taken-campaign.md) - [Retro Phone-Free Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/before-the-internet.md) - [AI-Powered Portrait Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-powered-portrait-studio.md)