A photoshoot pairing complete strangers for a romantic experience went viral online, but the connection did not develop into a relationship, photographer Brooke LeVesque has said.
LeVesque, who runs Brooke and Three Photography in Ocala, Florida, gained attention in October 2025 for her “stranger photoshoots.” In these sessions, she pairs singles who have never met before and captures their reactions on camera.
One session, featuring 27-year-olds Ali Oswalt and David Barrett, quickly received more than 3.5 million views on TikTok. During the shoot, the pair bonded over shared interests, slow danced in the rain, performed a lift from Dirty Dancing, and shared a kiss. Viewers described the shoot as “Notebook-worthy” and hoped for a lasting romance.
Despite the viral attention, Oswalt and Barrett later decided they were “better off as just friends,” LeVesque told PEOPLE. Barrett said the experience was enjoyable and unique, while Oswalt appreciated the opportunity to connect meaningfully.
LeVesque said her photoshoots aim to capture genuine human interaction rather than guarantee romantic outcomes. Since the viral session, she has completed four more stranger shoots and remains optimistic about creating real connections.
“My comments are full of strangers rooting for strangers,” LeVesque said. “These sessions aren’t about perfect matches or fairytale endings; they’re about taking a risk, being open, and letting yourself be seen.”
The initiative has received more than 1,600 applications from singles, showing a demand for meaningful interactions beyond typical dating apps.
