Moose Jaw photographer matches strangers for blind-date photo shoots

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Reid Glennie and Kathleen Canfield both signed up for the blind date photo shoot to get out of their comfort zones and try something new. (Image Credit: Abby Zieverink/CJME)

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Both signed up hoping to try something different.

No carefully curated dating profiles. No endless messaging back and forth. Just two people meeting face to face, with a camera capturing the moment.

Canfield said she was nervous but excited about the experience.

“I do like meeting new people, and it’s kind of exciting. I don’t really know anything about him, and now we’re getting pictures together? It’s kind of exciting, kind of cool,” chuckled Canfield.

“It’s a very new experience for me. I’m not usually this outgoing, so it’s definitely pushing my boundaries a little bit.”

Glennie was feeling nervous too, especially as he was getting ready.

“I was doing some fieldwork out with the combines, and I got totally changed in the field, and I was just shaking, and I had to call my one buddy just to prepare myself, because it’s just something totally new,” he said.

For some singles, a first-date photoshoot offers a break from the usual ways of trying to meet someone.

Canfield didn’t hold back when asked about dating apps.

“I hate dating apps,” she said. “They’re so pointless. Such a waste of time.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by Glennie.

“It’s the same thing every time. You talk for a couple of days, and then it usually goes to Snapchat, or then one person stops texting,” he explained.

Wilson said that frustration is common among the singles who have applied for her photo shoots.

Thea Wilson said she offers the stranger photoshoots for free, turning her passion for photography into a chance for people to connect. (Image Credit: Abby Zieverink/CJME)

She has received more than 300 applications so far, with roughly 90 per cent of the applicants saying dating apps are frustrating, and it’s difficult to meet someone in person.

“You’re still meeting in person, but it’s like an organic way to meet someone, whether you get into a relationship or it ends up just being friendship or just for the experience,” the photographer explained.

Wilson said she considers hobbies, interests, age preferences, careers and where they live when pairing people up.

“I’ll try to match people up that have a country or western background, or if they’re into fitness, like personal trainers, I try to match them based on that, or like a government job, if they’re like a bookkeeper or an accountant,” she explained.

Reid Glennie and Kathleen Canfield pose in the grass as photographer Thea Wilson captures the moment. (Image Credit: Abby Zieverink/CJME)

For Wilson, the project is about more than taking a few good photos. She hopes some of the matches lead to lasting relationships.

“Obviously, the ultimate goal out of this is you pair two strangers up, and they end up dating, then from there, you shoot couple sessions, potentially a wedding, potentially maternity pictures, newborn pictures, anniversary pictures and family pictures is, like, the ultimate goal,” she said.

“Being able to progress through life with them would be super fun, being there for all the moments. And if I set it up, that makes it extra special.”

For now, the photos capture the first moments two strangers meet. What happens next is a story that’s still being written.

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