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👋 About

I’ve always struggled with social anxiety. One day, I decided enough was enough. I had to face my fears head-on.

So, I grabbed my camera and spent a weekend offering free portraits to strangers. It was the perfect way to push myself creatively, and overcome my fear of rejection.

It was scary, but I enjoyed the process so much that I decided to keep going. Now I post one new stranger interaction every single day.

With +800k subscribers all over the world, this project has completely changed my life.

It’s helped me improve my social skills and connect with people in a way I never thought possible. Both in-person, and online.

🤝 Sponsorships

I work with brands who want to reach a growing audience in a unique & memorable way.
Get in touch to learn more.

Brands I’ve worked with:

💖 In Good Company

I’m grateful for the support from so many amazing brands since the very beginning.

🛒 Shop

Browse my templates, presets & resources.

👨‍💻 Work With Me

Book a photoshoot, coaching call or sponsorship.

🎬 Latest Video

I post longer videos on my YouTube channel.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

  • 😳 Social anxiety. I’ve always struggled with social anxiety, and consider myself an introvert at heart. This is a way for me to push me out of my comfort zone and build up my social skills.

    🤝 Build community. I just moved back to Vancouver, so this has been a great way for me to meet interesting people & make new friends.

  • All the time!

    Rejection is all part of the experience. However, the ones who say "no" are generally respectful about it.

  • Yes, but...

    All ‘Stranger Portraits’ are unplanned & unscripted.

    These are real interactions with actual strangers who aren’t expecting me to approach them.

    However, if you’d like to book me for a private photoshoot, I’d love to work with you!

    📸 Book a photoshoot

  • I try to approach people with good vibes. It could be their sense of style, their positive energy, their smile, or some other element that I’m drawn to. I also tend to approach people that I think I might want to be friends with.

  • I don’t share where I’m going to be next.

    But stay tuned to my Instagram stories… because sometimes I drop hints. 👀

  • Shooting Mode: 99% of the time I’m shooting in burst mode, aperture priority, with a shutter speed of at least 1/120. I typically don’t look at the rest of the settings and focus more on composition & lighting.

    ISO: I typically don’t worry about ISO because Sony cameras work great in low-light.

    Aperture: I generally shoot a wide-open aperture, or fairly close to it (unless I’m trying to get more background details in the shot.)

  • Yes - always!

    I tell each person that I’m recording the behind-the-scenes. I also get their permission to post the videos on my social channels (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.).

  • Not at this time.

    A friendly comment or DM is enough for me. 😊

    If you’re looking for a place to donate, please consider your local animal shelters (they always need support).

    If you’re a creative person who’s looking to upgrade your website or social media, I do have a variety of digital products available in my store (link below). 👇

    https://justinveenema.com/shop

  • I'm a full-time photographer who owns & operates a few different creative businesses:

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