TULSA, Okla. –
Tulsa-based photographer Kayla Bartek is gaining national attention for her rapidly growing “Stranger Sessions,” a matchmaking-style photo experience that pairs two people who have never met before and documents their first moments together on camera.
Bartek, who has been a photographer for nine years and went full-time in August 2024, has built her work around capturing connection — from families and weddings to surprise proposals, couples and boudoir sessions. But she says Stranger Sessions have quickly become one of the most powerful and in-demand experiences she offers.
“A Stranger Session is exactly what it sounds like,” Bartek said. “Two people walk in as strangers, meet for the first time on camera, and I guide them through prompts to see how their chemistry unfolds. Some walk away as friends, some feel a spark, and some just leave with a great story — but it’s always memorable.”
Since launching the concept in October, Bartek has completed seven Stranger Sessions, with six more rolling out this week and eight additional couples matched and waiting. She says interest has exploded — applications have already come in from people in 11 different states. In January 2026, she plans to travel across the U.S. to photograph Stranger Sessions full-time.
Bartek believes the trend resonates because people are craving genuine connection in a world dominated by swiping and surface-level interactions.
“There’s something exciting about meeting someone face-to-face with no filters,” she said. “Nervous energy can actually be really bonding. It breaks down walls.”The sessions have already produced several heartwarming stories — including a pair who went straight to lunch afterward, with one later texting Bartek, “I wouldn’t be surprised if I married this man.”
Another couple couldn’t stop complimenting each other during the shoot, and at one point the woman reached for the man’s hand and pulled his arm around her.
Stranger Sessions – Kayla Bartek Photography
Kayla Bartek Photography
“The spark is real sometimes,” Bartek said. “I never promise romance, but I love watching what unfolds.”
Bartek attributes much of her success to the experience she creates during sessions. She guides clients to relax, open up and connect, often bringing out silly, natural moments that translate into authentic images.
“People tell me they feel comfortable around me,” Bartek said. “That’s what allows me to capture moments that feel honest.”
Her process for Stranger Sessions is unusually hands-on. She prints applications, photos and questionnaires, cross-checks social media, assesses compatibility and ensures participants live within two hours of each other. Once a match is set, she sends each person a mood board to help coordinate outfits — without ever communicating with each other before the shoot.
Bartek photographs sessions throughout Tulsa, surrounding counties, Oklahoma City and nationwide for elopements through her Coast to Coast Collection. She has lived in Oklahoma her entire life and says Tulsa continues to inspire her work.
“I love creating experiences that make people feel seen and celebrated,” Bartek said. “Photos can tell real stories — and I love being the person who captures that.”
Applications for Stranger Sessions are available on Kayla Bartek Photography’s website and social media profiles.
To learn more about Kayla Bartek Photography and Stranger Sessions, you can head to Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.