Photographer asks woman at bus stop for a photo. She missed her bus but found something better

In today's dating culture, finding love at first sight can feel like something from another time. Instead of meeting someone in person, like at a cafe, bar, or social event, most people meet their potential partners through a screen, so that spark is rarely there. In fact, a study by Pew Research Center showed that nearly half of Americans say dating is harder today than it was 10 years ago, citing reasons like technology, a more impersonal and casual dating culture, and shifting societal expectations. However, there are some rare cases where the sparks fly suddenly, and this is one of them. One photographer on TikTok, Safi (@shotsavant), set out to photograph a stranger and ended up feeling something he hadn’t felt in a long time.

The video starts with Safi approaching a woman at a bus stop and explaining that he is visiting from Los Angeles, taking portraits of strangers. He then asks her, "Would it be cool if I took your portrait right here and gave it to you for free?" "Actually, yes, but I must go," she replies, glancing toward her bus, but then, stopping suddenly, decides to stay and take the next ride instead. After exchanging their names, Safi takes Helene's photos, joking that she looks like a model. She laughs and tells him that he is a good photographer. The two continue talking, and Helene shares that she is from Ukraine. She goes on to ask if he has ever had his photo taken, and snatches his camera when he says no. After the click, they end up laughing together, and compliment one another throughout.

Safi tells her, "You’re making me smile a lot. Sometimes I don't meet nice people. But you are the sweetest person I've met. Maybe it's just you." Helene also asks him if he has ever loved someone to which Safi responds, "Yeah, twice," which seems to make her happy. As Helene prepares to catch her bus, she tells him sincerely, "Maybe I'll text you later." Safi replies, "Please, yeah. Thank you so much. You really made my day." After the video ends, Safi also shares a screenshot of their conversation and photos of their date, which took place later. In one, she writes, "Please don’t be sad, because we are not losing touch. You can also write to me anytime and share anything."

Safi tells her he’s grateful for the memory, then admits, "I wanted to kiss you but I didn’t because I was scared, but I wanted to. This will be a story I will share with everyone until old age." He also invites her to the US, saying, "Please come visit America and see the beach. I’ll show you around. Best date of my life." Safi also shared his feeling in the caption, saying, "I caught feelings for a stranger," adding that he hasn’t liked someone in a long time.

He goes on to express deep gratitude for the moment they shared, saying he’s thankful for her time, her kindness, and the way she made him feel seen and appreciated. Viewers were completely awestruck watching this unexpected meet-cute. @xaviergtrrez wrote, "After an interaction like that, I would ask, 'What are we?'" @maebykate said, "Did I just watch two people fall in love organically?" @davidafkham added, "Dude, what? Go be with her. Don't miss a chance and have regrets later." @la_manuela.._ shared, "To be loved is to be seen and you both saw each other in different lights you didn’t even know existed." @kennedyfamba chimed in, "Marry her bro, we approve!"

You can follow Safi (@shotsavant) on TikTok to follow along this journey and for more photography content.