Toronto photographer going viral for wholesome project gifting photos to TTC strangers
While the TTC doesn't always make headlines for the most positive reasons, one heartwarming photography project reminds us that there are still plenty of wholesome moments worth appreciating throughout the transit network.
Happy2Find, co-created by Matheus Martins Lourenco and Gabriel Gomes, has amassed over 178,000 followers on its Instagram page and over 100,000 subscribers on YouTube.
Almost every video begins with Lourenco standing on a TTC subway platform or train and candidly photographing a commuter. The photographer then goes on to edit the photo on his tablet, print it out, and present it to the transit rider.
"We chose the TTC as our primary setting because it is a unique place where the entire city comes together," Lourenco, who moved to Canada in 2018, told blogTO.
"Everyone on the TTC is just going through their daily routines, often without much thought. When we saw how our project positively affected people, we realized the deeper meaning behind what we were doing. While we also make videos in other locations, we decided to focus more on the TTC because it tends to bring a diverse cross-section of the city together."
Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Lourenco says photography has been his passion since a young age. While attending school for a completely unrelated topic, he continued photographing as a hobby and eventually landed an office job.
It wasn't until September of last year that he decided to pursue photography and become an artist full-time. After beginning to create content for his social media, Lourenco reached out to his friend, Gabriel, who was also developing a keen interest in videography and cinematography.
Joining their passions, the duo co-created Happy2Find, with Lourenco being out in the field and taking the pictures, and Gomes staying behind the scenes to edit the videos.
"Over time, we drew inspiration from other creators who made videos of photographing cars and leaving the printed photos on the cars. We began creating similar content, but as time passed, we realized we wanted to do something more impactful—something that could truly touch people's lives," Lourenco told blogTO.
The photographer currently resides in Mississauga but has plans to move back to Toronto soon. Gabriel is still working from Rio de Janeiro, where the duo met during elementary school, but has plans to relocate to Toronto so that they can work more closely to develop Happy2Find.
"It's incredibly rewarding to have so many people reach out to us and share how we've motivated them to return to their craft and how our project has impacted their lives," Lourenco explained.
"I'm particularly touched by the reactions of the people I photograph. Often, we don't realize what others are going through, and something as simple as gifting a photo can have a significant impact. My favourite memories are definitely the moments when I get to know these individuals and hear their life stories."
Lourenco also emphasized that Happy2Find is much more than just a photography project.
"It's about capturing genuine moments and stories that resonate with people on a personal level. Through our work, we aim to celebrate the diversity and everyday experiences of individuals in Toronto, showcasing the beauty of human connection and the power of photography to bridge gaps and foster understanding," he told blogTO.
"I hope our project inspires others to see the value in small gestures of kindness and the profound impact they can have in our communities."
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