Photographer Benoit Paillé created this series “Tourist Stranger Self Portraits.” He set the scene: placement, props, and then gave the willing participants the remote control to snap their own portraits.

The variety of people he chose embodies the range of people you encounter on a beach. These were taken in Mexico, where tourists can imbibe their beverage of choice while strolling the beaches.

The majority of the subjects posed with rather serious expressions, which makes me wonder, is this the natural way that participants photograph themselves, without cracking a smile? Did the photographer ask that they keep their expressions straight? It creates a compelling dichotomy with the setting – seriousness in a pleasure spot.

- via Trendhunter