François started the project in the year 2000 and has managed to capture 250 pairs of look-alikes since then. The models come from all around the world and the photographer categorizes them into 2 types of doppelgangers.
"Some people know each other already and when they reach to me sometimes it's been years that they live their likeliness," Brunelle told Bored Panda. "So, obviously, for them it is just fun to have a witness of that."
"Other people meet for the first time and then, they kind of have a surprise. Pleasant for the most part, as they meet someone who looks like them in a way or another. They feel safe and confident. And curious about the other person. Some of them in this category, but very few, remain friends, but it is definitely not the rule."
Despite the fact that Brunelle has been working on the project for 20 years, he is still wondering about this likeliness thing. "I think that we are all the same but that our appearance changes how others perceive us. For the good and the bad."
Interestingly, he happens to look like a well-renowned actor in his city, Montréal. "A few times, when going to an opening or to a first time restaurant, people would address me thinking I was the actor. I thought it was funny and great to be told that I would get a better spot in the restaurant or offered a white wine 'as usual?'"
As memorable as his project is, the humble photographer said he can't stop thinking about its impact. "The world is having a tough time at the present and I wonder if my work is relevant at all. I wish I could help. I wish my images could help us reflect on what we are after all and where we are going to. I am not the one who can tell. The only thing I can do is do my job: make photos."
