When your outfit catches the camera

Tonight we went out to a public event (I'm going to be vague here deliberately) and there was a cameraman. He stalked me all night and took numerous pictures. I was definitely not the youngest or most attractive woman in the room, pretty sure I was the oldest woman in the room... and I had hubby hanging on my arm, so I don't think he was some weird creeper.

I figured it out after awhile -- it was my outfit!

I was wearing bright red with white booties and jeans. And pretty much everyone else at the venue was in neutrals. The exhibit we were at featured reds, so I get it that my outfit "popped" well in the photos he was taking....

I am just not that extroverted to want my photo taken like that. It unnerved me. Every time I realized the camera was focusing on me, I was like deer in headlights and made a stiff awkward face. The whole experience made me wish I had been wearing all black or something otherwise "sink into the background." Which is sad because I was quite happy with my outfit before I left for the event.

Anyone else ever have this happen, or can relate?

Also why does everything these days have to be photographed?

7 years ago

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Yes, it has happened to me too and it felt so uncomfortable— like do I just keep doing whatever, talking, or am I supposed to pretend I don’t see the camera....? I HATE how much everything is photographed now. Can’t we just enjoy the experience???
Your outfit sounds cute though!

rachylou

That’s flattering!

Its natural to not like being looked at. I’m thinking it’s an evolutionary predator-prey thing...

Janet

I HATE being on camera. A video documentarian acccompanied the group when I was on safari in Africa, and for some crazy reason (perhaps the two gin and tonics) I agreed to be interviewed on our final night of safari, of course with zero makeup and hair a wind blown wreck. She sent me a short clip today — OMG, I look awful. At least I sounded good. Lesson learned. Good thing I wear neutrals so much.

Diana

This has happened to me too. Especially in Boston - present company excepted, people are not exactly sartorially adventurous here, particularly in winter! In a sea of black and grey, even just wearing color makes you stand out. (I also have the added “bonus” of sometimes being the token Not White person, which is its own kind of uncomfortable).

Even just in everyday life (no cameras, just curious passerby and coworkers) I have what I think of as crazy pants days and black pants days. Some days you just don’t want to catch everyone’s attention, and some days you want to be noticed.

Cardiff girl

Well that is very flattering but I do agree there is an obsession these days with photographing everything,why can we not just enjoy the moment?It only seems a valid experience these days if you photograph it and upload it to some social media website.

Stagiaire Fash

Interesting question and responses!

I think "IG or it isn't real" is more than annoying--it's shaping the way people do things. Unmade-up and uncoiffed is how one should look on safari! I assume the videographer wanted to capture that "irl" feel and also have a beautiful subject on screen. Good on you, Janet, for staying as you were--so many people would shriek and go running for their toiletries bag. And of course there are the carefully produced and filmed marriage proposals, birth announcements, even kids' birthday celebrations. Part of me thinks this is a distortion of personal life and inner lives, but then I remember that ladies in the 19th century learned the correct forms to use for keeping a diary/journal, and that courtship has long had very specific forms.

On the original question: If I was you, I think I either would've confronted the photog with a smile and a teasing/sharp question about what he was doing or would've completely spoiled any natural/spontaneous effects he was looking for by grinning obnoxiously and striking an exaggerated pose every time I saw him looking my way. Being me, not you, I probably would've liked the attention and would be eagerly seeking out published prints now.

Diana's comment reminds me of this website: http://www.rentaminority.com

shiny

FashIntern, can you tell me more about ladies and their 19th century diary keeping? I've got my great-great-great-grandmother's diary and I've always wondered why it is absent of any emotion and is more dry and factual... now you have me intrigued!

Shiny, I wish I had my books here! There is one on a Mary Kingsley that was written by a geographer in the 90s that I think would explain, but I can't remember the title, author, or specifics of the argument. I did find this online. Maybe some of the references will help. https://books.google.de/books?.....ry+women%2

Your ancestory's diary sounds fascinating.

Fash, it's the diary she kept while traveling the Oregon trail -- the diary has been reprinted in a book about pioneer women. Can send you the title if you're interested.

Thanks for the link!

6 years ago

Bijou

Shiny I sympathise and think even if it is a public space, you should be asked if you will be photographed - stalking you like that is creepy.

My personal bugbear is going to concerts where people seem more interested in filming the act on their phones rather than enjoying the experience of being there and listening to live music.

Gigi

Yeah, this sounds really uncomfortable. I think that being in front of a camera is a skill that most of us have to learn and are not born with! I remember once being at an awards ceremony at the governor's mansion, and my jaw dropped when I saw how quickly the governor went from "normal" to "photogenic" as soon as a photographer popped in front of him.

Bijou, I too hate it when people have to film everything on their phones! A couple of years ago, I was at an Independence Day fireworks event, and the people in front of me watched the entire thing in their viewfinders on their phones! I was appalled. Just enjoy yourselves, OK?

Joyce B

It sounds like you had a fab outfit but I agree that having a camera following you is not fab at all unless you are really an extrovert who appreciates the attention.

April

Shiny, maybe he thought you were Michelle Williams.

Seems possible. I recently watched Manchester By the Sea for the second time and was struck by the resemblance.

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