A Modern Issue: Scopophobia

‘Extreme or irrational fear of being looked at or seen.’

Mass phobia towards being looked at, by people, through a lens; a state of self confidence lacking, and mistrust partnered by fear on a global scale. Looking away, hiding their face, avoiding the photographer all together. All of which are coping mechanisms and ways to avoid/evade, taken from personal experience, in front and behind the lens.

It proves to be difficult to photograph the public in the UK. Despite the advancements in digital apparatus granting the ability to use photography on demand, as much as we deem fit, a state of paranoia still persists and thrives. Perhaps these advancements are to blame?

It seems as though it is a prerequisite defence mechanism in present day to not like your photo to be taken, in any situation, under any circumstance. It has become clear subjectively over the years that those who photograph the public, seem to be branded for bad doing. Some hints of discomfort from subjects are subtle, while some are not: mostly vocal but have the rarity of physical confrontation.

This body of work is as much a psychological experiment as it is a photo series. Now look upon the following content, in which I purposefully get spotted photographing people, and attempt to get a reaction by imposing clear signs I am looking at them through a camera. Attempting to cycle their scopophobia, while recording it photographically using a variety of cameras and recording formats, to analyse intensity of subjects reactions to certain cameras from both amateur and professional categories.