I know I do. I'll avoid it if at all possible. I just stiffen up in front of a camera and I can't relax or look happy.

Me too.

Yes.

Only time I get caught in front of a camera is when they are focusing on my posterior. I should just hang one of those triangle red danger signs on my backside.

I think being naked takes the stress off of being in front of the camera.

....and places it firmly on the viewer....

I think being naked takes the stress off of being in front of the camera.LOL ... for who?

I hate being in front of the camera as well. Count the number of times on one hand.

Some of us just know that we look better on the film side of the lens.

I also refuse to have my voice recorded for the same reason.

detest it

I just hate it when the person photographing me has no idea how to use a camera properly.. it just drives me mad... other than that i dont mind it

The best photos of me have been taken by people who couldn't focus the camera

GOD YES. Always have, even before I got into taking pictures. Perhaps that's why i started. If you're the one known to be behind the camera, you're never going to be in front of it!

I love it. I find posing a little too natural. I should have been a politician or maybe good looking and then I could have capitalized.

I know I do. I'll avoid it if at all possible. I just stiffen up in front of a camera and I can't relax or look happy.

most definitely

I would almost rather go to the dentist than have my picture taken.
Jeanette

I hate having my picture taken. I used to take an occassional webcam shot of myself but I tire of people commenting on the lack of smile. I can and do smile - just not at cameras.

Don't like it. Guess what has been requested by many family members for Christmas?

Callows got great portraits on his site. Talk about a goof ball.

I would like it better if the photographer knew what he/she was doing. I mean, c'mon, I know I'm younger, thinner and better lookin' than those photographers make me out to be.

doesn't matter one bit to me - infront of or behind the camera.
i kind of like it

Hey, don't point that camera at me! It will stop working immediately after you push the shutter!!
AH, I told you so!! ;)

gene

I think being naked takes the stress off of being in front of the camera.I used to think that too but it's tedious, the photographer really needs to have pockets or the whole process bogs down.

Generally I don't care, though I find it next to impossible to "just be natural" whatever the heck that means (esp. for me) (or was it "au naturel"?).

Playing with a video camera can help solve camera anxiety. Also, as a sitter/subject, just see past the camera to the person holding it, or alternatively think of the camera itself as a person, set it in your imagination as a specific sort of observer, rather than (as many people do who have stage/camera fright) an amorphous social "everyone." If you imagine the camera as specifically friendly/hostile/disinterested/sexy/whatever, your attitude and relationship to that (imaginary) person will come through in the photo.

Personally, I hate it. I just feel like an idiot.

Doesn't matter to me... But I find that I over analyze it... Where's the sun/main light, how should I stand, where are my hands etc.

I can't help but think AS the photographer, just on the other side.

Perhaps we prefer the other side of the camera because we like to be in control of the image making process... To be a model means a surrender of those controls we enjoy. Just an idea...

joe :)

I don't really care. I never much like the results and don't think I look too good but I do the good sport thing and comply.

It's hard to preach the whole posterity thing and then start whining when the camera points at you.




Michael McBlane

Funny, being photographed by a still camera doesn't bother me too terribly much, especially if I feel I have some control over the process.
What I abhor and flee actively is the dim-wit with the video camera...Point that evil machine somewhere else.
To discourage uncle bob with the video camera, I will actually walk away, and if I can't, I'll put up my hands and not make a sound.
Horrid things, can't abide them