Why are people sensitive to their picture being taken?

Question

Is this true for you?

I mean you see yourself all the time in the mirror, you dont think that is the REAL IMAGE?

What is it about pictures that makes people nervous around them, besides the fact that they are recorded for a long time?

Answer 1

Because we all fear being judged negatively

Answer 2

When I look in the mirror I think I put on a subconscious pose with out thinking about it,because my wife always goes, "what are you looking in the mirror like that for?" and I say, "what do you mean?" And when I look at my self in a picture, it is just not the way I picture my self unless I was expecting the take,I think a lot of people have a certain image of them selves which is not necessarily correct.

And then there is light and angle which again can make a big difference I think.

Answer 3

This isn't true for me. I think you answered your own question, though. People don't like having bad pictures taken that they may not be able to delete, or other people might see.

I asked a couple people:

The first person, "I don't like to have my picture taken because I don't like the way I look, and I avoid mirrors."

The second person, "It depends on the person taking the picture and what they're using it for."

The third person, "WHAT? Who's takin' my picture? Whaddid they wannit fer?"

Okay, well the last person was kind of irrelevant, but I thought it was funny. Anyway, I hope this helps.

---Stella Marie

Answer 4

A lot of people are self conscience about how they look. I know people who don't want their picture taken because of having glasses, acne, bad/yellow teeth, anything really. In the mirror, people are alone in their own privacy. When a camera is in front of them, they freeze and worry that the picture will turn out "funny" or "ugly."

Answer 5

I just never know how to smile when having a pic taken.

Can't explain it really - I think I look ok when i look in the mirror!!

p.s At this very moment, my Avatar looks as though I have a moustache (please see my last question) so my picture would be a better thing to look at right now!!

Answer 6

What is your obsession with photographs and images? This is like the third question you've asked about it. If you're really so interested, study self-perception. You'll probably learn more that way than you would on here.

Answer 7

I think it is because that they know that the picture that was taken is going to be printed out and that probably a bunch of people are going to be looking at it. when people are looking in the mirror, they are usually the only one looking at them. it is that they know that in pictures that other people are going tro be looking at them. in the mirror, you are the only one who is looking at you; usually.

Answer 8

Its because every time someone takes a picture a little part of your soul is taken too.

Answer 9

People rarely feel that photographs reflect their true selves because photographs do not show actual personality which is an important part of how we see each other and wish to be seen.

Answer 10

some cultures and people feel that by taking a picture the person has captured and taken part of their soul/spirit. then there are those who may feel they are not photogenic. one should be courteous enough to respect the person's wish.

Answer 11

Some people look good in photos while others don't. I've seen people who look amazing in person but look like ish in pictures & vice versa.