The subjects of most photography series tend to be happy to pose for the camera, but not the subject in Mikael Theimer's 'Mama Doesn't Like The Camera.' The Montreal-based photographer's series is full of pictures of his girlfriend, Marion Muroz, however Muroz herself isn't a fan of being photographed. The result is a series in which the subject does whatever she can to hide her face from the camera.
Though the series is cute and charming on first viewing, Mikael Theimer believes that it carries a depressing undertone. He says that, deep down, Munoz's reflexive hiding from the camera is due to her "fears [that] a picture of her will look ridiculous compared to all the pictures of models and celebrity [sic] that we constantly see in the media." Viewed through that analytical lens, 'Mama Doesn't Like The Camera' is a feminist response to -- and denial of -- women's image in society.
Camera-Shy Portraits
Mikael Theimer's Series Captures His Girlfriend Hiding from the Camera
Trend Themes
1. Feminist Photography - There is an opportunity for photographers to create more series that explore societal pressures placed on women's appearances.
2. Authentic Portrayal - There is an opportunity to move away from posed, idealized photographs and capture more natural moments that reflect the subject's true personality.
3. Empowering Women Through Photography - There is an opportunity to empower women to feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, regardless of societal standards.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - There is an opportunity for photographers to move away from traditional portrait photography and develop new techniques to capture more authentic moments of the subject.
2. Fashion - There is an opportunity for the fashion industry to showcase more diversity in their advertising campaigns and promote realistic beauty standards.
3. Media and Advertising - There is an opportunity for media and advertising companies to promote body positivity and encourage more realistic representations of women in their content.