# Covert Party Cameras The Photobot by Tommy Dykes is an Alternative to Point-and-Shoot Photography By Meghan Young | Published 2012-11-02 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/photobot-by-tommy-dykes References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2012/11/automated-camera-discreetly-takes-photos.html) & [tommydykes](http://tommydykes.com/photobot) The photoBot by Tommy Dykes, a product and interaction designer as well as PhD student at [Northumbria University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/material-memory), is a discreet camera that allows people to snap photos that are [candid with a documentary style](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nonnas-cam). An alternative to the common [point-and-shoot photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kyu), it can be likened to a surveillance camera, which not many people would like. Nevertheless, it takes pains to avoid that comparison through its clever design. The photoBot by Tommy Dykes balances between covertness and transparency by way of its simple aesthetic and LCD screen. While its minimalist nature allows it to blend into its surroundings, the display invites people to preview their pictures to assure them that they ultimately have a say in what is being captured. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.5/10 - Popularity: 52% | Activity: 16% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Discreet Photography:** The trend of discreet photography is emerging as people seek to capture candid moments without drawing attention. - **Alternative Camera Designs:** The trend of alternative camera designs is providing innovative options to traditional point-and-shoot photography. - **Balancing Covertness and Transparency:** The trend of balancing covertness and transparency in camera design is gaining popularity among photographers. ### Where This Applies - **Photography:** The photography industry can explore new opportunities in discreet cameras that offer a different approach to capturing images. - **Design:** The design industry can tap into the demand for alternative camera designs that blend easily into different environments. - **Consumer Electronics:** The consumer electronics industry can innovate by developing cameras that balance covertness and transparency to cater to the demands of discreet photographers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Translucent Pocket Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clearcam.md) - [Tactile Digital Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/camera-1.md) - [Adorable Mini Instant Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-digital-toy-camera.md) - [Modular Point-and-Shoot Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-camera.md) - [Easily Maneuvered Outdoor Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/duo-camera.md) - [Point-and-Shoot-Inspired Action Cams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sony-cybershot.md) - [Color-In Photo Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toy-camera-concept.md) - [Sculptural Pebble-Shaped Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ditto-camera-concept.md) - [Child-Friendly Camera Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/camera-for-kids.md)