# Deliberate Uglification Trashing Your Camera to Deter Potential Thieves By Alex Covert | Published 2009-05-25 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trash-your-camera-deter-potential-thieves References: [lifehacker](http://lifehacker.com/5259519/deter-thieves-by-uglifying-your-camera) & [blog.jimmieprodgers](http://blog.jimmieprodgers.com/2009/05/my-ugly-camera.html) We try so hard to prevent our shiny new possessions from getting scratched, scuffed, or dented - our cars, [iPhones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pgytech-retrova), laptops, etc. Heck, my brother just returned a clothes washing machine that was delivered to his home because it had a small ding in it. So, I think it would come as a shock to most people to deliberately uglify something they just paid a few hundred dollars for. In order to deter would-be-thieves, international photographer Jimmie Rodgers intentionally made his camera look like… well, crap. He taped it up and scribbled on it - giving it an antique, non-digital look. Read more about Jimmie’s circumstances [on his blog](http://blog.jimmieprodgers.com/2009/05/my-ugly-camera.html). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 54% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/photography) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Intentional Damage:** Exploring the trend of intentionally damaging personal property to deter theft and/or signal authenticity. - **Anti-technology Aesthetics:** Observing a rising trend of intentionally making tech look aged, worn, or outdated for a unique look and added security. - **Uglification Marketing:** Analyzing the concept of deliberately marketing a product as unattractive or atypical to appeal to specific audiences or needs. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Photography:** There is an opportunity for camera manufacturers to design intentionally distressed and unattractive models to appeal to a security-conscious and unique aesthetic market. - **Consumer Electronics:** Electronic device makers can incorporate intentional uglification to appeal to consumers wanting individualism, authenticity, and protection from theft. - **Fashion:** Fashion brands could build on the consumer trend of appreciating and celebrating worn, aged, or eclectically repurposed goods in their designs and marketing. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Anti-Theft Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unsnatchable-phone-case.md) - [Tactile Digital Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/camera-1.md) - [Paintball-Shooting Security Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paintcam-home-security-system.md) - [Vase-Like Security Camera Holders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wyze-cam-vase.md) - [Decor-Inspired Security Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-home-camera.md) - [Translucent Pocket Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clearcam.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) - [Sleek Analog Film Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lomoapparat.md)