According to survey respondents, weight and hair style concerns are the main reasons for their 'picture phobia'. In fact, 44% surveyed preferred to do laundry, 34% would rather pay bills and 18% would rather visit the dentist than pose for a picture.
While some would prefer to steer clear of a photographer altogether, many survey respondents cited factors that would make the picture-taking experience—even the most casual one—more pleasurable. Feeling better about appearance (52.9%), help with hair and make-up (35.9%), having the right clothes (26.3%) and/or including family and friends in the picture (27.1%) topped the list.
According to psychotherapist and author, Doris Wild Helmering, the overwhelming reason for this 'picture phobia' is the fear the camera will reveal what subjects perceive as physical flaws.
"Ever notice how right before a picture is taken, subjects fix their hair, flatten their stomachs, remove glasses, stand sideways to camouflage a growing midriff or look upward to tighten a sagging neckline?" said Helmering. "The bottom line is that everyone wants to see themselves at their very best."
Fujifilm claims that its latest digital imaging innovation—Face Detection Technology—should help ease these photo fears. Cameras with Face Detection Technology aboard, like the current FinePix S6000fd and FinePix F31fd (available December 2006) can identify up to 10 human faces in a scene and set the correct focus and exposure for those faces, automatically helping a subject put his/her 'best face forward'.
'Best Face Forward' is the theme of Fujifilm USA's new website where visitors can learn more about Face Detection Technology and how it helps to improve 'people pictures' and the overall quality of a photo. In addition, visitors can challenge their powers of observation by completing a Face Detective game for a chance to win one of eight digital camera prize packages containing the new FinePix S6000fd camera, a 256 MB xD-Picture Card and a 4-pack of Energizer e² Lithium AA batteries or the Grand Prize: a Weekend Trip for Two to New York City and a portrait sitting with professional photographer, James Ferrara.
There are no comments on this article yet. 
