With the invention of the reversible lens on the camera and the phone, the selfie has made the photographer the subject as well, and star of the photo moment. The photo bomber no longer has to squeeze into the background within camera range to join the big shots. He is now in the foreground with the VIPs behind him.
So, events nowadays have both the official videographer and the roaming guests taking their own photos, moving and still.
Photo moments that aim to celebrate the importance of a milestone like a wedding anniversary, product launch, or an embassy party for the glossies and the news make sure to register the presence of moguls, politicians, diplomats, and celebrities. Of course, there is often a less glittery set that also manages to join (usually running — picture, picture) the shot. These photo-bombers manage to get their faces in the lifestyle sections as well, unless the edges are cropped out due to space limitations.
The recorder makes a scrupulous list of those he photographs to make sure his captions, especially corporate titles, are accurate and timely — she left that network last week. But sometimes, the names are not jotted down for all. A stand-by caption is designated for the third face from the left: “a special friend,” “guest,” or “an unidentified social climber.” The paper does not run an erratum to correct inadequate captions — the unnamed guest in the photo yesterday was actually a gate-crasher that was later apprehended when certain bags went missing.
It is the fate of the non-VIPs to sometimes also be in the picture, even if grudgingly acknowledged. Extras, while mostly anonymous, do make a party look desirably crowded.
In movies, supporting roles make the leads more interesting by providing them glamor, if only by contrast. They are recognized by awards-giving bodies. Still, a movie can enter a maximum of only two supporting stars for nomination. Such peripheral characters though get to be named in the captions.
In basketball, the supporting cast is called a bench which includes any player in the proper gear that is sitting down with the coach at the opening jump. Those on the floor from the start are called starters. In the “graduation picture” after winning a championship, the bench warmers of course get to share in the glory. Still, there is some other extra sitting in with the team. (Is he hoisting the trophy?) He may even be identifiable in this particular role with his photo in the news. For this one, names are not provided in the caption. There are too many.
In posed photo moments that is the favorite of lifestyle pages and magazines, those surrounding the glamorous personalities tend to be overweight, balding (though not in an extreme sports buff type of way), paunchy, and a little less glamorously dressed than the stars of the event. The contrast is intended to raise the star index of the celebrities. Sometimes though the scruffy lookers happen to be the sponsors of the event. Sponsors often invite celebrities who look better than them. It’s also a good way to meet stars — so, how do you like our multi-grain crackers?
The selfie culture has allowed the former autograph hunter to instead have a picture taken with a star. All the celebrity has to do is to stop walking to the exit and stand still beside her fan and give a brief smile. And the latter does the rest.
Such is the lot of celebrities when they attend events which is not before cameras and part of what they do. Walking into a party, shopping in the mall, watching a concert, or just getting out of a car opens them up to being accosted for a photo. And most of the time they oblige, lest they be pummeled in social media for being arrogant.
Of course, CEOs who may also be celebrities, are probably not subjected to this social assault when they mix in with the crowd. They just blithely go about their business, not needing to be accommodating at all. They don’t need fans or votes, after all. And anyway, they are probably not asked for pictures… but for money or jobs.
A. R. Samson is chair and CEO of Touch DDB.
