When photographer Haley Morris-Cafiero decided to take pictures of herself in environments that made her feel uncomfortable, she didn’t expect to come up with another project that earned her a world-wide fame. “Wait Watchers” is a social experiment in a form of series of photos collected into one book that capture how passers-by react to overweight people they see on the street.
Back in 2010, after taking a self-portrait on some steps in Times Square, the photographer noticed that a man behind her was staring at her instead of posing for his own picture. He did it for a while, so for the photographer it was obvious that he was indeed judging her. “I’ve heard people make comments on my weight, but I never thought I’d be able to capture that on film,” Morris-Cafiero further explained her wish to further explore situations like that.
The woman would set up a camera with a tripod in any public place that she thought was interesting and took pictures of herself doing normal things like talking on the phone or eating ice cream. She never dressed up for the occasion as she didn’t want her clothes to attract attention, and she never did anything to provoke the looks of people that she captured on film.
After publishing the photos Morris-Cafiero received a lot of comments encouraging her to start exercising, put more effort into dressing up, and maybe start wearing makeup so people wouldn’t look at her the way they do. This inspired her to continue with the series but this time she tried to photograph the reactions of strangers when she does exactly what the internet suggested her to do. And while the woman was trying to improve herself for others, the reactions of them were still the same.
The photographer, who struggled with eating disorders in the past and suffers from Hypothyroidism, claims that she doesn’t care what people think of her and this project is not made to make anyone feel bad. “I don’t do it out of anger. I consider it a social experiment. It’s not a ‘gotcha!’ kind of sensationalism. But it is taking the camera and reversing the gaze of the stranger back on to them. I think it’s a barometer of society, really.”
The series has stirred some controversy online, as not everyone supports the photographer’s claims. While the pictures do capture strangers glancing at the photographer, no one can claim with an absolute certainty that all of the looks are mocking or judging. According to many commenters online, the strangers are not necessarily negative when looking at someone, they just might have been curious about the camera or something outside the frame.
What are your thoughts on this project? Scroll down to see the pictures and let us know what you think in the comments.
More info: haleymorriscafiero.com | Twitter
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
Image credits: Haley Morris-Cafiero
The full series can be found on a book that Haley Morris-Cafiero published here
While it's true that people are too quick to judge with just one look, Seems to me that most people here are simply curious because they see a camera and someone posing, which is kinda unusual. People take selfies with sticks, usually, and it's not so common to see a tripod, so it catches attention. Unless the camera was hidden, like a "candid camera" of some sorts.
I was thinking the same thing the entire article. Sorry, but I always look at people when they're taking selfies, specially if it's in a place where, to me, there's no reason to take a selfie (a random street vs the beach or a monument) and even more if they're posing a lot, and/or in the way like she is in some of the photos. Mostly I don't even register what they look like, at most what they're wearing. I'm just thinking "why the hell are you taking a selfie here?" If I ever judge those people, it's for having selfie sticks out in the middle of a busy street.
I live in San Diego by Balboa Park and see people taking selfies all the time and I looks at them curiously as to why they are taking the pic there.
i totally get this.
i completely agree to this, most of the people were looking just out of curiosity. It was just inappropriate to label them fat shamers just because they looked at one who was posing right in the middle of a busy place in most of the cases
Bingo. Your comment saves me from typing the same thing. This whole thing was basically a setup to say "Oh, noes, look at these terrible people! I'm a Victim." I really do not get this whole "fat shaming" thing. Being overweight is unhealthy.
William Teach Fat shaming is actually a thing, but not at all something silly like this. It's when people go out of their way to bully a random stranger just because they're fat. Laugh and point at them, call them names, sometimes even follow them around bothering them. There's nothing wrong with judging people in your head, we all do it. But people shouldn't be allowed to be disrespectful assholes to strangers because of what they look like.
William Teach You're right about that too, people definitely abuse the term. But it's not really about regulating Thought, or at least shouldn't be... it's about regulating the actions. It's fine if you think fat people should lose weight. It shouldn't be fine to laugh at or act disgusted by a fat person because they're fat. Should go for anything really, not just being fat... just don't be a dick to people because you don't like what they look like. And you're right, some people will always be assholes, but we can still call them out for it. At least some assholes will stop being asses openly if they get reprimanded for doing it.
Sabal, the men were giving her that look too, not just women.
You're right, bullying is wrong. And you're correct on the other things. But, too often people use the phrase "fat shaming" as a way to continue living an unhealthy lifestyle, namely, being overweight. As for the last, "shouldn't be allowed", it'd be nice if people weren't flaming assholes, but, some people are (really, we've all been aholes at one time or another, admit it), and should we really be regulating Thought in that manner?
Oh yeah that's why so many(esp.woman) are giving 'go 2 hell' looks aimed right at her! This girl reminds me of my BFF (now deceased ) who gradually got as large but was equally hammy in public! At the time I never thought much of her fatness other than how much fun she was. It's sad but fat shaming is encouraged in society. It is unhealthy but it is not anyone's biz. If Pen you're reading this- luv ya!
My thoughts exactly. I think most people would look to see what was going on regardless.
I wondered too about whether the tripod was visible. Also, in several shots, she's standing in the way of foot traffic. I'd look too, if somebody was just standing there and people had to walk around them.
AND give her a dirty look, as well! Cause, blocking foot traffic & causing an obstruction.
Agreed on the foot traffic issue. Esp. in NYC. You don't ever block the flow! It's just rude.
I thought that too. A lot (not all) of the reactions seemed to be about what she was doing, not how she looked.
Agreed. Also, some of those posts would simply draw my attention--regardless of who is was. If I saw an adult sitting on a kids' swing in that pose, I admit that I would be glancing at him/her while pondering if I should ask if he/she is okay or needs assistance.
The little boy in that pic was CERTAINLY just looking at the camera.
i so agree with this. i honestly didn't see bullying looks from bystanders. like you said - more curious. i thought what the policeman did was cute. love what you said.
And some of these look like the looking people were looking at something else
That and this lady keeps making weird expressions or ostentatiously getting in people's way & making weird poses, I'd be looking at her funny based solely on that.
I was thinking the same as you guys are.
Yes, I agree, but it is most-- not all. Yes, A lot of these people are just glancing in her general direction, like a 'what is this person doing on the sidewalk?' kind of way. The way you'd look at anyone on the side walk. But a couple are staring at her with disgust or covering their faces laughing. It's not much, maybe 3-4 pics out of all of them, but considering she actually has a medical condition, it does kind of highlight that people are quick to judge.
Hypothyroidism? Many millions have it. You take meds. Your hormones are back in balance. It's not an excuse.
There were some people who were being douches, for sure.
I agree
Huuummmm, I don't think most of the people were even looking at her. I dindt feel the shaming, I acctually saw like 2 or 3 people realy paying her some attention.
I was thinking that none of these people are shaming anyone. People look at other people- that's part of being alive. Next will be people complaining that NO ONE is looking at them.....just live people! Please, try to make this world a better place, and just LIVE!!!
I don't know about that, there's a couple pictures where the girl is covering her face laughing while staring at her. So yeah some of these are just people glancing in her general direction, but some are being prejudiced.
true i agree !!
I agree, most of these people aren't even looking at her. They are just going about their daily lives worried about themselves and what hey are going to eat for dinner like the most of us.
I agree! Not to mention that some of them are kids/teenagers who are probably wondering why someone is taking a picture in the middle of a busy street. People need to stop considering everything "fat shaming" - looking at someone isn't fat shaming unless you actually say condesending insults to them or something.
I was thinking the same thing. Some of the eye lines really didnât line up. I also think that if the people were looking at her, it was more that she really stood out. Posing in a comical way, dressed bright and frumpy đ€. I would find it strange to see someone randomly sunbathing on a brick wall in public regardless of their size.
I agree. It seems people were looking at something in front of her or the same thing she was looking at. Those laughing could have been laughing at anything and saw her right in front of them just before they ran into her by accident.
see as a fat girl, those looks are often accompanied by, laughs or snide comments or an up-down look and a huff. young ones (14-mid-twenties) often give ewws and throw an elbow at their friends and point and snicker.
People were looking at her, alright - looking at her legs. She seemed to be calling attention to her grossly misshapen legs.
Some of those people werenât much smaller than her. Like the three black girls. Iâm pretty sure those girls are well used to seeing fat people. Theyâre probably not used to seeing someone so incredibly pale. Not thatâs right to stare at her for that weather, but sheâs probably the strangest loooking (and extremely white) person they encountered all day.
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EXCUSE ME???? Look closely, really closely and you will see the women looking at her and laughing (covering her mouth) This comes from a society promotes "beauty" "not getting old" etc etc... such superficiality. I am sure that the ones who are laughing at her are the ones obsessed with their figure, ughhh
But what people are pointing out is that it's only a FEW who are obviously laughing at her, about what she looks like. MOST were wondering about the camera, what she was doing, or else annoyed that she was in their way!
What? it's just some people looking at her or looking vaguely her way. Some are obviously staring at her, which can certainly be uncomfortable and make me feel slightly bad for her. I have no idea what that cop was thinking. Was he trying to be funny? Others, however, just seem to be a bit of a stretch. For example, the guy sitting at the table and Time's Square doesn't really seem to be staring at her. Or the woman with the loaf of bread in front of the Mercat de la Boqueria in Barcelona (my hometown!) seems to be looking at something past her. What do you guys think?
I think the cop was just trying to photobomb her. He's not touching her, just hovering the hat over her head so she doesn't notice what he's doing. I've seen people who do that, randomly do something to people who are posing for photos, it's just a silly joke. I agree staring can make us uncomfortable, but as someone with low self esteem that is trying to rewire my negative brain, just because someone is looking at you for a while, doesn't mean they're judging you badly, and even if they are, it's not necessarily because of what you think it is - we just tend to assume that because WE are insecure and self conscious about that trait, so it feels like everybody else must be paying attention to it too.
Yeah, I guess he was trying to be funny, but the whole tone of the photo album is "woe is me", so I guess she's presenting the cop's friendly gesture as mockery... *sigh*
A few things pop to mind, are those people really look at her, or past here. I only see people looking in her general direction - which isn't to say they aren't looking at her, but we don't know if they definitely are mocking her. Quite a number of people actually are looking into the camera too, my guess is that they saw a camera, saw her posing and are curious about what she is doing. Critically too; if you look at their faces, a common trait of shaming is missing - the expression of disgust (i.e. the desire to dissociate from the subject). There may be a few that are judging her; maybe. However; my guess is that most of these "shamers" aren't actually judging her, but just curious as to what is happening. This just comes across as a cry for attention, more than actually proving a point.
I think the guy sitting at the table in times square is more likely wondering how come she's not freezing to death in that outfit - check how everyone else in that pic is dressed
While it's true that people are too quick to judge with just one look, Seems to me that most people here are simply curious because they see a camera and someone posing, which is kinda unusual. People take selfies with sticks, usually, and it's not so common to see a tripod, so it catches attention. Unless the camera was hidden, like a "candid camera" of some sorts.
I was thinking the same thing the entire article. Sorry, but I always look at people when they're taking selfies, specially if it's in a place where, to me, there's no reason to take a selfie (a random street vs the beach or a monument) and even more if they're posing a lot, and/or in the way like she is in some of the photos. Mostly I don't even register what they look like, at most what they're wearing. I'm just thinking "why the hell are you taking a selfie here?" If I ever judge those people, it's for having selfie sticks out in the middle of a busy street.
I live in San Diego by Balboa Park and see people taking selfies all the time and I looks at them curiously as to why they are taking the pic there.
i totally get this.
i completely agree to this, most of the people were looking just out of curiosity. It was just inappropriate to label them fat shamers just because they looked at one who was posing right in the middle of a busy place in most of the cases
Bingo. Your comment saves me from typing the same thing. This whole thing was basically a setup to say "Oh, noes, look at these terrible people! I'm a Victim." I really do not get this whole "fat shaming" thing. Being overweight is unhealthy.
William Teach Fat shaming is actually a thing, but not at all something silly like this. It's when people go out of their way to bully a random stranger just because they're fat. Laugh and point at them, call them names, sometimes even follow them around bothering them. There's nothing wrong with judging people in your head, we all do it. But people shouldn't be allowed to be disrespectful assholes to strangers because of what they look like.
William Teach You're right about that too, people definitely abuse the term. But it's not really about regulating Thought, or at least shouldn't be... it's about regulating the actions. It's fine if you think fat people should lose weight. It shouldn't be fine to laugh at or act disgusted by a fat person because they're fat. Should go for anything really, not just being fat... just don't be a dick to people because you don't like what they look like. And you're right, some people will always be assholes, but we can still call them out for it. At least some assholes will stop being asses openly if they get reprimanded for doing it.
Sabal, the men were giving her that look too, not just women.
You're right, bullying is wrong. And you're correct on the other things. But, too often people use the phrase "fat shaming" as a way to continue living an unhealthy lifestyle, namely, being overweight. As for the last, "shouldn't be allowed", it'd be nice if people weren't flaming assholes, but, some people are (really, we've all been aholes at one time or another, admit it), and should we really be regulating Thought in that manner?
Oh yeah that's why so many(esp.woman) are giving 'go 2 hell' looks aimed right at her! This girl reminds me of my BFF (now deceased ) who gradually got as large but was equally hammy in public! At the time I never thought much of her fatness other than how much fun she was. It's sad but fat shaming is encouraged in society. It is unhealthy but it is not anyone's biz. If Pen you're reading this- luv ya!
My thoughts exactly. I think most people would look to see what was going on regardless.
I wondered too about whether the tripod was visible. Also, in several shots, she's standing in the way of foot traffic. I'd look too, if somebody was just standing there and people had to walk around them.
AND give her a dirty look, as well! Cause, blocking foot traffic & causing an obstruction.
Agreed on the foot traffic issue. Esp. in NYC. You don't ever block the flow! It's just rude.
I thought that too. A lot (not all) of the reactions seemed to be about what she was doing, not how she looked.
Agreed. Also, some of those posts would simply draw my attention--regardless of who is was. If I saw an adult sitting on a kids' swing in that pose, I admit that I would be glancing at him/her while pondering if I should ask if he/she is okay or needs assistance.
The little boy in that pic was CERTAINLY just looking at the camera.
i so agree with this. i honestly didn't see bullying looks from bystanders. like you said - more curious. i thought what the policeman did was cute. love what you said.
And some of these look like the looking people were looking at something else
That and this lady keeps making weird expressions or ostentatiously getting in people's way & making weird poses, I'd be looking at her funny based solely on that.
I was thinking the same as you guys are.
Yes, I agree, but it is most-- not all. Yes, A lot of these people are just glancing in her general direction, like a 'what is this person doing on the sidewalk?' kind of way. The way you'd look at anyone on the side walk. But a couple are staring at her with disgust or covering their faces laughing. It's not much, maybe 3-4 pics out of all of them, but considering she actually has a medical condition, it does kind of highlight that people are quick to judge.
Hypothyroidism? Many millions have it. You take meds. Your hormones are back in balance. It's not an excuse.
There were some people who were being douches, for sure.
I agree
Huuummmm, I don't think most of the people were even looking at her. I dindt feel the shaming, I acctually saw like 2 or 3 people realy paying her some attention.
I was thinking that none of these people are shaming anyone. People look at other people- that's part of being alive. Next will be people complaining that NO ONE is looking at them.....just live people! Please, try to make this world a better place, and just LIVE!!!
I don't know about that, there's a couple pictures where the girl is covering her face laughing while staring at her. So yeah some of these are just people glancing in her general direction, but some are being prejudiced.
true i agree !!
I agree, most of these people aren't even looking at her. They are just going about their daily lives worried about themselves and what hey are going to eat for dinner like the most of us.
I agree! Not to mention that some of them are kids/teenagers who are probably wondering why someone is taking a picture in the middle of a busy street. People need to stop considering everything "fat shaming" - looking at someone isn't fat shaming unless you actually say condesending insults to them or something.
I was thinking the same thing. Some of the eye lines really didnât line up. I also think that if the people were looking at her, it was more that she really stood out. Posing in a comical way, dressed bright and frumpy đ€. I would find it strange to see someone randomly sunbathing on a brick wall in public regardless of their size.
I agree. It seems people were looking at something in front of her or the same thing she was looking at. Those laughing could have been laughing at anything and saw her right in front of them just before they ran into her by accident.
see as a fat girl, those looks are often accompanied by, laughs or snide comments or an up-down look and a huff. young ones (14-mid-twenties) often give ewws and throw an elbow at their friends and point and snicker.
People were looking at her, alright - looking at her legs. She seemed to be calling attention to her grossly misshapen legs.
Some of those people werenât much smaller than her. Like the three black girls. Iâm pretty sure those girls are well used to seeing fat people. Theyâre probably not used to seeing someone so incredibly pale. Not thatâs right to stare at her for that weather, but sheâs probably the strangest loooking (and extremely white) person they encountered all day.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
EXCUSE ME???? Look closely, really closely and you will see the women looking at her and laughing (covering her mouth) This comes from a society promotes "beauty" "not getting old" etc etc... such superficiality. I am sure that the ones who are laughing at her are the ones obsessed with their figure, ughhh
But what people are pointing out is that it's only a FEW who are obviously laughing at her, about what she looks like. MOST were wondering about the camera, what she was doing, or else annoyed that she was in their way!
What? it's just some people looking at her or looking vaguely her way. Some are obviously staring at her, which can certainly be uncomfortable and make me feel slightly bad for her. I have no idea what that cop was thinking. Was he trying to be funny? Others, however, just seem to be a bit of a stretch. For example, the guy sitting at the table and Time's Square doesn't really seem to be staring at her. Or the woman with the loaf of bread in front of the Mercat de la Boqueria in Barcelona (my hometown!) seems to be looking at something past her. What do you guys think?
I think the cop was just trying to photobomb her. He's not touching her, just hovering the hat over her head so she doesn't notice what he's doing. I've seen people who do that, randomly do something to people who are posing for photos, it's just a silly joke. I agree staring can make us uncomfortable, but as someone with low self esteem that is trying to rewire my negative brain, just because someone is looking at you for a while, doesn't mean they're judging you badly, and even if they are, it's not necessarily because of what you think it is - we just tend to assume that because WE are insecure and self conscious about that trait, so it feels like everybody else must be paying attention to it too.
Yeah, I guess he was trying to be funny, but the whole tone of the photo album is "woe is me", so I guess she's presenting the cop's friendly gesture as mockery... *sigh*
A few things pop to mind, are those people really look at her, or past here. I only see people looking in her general direction - which isn't to say they aren't looking at her, but we don't know if they definitely are mocking her. Quite a number of people actually are looking into the camera too, my guess is that they saw a camera, saw her posing and are curious about what she is doing. Critically too; if you look at their faces, a common trait of shaming is missing - the expression of disgust (i.e. the desire to dissociate from the subject). There may be a few that are judging her; maybe. However; my guess is that most of these "shamers" aren't actually judging her, but just curious as to what is happening. This just comes across as a cry for attention, more than actually proving a point.
I think the guy sitting at the table in times square is more likely wondering how come she's not freezing to death in that outfit - check how everyone else in that pic is dressed