Forget selfie sticks and tourist traps—New York City has a new, free way for visitors to capture their trip. Thanks to an innovative web app, you can now use the city’s traffic cameras to snap unique photos of your Big Apple adventure. We’re showing you how.
The Traffic Cam Photobooth Concept
A creative technologist in Brooklyn has developed a website that transforms the city’s traffic cameras into personal photo booths. This ingenious idea came from a challenge to take pictures without actually taking them, resulting in what’s been dubbed the “surveillance selfie.”
How It Works
The website provides a map featuring over 900 traffic cameras throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island. Users can locate the nearest camera and position themselves to appear in its feed. The site then captures the image, allowing you to add fun frames like film strips or Polaroid-style borders. It’s an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers looking for a distinctive souvenir.
A Fun Way to Raise Awareness
While offering a novel photo experience, this project also serves as a thought-provoking tool. It brings attention to the extensive surveillance network in the city, encouraging users to consider the implications of public cameras in a lighthearted manner. You’ll probably start noticing those cameras on every corner now!