Haley Morris-Cafiero’s “Wait Watchers” project exposes the unspoken judgments people make about others in public.
A Social Experiment Hidden in Plain Sight
Artist Haley Morris-Cafiero describes herself as “part performer, part artist, part provocateur, part spectator.” Her ongoing photography project, “Wait Watchers,” blends all of these identities to examine how strangers respond to her body in everyday public spaces.
In an email, Morris-Cafiero explained that she sets up a camera on the street and positions herself in front of it doing ordinary activities, studying a map, eating gelato, or simply standing still. As she activates the camera, it captures hundreds of candid photos of her and the people passing by.
Later, as she reviews the images, patterns emerge.
“I then examine the images to see if any of the passersby had a critical or questioning element in their face or body language.”
The result is a striking visual archive of how strangers react to her presence, often staring, smirking, whispering, or mocking without saying a word.
Reversing the Gaze
Morris-Cafiero calls her work a “performative form of street photography.” She sees it as a way to turn the lens back on a culture quick to judge people based on appearance.
“I consider my photographs a social experiment and I reverse the gaze back on to the stranger and place the viewer in the position of being a witness to a moment in time.”
Her photos reveal the micro-expressions and subtle gestures people believe go unnoticed: raised eyebrows, sideways glances, shared laughter at her expense. Even people in positions of authority, like police officers in some shots, appear comfortable mocking her openly.
Though Morris-Cafiero never looks at the people around her as the photos are taken, the images capture the exact split second when judgment occurs. That frozen moment exposes the quiet cruelty many people with non-conforming bodies face on the street.
From Galleries to a Viral Movement
Her work has been exhibited across the U.S. and internationally, sparking conversations about body size, bias, and the messages women receive about their appearance.
She also published a book, The Watchers, which showcases her photo series alongside actual comments made to her by passersby. The effect is powerful: the photographs show the looks, while the text reveals the words, both documenting a reality many experience but rarely see reflected back.
In gallery settings, Morris-Cafiero pairs each image with remarks she’s received, as well as notes of support from people who have faced discrimination for their bodies. These additions make the project even more pointed and resonant.
The photos themselves are gut-wrenching. We may “know” that women and people of all sizes face judgment, but seeing it captured so plainly forces a different level of confrontation.
As the project circulates online, it has gone viral, striking a chord with anyone who has been stared at, teased, or analyzed by strangers who should simply mind their own business.
You can explore more of Morris-Cafiero’s work on her website and through her book The Watchers.
Featured Image from: haleymorriscafiero.com