Woman on Vacation Asks Gen Z and X for Same Photo—Can You Tell Who Took It?

Newsweek

2 days ago

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A woman visiting Singapore has gone viral after asking both Gen Z and Gen X passersby to take a photo of her and her boyfriend—only to discover a hilarious difference in results that sparked a generational debate online.
Ruby Doyle (@rubsjean), 22, from Melbourne, Australia, posed for a photo with her partner Luke Oates, 23, at Lantern, the rooftop bar at the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore, on May 28. In a TikTok video that has since garnered 15,000 likes and almost 535,000 views, Doyle compares the two photos: the first, taken by a Gen Z, is a polished high-angle shot that captures the dramatic cityscape in the background—believed to be Marina Bay Sands. The second, snapped by a Gen X stranger, is a close-up of the couple with little regard for composition or setting.
"I was not expecting the post to garner as much attention as it did and I also wasn't expecting to create a generational war in the comments," Doyle told Newsweek.
The Gen Z snap of Ruby and Luke versus the Gen X one.
The Gen Z snap of Ruby and Luke versus the Gen X one.
@rubsjean/@rubsjean
"When we were posing for the photo being taken by the Gen X stranger my partner and I knew we weren't going to like it as she was holding it very low and only snapped the one pic," she added.
The clip prompted hundreds of TikTok users to weigh in, sharing their own experiences and preferences when it comes to capturing a moment.
Gen Z typically includes people born between 1997 and 2012, while Gen X refers to those born between 1965 and 1980.
Generational differences in photography styles are often chalked up to the eras in which each group came of age. Gen Z, having grown up with smartphones and social media, often prioritize aesthetics, angles, and background. In contrast, Gen X—raised on film cameras and early digital devices—may approach photography with a more functional mindset.
Doyle said she often offers to take photos for others when she sees them trying to take selfies, ensuring they have plenty of shots to choose from.
"We took a photo of them in return making sure to get the background and take a few photos for them. We were happy when we found some younger people to take our photo as we thought they would have a similar eye as us," she explained.
"When we compared the two photo it was funny to see the subtle differences in photography style so that's why I made the post. It also reminded me of my graduation when a girl stopped and asked my dad (Gen X) to take a photo of her and her family. My mom and I both laughed as we knew he is not very good with technology and jumped in to take over," she added.
TikTok users flooded the comments with their takes.
"First one is better, you can see the building," said one user.
"Should have asked a millennial I think," quipped another.
"I am constantly telling my mom to lift my phone higher and higher why do they go so low down," said Tess.
"None of them, as a millennial I make two: one full-length and two cropped close up to the waist," said Vlad.
"Gen X and I'd never take a photo like the second one—I take pride in my photos and take about 5 for people of all different angles," said another.
"Lol, the Gen X photo is better tho," said another user.
"First one is for the scenery while the second is like a fit of the day," another noted.
"Both wrong. You should get both the buildings in the background and the full body without the feet cut off," someone else weighed in.
"And neither is a photography masterpiece I'm afraid," added one critic.
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