Cole Sprouse flips the script on secret fan photos

Cole Sprouse has taken an unconventional approach to the ever-present smartphone lens. Through his Instagram account, @camera_duels, the actor captures fans attempting to secretly photograph him and posts the evidence first.

Sprouse launched the account during his early Riverdale fame, though it dates back to his photography interest from earlier years.

The concept is simple, document the quiet tug-of-war between public figures and public spaces. Each post features a fan caught mid-snap, often trying to appear inconspicuous, with Sprouse humorously turning the lens back on them.

In the account’s bio, he describes it as a dedication to “the people out there who secretly take photos of me, and how I take photos of them first. May the fastest camera win.”

The tone is playful, sarcastic, and layered with commentary on celebrity culture, privacy, and how fame functions in the social media age.

Sprouse has previously spoken about the pressures of public life and his love of photography. @camera_duels blends both turning awkward fan encounters into light satire and artistic snapshots.

He’s also known for using humor to navigate fame, and this project adds another layer to his curated relationship with public attention.

While not frequently updated, the account remains a cult favorite. Followers appreciate both the wit and the underlying message: being famous doesn’t mean being passive.