'camera-unfriendly' is a modern compound formed from the noun 'camera' and the adjective 'unfriendly' (the negative prefix 'un-' + 'friendly'), meaning literally 'not friendly to cameras'.

'camera' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'camera' (as in 'camera obscura') ultimately from Greek 'kamára' meaning 'vaulted chamber'; 'unfriendly' comes from Old English elements (prefix 'un-' + 'friendly' from 'freond' meaning 'friend'). The compound 'camera-unfriendly' arose in modern English usage as cameras and broadcasting became widespread.

Initially, 'camera' meant 'a room or chamber' and later 'a device for recording images'; combined with 'unfriendly' it evolved into the present sense of 'unsuitable for being filmed or photographed'.