Since bursting onto the music scene in 2008 with her smash hit “Just Dance,” Lady Gaga has been one of the most photographed celebrities in the world.

With her bold fashion choices, lavish music videos, and unapologetic embrace of self-expression, Gaga invites attention and revels in the spotlight. However, constant scrutiny from paparazzi also comes with the fame and notoriety of being a global superstar. For over a decade now, Lady Gaga has had to navigate the challenges that come with having her every move documented by photographers and the press. Through a mix of strategic approaches, she maintains some semblance of control over her public image while still protecting her personal life.

Security is Paramount

One of the most important tools Lady Gaga employs to manage the paparazzi is security. Wherever she goes, whether it’s a high-profile event, a casual shopping trip, or just arriving or leaving her home, Gaga is surrounded by a team of security guards. Their primary role is to create physical barriers between her and any photographers trying to get too close or intrusive shots. At big public appearances, her security detail is even more substantial. They form a perimeter around her to control crowds and photographers, only allowing approved press limited access. This level of security gives Gaga some breathing room and prevents paparazzi from getting unwanted up-close photos or touching her without consent.

Of course, high-level security for a celebrity of Gaga’s stature doesn’t come cheap. Over the years, reports have estimated her security costs anywhere from $500,000 to over $1 million annually. But for Gaga, it’s an essential expense. The barriers and boundaries provided by her security team give her a sense of control and protection from the ever-watchful eyes of the paparazzi as she goes about her daily life. Whether she’s out to dinner, doing some shopping, or just taking a walk, they create a buffer so she’s not constantly swarmed or chased by photographers.

The Art of Disguise

Another tactic Lady Gaga employs to navigate the paparazzi is disguise. Those who only know her from her outrageous red carpet looks and over-the-top music videos may be surprised to learn that Gaga actually enjoys living a relatively low-key lifestyle when she’s not working or making public appearances. To help maintain some sense of normalcy, she frequently wears disguises to blend in with everyday crowds and avoid detection when she’s just running errands or spending time outside of the spotlight.

Of course, Gaga brings her signature theatrical flair even to her disguises. She’s been spotted dressed in everything from platinum wigs and giant sunglasses to baseball caps and baggy clothes—anything to throw the ever-watchful paparazzi off her trail. Some of her most memorable disguises have included a curly blonde wig paired with a floral dress, oversized hoop earrings, and cat-eye shades. Another time, she wore her hair slicked back, with big black-rimmed glasses, a newsboy cap, and an all-black ensemble.

These disguises allow Lady Gaga a certain anonymity when going about daily activities. Casual photographers or fans in public may pass right by her without realizing it’s the superstar beneath the costume. The disguises give her a sense of freedom and normalcy, getting to go to the grocery store or grab a coffee without instantly becoming the center of attention. Of course, her dedicated “Little Monsters” fans usually manage to spot her anyway with clues like her tattoos or distinctive walk. But the disguises still help Gaga navigate public life with slightly less paparazzi interference when she’s not doing a high-profile public appearance.

Controlling the Narrative

At other times, Lady Gaga will choose to give photographers and the media some controlled access. By doing so, she’s able to manage the narrative and control how aspects of her life are portrayed in the press versus leaving it to chance paparazzi photos. A good example is when Gaga has photographers document rehearsals for her elaborate concert tours or music videos. These “exclusive” behind-the-scenes shots allow fans to get a glimpse into her creative process without any unwanted surprises.

She also occasionally grants photographers access to more personal life moments, like when she had a photographer document her 2019 wedding to Tal Taylor. By personally sharing photos from the big day, Gaga maintained control over how her marriage was portrayed in the media versus risking paparazzi snapping unauthorized photos of the intimate ceremony. Other examples include inviting photographers on trips to give a curated look at her vacation style.

This controlled exposure approach allows Lady Gaga to share what she wants with her fans on her own terms. It minimizes unwelcome intrusions from paparazzi and prevents them from profiting off unauthorized photos of aspects of her private life she’d rather keep personal. By occasionally providing the media with her own photos or tidbits, she maintains influence over the prevailing public narrative about who she is and what’s happening in her world.

Pursuing Legal Action

For the most intrusive paparazzi who cross ethical lines, Lady Gaga has not been afraid to pursue legal action over the years. Some of the most aggressive photographers have faced lawsuits from Gaga for harassment, invasion of privacy, or copyright infringement if they try to profit off unauthorized images of her.

One of the most publicized cases came in 2011 when Gaga sued a photographer named X17 for using a helicopter to photograph her residential property in Malibu from the air. She argued it violated privacy laws and caused mental distress. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed sum. In another incident, she took legal action against a photographer who trespassed on her property and snapped photos through the windows of her New York City apartment building.

On the whole, Lady Gaga prefers not to take the legal route. But for the paparazzi who don’t respect reasonable boundaries, she’s shown she’s willing to pursue charges as a measure of last resort. The legal threats serve as a deterrent against the most intrusive behavior from some photographers who may try to profit off harassing her or invading her personal space without consent.

Maintaining a Private Life

Despite living much of her life in the public eye and sharing glimpses into her world on social media, Lady Gaga also guards significant portions of her personal life very closely. She keeps many details about relationships, family life, and downtime away from the paparazzi lens. This allows Gaga to maintain a sense of normalcy and control over the narrative versus leaving every aspect of her off-duty life up to the whims of photographers.