Asking for camera access is not "awkward". In 2022, it's assumed that if I say yes, you'll record absolutely everything the camera can see, store it forever, sell it to anyone who wants it, and use it to show me ads for crap no one wants. There are a whole host of amazing possible apps using camera, location, microphone, etc., but tech companies have proven that they cannot or will not deliver these apps without egregious privacy violations.

Tech companies need to prove they can limit themselves to using data for the purpose for which it was requested, then we can talk about whether or not I'll give camera access.