Rafael Hortala-Vallve, a photo booth mechanic, shared his passion for the unique experience of entering a photo booth, witnessing the rapid flashes, and obtaining a strip of portraits without the need for a photographer. As the founder of Autofoto, a group focused on preserving and restoring Europe’s remaining photo booths, he highlighted the significance of the 100th anniversary of the photo booth’s invention. Collaborating with the Photographers’ Gallery in London for the “Strike a Pose! 100 Years of the Photobooth” exhibition, Autofoto showcased vintage machines and photo booth strips spanning ten decades.
The concept of the photo booth, originally introduced by Anatol Marco Josepho in 1925 in Times Square as the Photomaton, quickly gained popularity worldwide. Contrary to the digital trend, individuals like Hortala-Vallve and Ian Azariah have embraced the analog charm of photo booths, dedicating efforts to restore and maintain these machines. The revival of photo booths, especially among young adults, signifies a shift towards appreciating unique and authentic experiences in a digital era.
Azariah noted the enchanting allure of analog photo booths, akin to the nostalgia felt when listening to vinyl records, attracting a new generation seeking genuine moments and tangible memories. The simplicity and imperfections captured by photo booths offer a refreshing break from the digital perfection often sought in modern photography. Hortala-Vallve emphasized the value of limitations in photo booths, where each snapshot becomes a cherished memento, fostering a return to a more genuine and tangible connection with the past.