My Obsession
Posted by Christina McNeill on 16 May 2008.
I have to admit that every time I see a photo booth I want to jump in, pay my 3 bucks and get some goofy pictures taken. I recently have noticed some really awesome pictures of actual photo booths that have really caught my eye. I think these machines are one of the coolest inventions to date and are such an old-time classic that can always get a party started!
Some interesting facts about photo booths:
— In 1889, After the craze of vending machines hit the American and European market Mathew Stiffens drew up his patent for an automatic photo machine. Unfortunately, it did not do too well considering that tintypes were much cheaper and easier and hiring a professional photographer was the best bet.
— 36 years later as the photographic world was progressing, Anatol Josepho patented his 'Photomaton', which was a coin operated—automatic photography machine.
— The patented rights were sold for 1 million dollars!
— In 1925 the prototype was built in a Harlom loft and made its first appearance on Broadway in New York, City.
Photo Booths are definitely a staple in our culture! Great movies like Amelie and artists like Andy Warhol have used photo booths and their pictures as a catalyst for a story line or artistic expression.
From the Movie, Amelie
From Andy Warhol's Photo Booth Project
Woolworth Photo Booth #4 by Skippy Sanchez
The Booth by Jody Mcdowell
Take your own photo by Jason Schupp
A Flash from the Photo Booth by Steve Gong
