Celebrating a century of the photobooth: A cherished party staple, adored by Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, and Beyoncé
In the heart of New York City, a century ago, the first fully automatic photographic machine, known as the Photomaton, made its debut on Broadway near Times Square. This revolutionary invention, created by Siberian immigrant Anatol Josepho, marked the beginning of an era that would forever change the way people captured their memories.
Fast forward to today, and you might find these iconic booths at parties, events, or even at passport photo booths, offering themed backgrounds that align with the event's theme. Photobooths have become a popular marketing tool, with prices starting at £150. The brand name or party theme often features on the prints, which are inevitably shared on social media, extending the reach of the event far beyond its physical boundaries.
The Photomaton's success was immediate. In its first year, more than 250,000 citizens used the Photomaton, paying 25 cents and waiting 8 minutes for their photos to develop. As the years passed, the Photomaton spread throughout the city and across the USA, becoming a staple in everyday life.
Over time, photobooths have evolved from the traditional four-picture strip format to a 2x2 format and even more three-dimensional options. Today, many parties feature an alternative to the traditional photobooth called the 360 video booth, which offers a more immersive and interactive experience. However, the search results do not provide information about who had the idea to develop the 360-video booth machine as a replacement alternative to traditional photo booths.
Photobooths have also found a place in the art world. By the 1960s, they had become an artistic medium, with Andy Warhol using them for his series of self-portraits. This artistic exploration continues today, with photobooths providing a unique and creative outlet for self-expression.
Johnny Roxburgh, a wedding designer and self-styled 'party architect', explains that photobooths provide an opportunity for people to hide behind a different persona and clown around with the freedom of anonymity. This sense of play and fun has made photobooths a rite of passage for superstars like Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Eminem, and a young Beyoncé, who posed for the MTV TRL photobooth at Times Square Studio, active from 1999 to the mid-2000s.
Will Hosie, our platform's Lifestyle Editor, shares a personal preference for Stanley Tucci to have won an Oscar for his role in The Devil Wears Prada. In addition to his work here, Will also contributes to A Rabbit's Foot and Semaine, and edits the Substack @gauchemagazine. When not discussing the finer points of film and fashion, Will can often be found musing over the enduring appeal of the humble photobooth.
The global market value of the 360 video booth industry is projected to reach $1.3 billion by 2033, suggesting that the future of photobooths is as bright as the flash that lights up each snapshot. Whether it's the classic four-picture strip or the immersive 360 video booth experience, one thing is clear: photobooths continue to capture our hearts and our memories, one snapshot at a time.
And if you're ever in need of a light-hearted party game, consider playing 'Come in, Mr ...', where you replace an ellipsis with a category, and the chosen player must mime something related to that category. The favorite category for this game, it seems, is 'Come in, Mr Party Paraphernalia'. So, grab your props, step into the photobooth, and let the memories begin!
