This year marks the centenary of the photo booth, which made its first appearance in 1925 on the streets of New York City. But far from slowing down as they reach their 100th birthday, they’re enjoying a revival as young people flock to use them.
Far from being just a way to get passport photographs or take fun snaps with friends, these booths have played a surprisingly significant part in social history.
‘Gorgeous’ quality
The photo booths that sprang up from the 1920s onwards were totally unlike existing commercial photography in that they “offered everyone the chance to pose without being under the watchful eye of a photographer”, said The Independent . This was especially significant for marginalised communities; “behind the drawn fabric”, same-sex couples were “free to kiss” and,