The photo booth turns 100!

Autofoto, an organisation dedicated to the preservation and restoration of vintage photo booths, is coordinating a range of activities in the UK, USA and beyond to celebrate the 100th birthday of the photo booth.

First introduced in 1925 by Anatol Josepho, the coin-operated Photomaton gained popularity in New York City, attracting hundreds of thousands of users. Over the following decades, photo booths became a familiar feature in public spaces, used by everyday people and cultural figures such as Andy Warhol and The Beatles.

To recognise the centenary, Autofoto has organised a programme of events highlighting the historical and artistic significance of the photo booth.

The celebrations will begin in February 2025 at Spitalfields Market in London with the Real Selfie Project, an initiative exploring photography and self-portraiture.

Other key events include an exhibition at The Photographers’ Gallery, an installation at Photo London in May, and participation in the Arles photography festival in France.

Activities are also planned at the International Photobooth Convention in New York and at Stills Centre for Photography in Scotland. A project titled The Love Booth will examine themes of love and inclusivity through photobooth imagery.

Autofoto’s founder, Rafael Hortala Vallve, described the centenary as an opportunity to reflect on the enduring relevance of analogue photo booths. With restored machines continuing to be installed in contemporary spaces, the celebrations highlight their lasting impact on photography and popular culture.

To find out more, visit the website.