A Century of Photobooth Magic Lands in London
The analogue photobooth has officially hit legend status. In 1925, Anatol Josepho changed photography forever when he introduced the Photomaton, the first fully automated, coin-operated photobooth. Fast forward 100 years, and London-based AUTOFOTO is leading a global celebration that honours this century-old icon.
Expect exhibitions, artist collaborations, community projects, and—of course—plenty of photobooths to strike a pose in. With London, New York, and Arles as key locations, this year-long party will highlight the history, creativity, and enduring magic of analogue self-portraiture.
Spitalfields Market Kicks Off the Celebration
Shoreditch is getting its moment in the spotlight. In February, AUTOFOTO will launch the Real Selfie Project at Spitalfields Market. This interactive exhibition will showcase stories and self-portraits taken in analogue photobooths, inviting Londoners to reflect on photography, identity, and the art of the unfiltered selfie.
Traders, artists, and visitors will join in, sharing their own snapshots while diving into the cultural significance of these booths. This is not just a look back—it’s a conversation about the power of analogue imagery in a digital world.
Photo London and The Photographers’ Gallery Go All In
The celebrations won’t stop there. In May, AUTOFOTO will take centre stage at Photo London, one of the world’s most prestigious photography fairs. Expect a deep dive into the photobooth’s impact, featuring rare images, expert talks, and hands-on experiences.
Later in the year, The Photographers’ Gallery in London will host an exhibition that unpacks the photobooth’s legacy. From Warhol’s self-portraits to vintage snapshots from everyday people, this display will explore how these machines have shaped visual culture. Visitors will also get the chance to snap their own souvenir strips in a pop-up booth at the gallery.
The Love Booth: LGBTQ+ Connections Through Photography
Analogue photobooths have long been a space for intimate, spontaneous moments. This summer, AUTOFOTO will launch The Love Booth, an LGBTQ+ storytelling project in collaboration with Ramsgate’s Karen Vost.
This initiative will celebrate photobooth culture as a space for love and connection. By juxtaposing historical photobooth images with modern-day portraits, the project will showcase how these booths have captured romance, friendships, and self-expression for generations.
From Dalston to Barcelona: A Cinematic Tribute
For those who want a behind-the-scenes look at AUTOFOTO, a new documentary will premiere in May at Dalston’s legendary Rio Cinema. Directed by Nick Francis (Speakit.org), this short film will follow a day in the life of AUTOFOTO—from restoring vintage machines to capturing timeless moments.
This isn’t just a UK affair. In July, AUTOFOTO will join the world-famous Arles Photography Festival in France, sharing their expertise in restoring vintage booths. In August, they’ll take part in New York’s International Photobooth Convention, where global enthusiasts will unite to celebrate a century of candid, four-frame magic.
A Legacy of Self-Expression Lives On
Since 2009, AUTOFOTO has been on a mission to rescue and restore vintage photobooths, bringing them back into public spaces across London and Barcelona. Now, as they lead this centennial celebration, they’re proving that analogue photography is far from obsolete.
Founder Rafael Hortala Vallve sums it up best:
“This 100-year anniversary offers the perfect platform to celebrate the history, creativity, and global appeal of the analogue photobooth.”
So next time you pass by one of these iconic booths, step inside, strike a pose, and become part of history.
