100 Years of Photo Booths: How It All Started, And Why We Still Love Them Today
It’s official: photo booths are 100 years old. And after watching this ABC News story celebrating the invention that changed how we capture memories, we’re feeling all the nostalgia:
👉 Watch the ABC News video celebrating 100 years of photo booths
A century later, one thing is clear: photo booths have always had a magical pull that evokes joy and nostalgia. From spontaneous snapshots with friends to goofy strips we keep tucked into wallets or taped to mirrors, photo booths have survived trends, tech shifts, and generational changes, and they’re still going strong.
But how did this iconic piece of pop culture begin… and why is it still part of our lives today? Let’s take a look at where it started, and how today’s photo booths, like Boom Photo Booth, continue the legacy.
Photo Booth Inventor Anatol Josepho,
The Original Photo Booth: A Revolution in 1925
In 1925, the first modern, coin-operated photo booth appeared in New York City. For the first time, anyone could step inside a small booth, close a curtain, and take a series of photos privately, affordably, and instantly. According to the history of photo booths and the story of inventor Anatol Josepho, this simple concept changed photography forever.
The idea was revolutionary:
• Instant photography long before digital cameras
• A private space to be silly, romantic, or expressive
• A keepsake you could take home immediately
• A democratic way to get portraits — no studio required
These early booths quickly became a global sensation. People lined up on sidewalks to get a strip of photos with friends or loved ones. And according to the ABC News clip, thousands of photo booths were installed worldwide in just a few years, cementing their place in pop culture.
Photo Booth Photo Strip
A Century Later… What’s Changed?
A lot — and also, not much at all.
Of course, the technology has evolved dramatically:
• Film strips ➜ high-resolution digital images
• Coin slots ➜ touchscreen interfaces
• Heavy booths ➜ sleek, lightweight open-air designs
• Waiting minutes ➜ instant digital sharing
• Manual assembly ➜ quick 10-minute setup
Modern Day Boom Photo Booth
But beneath all that, one core truth remains: Photo booths capture memories that last a lifetime.
Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, family reunion, or corporate celebration, people still gather around photo booths, laughing, posing, and creating memories. The experience itself is timeless.
How Modern Photo Booths Carry the Legacy Forward
This is where companies like Boom Photo Booth come in, updating the experience while keeping its heart alive.
Today’s guests want:
✔ Beautiful lighting
✔ Aesthetic design
✔ Instant digital sharing
✔ Print options or GIFs
✔ Custom branding for events
✔ A booth that enhances the venue — not hides in a corner
That’s why modern booths have become event centerpieces.
At Boom Photo Booth, our setups are:
• Sleek and stylish — blend perfectly with modern aesthetics
• Lightweight and portable — assemble in minutes
• Fun and intuitive — everyone from kids to grandparents can use it
• Social-media ready — instant text/email sharing for guests
If you’re planning a wedding or milestone, consider exploring our wedding photo booth rentals. For company events and marketing-focused celebrations, we offer custom-branded photo booth overlays and corporate event packages to elevate your brand presence.
Because while technology evolves, the core magic remains the same: capturing memories with the people who matter most.
Why Photo Booths Still Matter
In a world where everyone has a smartphone, why do photo booths continue to thrive?
• Because a photo booth is an experience, not just a camera.
• People step into a different mindset — looser, sillier, more present.
• Group memories get captured.
• The photos (digital or print) become cherished keepsakes.
A century later, photo booths still offer a uniquely joyful experience.
The Legacy Continues
From the original booth in 1925 to today’s sleek setups like Boom Photo Booth, photo booths have been delivering joy for an entire century. And one thing hasn’t changed:
Trends change. Technology evolves.
But memories? They last forever.
If you’re ready to add the timeless magic of a photo booth to your celebration, reserve your Boom Photo Booth now, dates fill quickly, and availability is limited!
