This thesis discusses the technological history of the photo booth and photo booth photography as a social and artistic practice. Each chapter focuses on a different subject relating to significant...Show moreThis thesis discusses the technological history of the photo booth and photo booth photography as a social and artistic practice. Each chapter focuses on a different subject relating to significant characteristics of photo booth photography. Taking photos in a photo booth is a deliberate act and can be considered as a significant experience. Therefore, the first chapter reflects on this process and considers the photo booth strip as photo-object and memory object. Subsequently the focus shifts towards the content of the image: the self-portrait. The photo booth is widely known as a machine to take identification photos with. In the second chapter I shall address this subject, to be discussed within the context of the construction of identity. Upon entering a photo booth, one goes into a secluded environment, which evokes a feeling of privacy. The booths, however, are often located in public space. The third and final chapter of this thesis will focus on this contradiction and discuss the photo booth and its products in relation to the notions of private and public, and more specifically how this relation has changed under the influence of digitalisation. Every chapter begins to discuss the use of the photo booth by regular users, to further investigate the topics through the analysis of artistic practices.Show less
