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Näkki Goranin

American Photobooth Paperback – February 17, 2008

by Nakki Goranin (Author), David Haberstich (Foreword)

4.9 20 ratings

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A fascinating history of an American institution that includes an extraordinary collection of photobooth images.

“That a perceptive, dedicated, and sensitive artist like Näkki Goranin has rescued from oblivion so many amazing self-portraits created by amateurs confronting themselves in the fleeting privacy of humble photobooths is yet another miracle for which we can be grateful.”―from the foreword by David Haberstich Generally relegated to the realm of kitsch, the history and cultural importance of the photobooth has long been overlooked. Here, Näkki Goranin documents the invention, technological evolution, and commercial history of the photobooth with extensive illustrations culled from twenty-five years of collecting. Complementing this history is a powerful collection of heartbreaking, funny, and absolutely beautiful photobooth images. These often solitary figures―seeking freedom, confession, a thrill―are evocative of a lost time and place. Haberstich writes, “For anyone who assumes that photobooth pictures are perfunctory, utilitarian records at best, the range of emotions and moods portrayed by the subjects of [this] collection is a revelation.”

Print length

224 pages
Language

English
Publisher

W. W. Norton & Company
Publication date

February 17, 2008
Dimensions

8.6 x 0.7 x 10 inches
ISBN-10

0393330761
ISBN-13

978-0393330762
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Babbette Hines
15
Hardcover
30 offers from $3.74

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Näkki Goranin, a Vermont photographer and historical photograph collector, has had her work shown in galleries, movies, and magazines. A former artist-in-residence with the Vermont Arts Council, she owns three vintage photobooths.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ W. W. Norton & Company; 1st edition (February 17, 2008)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0393330761
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0393330762
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.15 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.6 x 0.7 x 10 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #2,796,765 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,846 in Photography Collections & Exhibitions (Books)
- #5,944 in Photography History
- #6,941 in Photograpy Equipment & Techniques

Customer Reviews:
4.9 20 ratings

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Ed C. Fields Jr.

Implied Truths

Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2009

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Consider what is implied in these marvelous photos. First, note that there are many formal portraits of Blacks. There was no portrait studio in their part of town and 'White' studios did not want their business. Also, since the 'photographer' was a machine, the 'subject' did not have to worry about bigotry on the part of the of the person behind the camera. They used the only resource they had to record themselves. Also, since the 'photographer' was a machine and the photobooth resembled a confessional, the person inside was, one could say, in a state of grace and totally in the moment. You could do or be whatever you chose-which is why the doors were replaced by curtains-and only a select audience would see the results, but you only had thirty seconds to decide what to do or be-which called for spontaneity. One could write a book on the sociological, psychological, historical, etc. layers in these photos or one can simply marvel at them and consider the mysteries contained in these do-it-yourself masterpieces. The subjects got the best of both worlds. They have been preserved for posterity but with their anonymity intact.

3 people found this helpful

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Prof. White

The definitive study of Photo Booth photography.

Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2019

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Beautifully illustrated, well written...an important (but previously much neglected) corner in the history of photography...and especially of self-portraiture, now undergoing an explosive renaissance. Prof. Neal White, Emeritus Professor of Art (Photography) San Francisco State University

2 people found this helpful

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Brooke

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2017

Great!

Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2015

Verified Purchase

Great collection of photos.

Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2014

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Nakki's book is awesome

Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2008

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I bought this book for my 20 year old daughter, and she absolutely loves it.

One person found this helpful

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"The ultimate pedestrian art."

Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2008

Aside from the nostalgia of this collection, American Photobooth is a fabulous coffee table book, a varied collection of black and white and color images from the photobooths that have contributed to this country's collective photographic history- literally the faces of friends, strangers, couples, service men and their girls soon off to World War II, a stunning compilation reproduced on high quality paper, the images prefaced with a detailed history of the photobooth.

It all began with the 1894 invention of a Parisian vending machine. Once the concept of the coin-operated vending machine was embraced by an evolving popular culture, these booths became a favorite pastime, "the ultimate pedestrian art". Over the years the concept developed, along with techniques to streamline the process, photo strips available to customers for twenty-five cents. A number of entrepreneurs contributed to this emerging art form that could be found in storefronts, department stores and virtually any place one of these booths would fit. The technology progressed with the times, from a "plumbless" machine that no longer required a water supply to various chemical paper treatments that allowed quick-drying, cost-efficient results.

Over the years, booths were refined redesigned and updated under a series of names: Photomaton, Phototeria, Mutoscope Photographics, Photo-Me USA, Tru-Photo and Photo-Dome, through a number of innovative family-owned enterprises appearing everywhere, including the Depression. By the 1970s color strips arrived; by the 80s chemical photobooths were nearly phased out. The first art promoter to use the photobooth, Andy Warhol made the images part of the American artistic lexicon. But for those of us who ever posed with a friend, inserted a quarter and received a strip of four pictures, this book is a reminder of simpler days. Although "this American tradition stands on the brink of extinction". Goranin's wonderful collection offers a trip to the past, from the early 20th century, page after page of smiling faces hoping to capture a moment in a fast-moving world. Luan Gaines/ 2008.

16 people found this helpful

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LKP

Dimestore Dreams Recalled

Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2009

I love this book. Aside from the social history of photo booths, this book delivers with an amazing and offbeat array of ultra-personal "self portraits". We all know the feeling - Ducking into the booth, arranging ourselves on those silly little stools that spin, deciding if the awful green curtain behind us is "needed" or not, putting on more lipstick (nah, too much....then wiping it off again. Well, maybe just a little more)and then being shocked once-twice-thrice-four by the bright lights. Waiting for the little curl of photos to silently drop, and then that breathless first peak. Is this really me? Is this how I look? Is this how I look TO THE WORLD? There are many singular images in this book - each reader will find their favorite - but I especially loved a photo of a young couple, ardently kissing for the camera. Details abound: his lacquered hair is combed into swirls, his collar buttoned all the way to the top, his nose a bit snubbed and cute -- She wears a notably-frilly blouse with a lace collar and flirty black ribbon bows at the collar AND cuffs, red fingernails, her dark hair swept away from her face into an up-do, a rather ethnic face; a mature beauty compared to his student-like looks. Even better, we are treated to an inscription, in ink....."Jan. 3, 1944. Day before he left." Everytime I look at this image, I long to know......What happened? Did he come back? Did she wait for him? Did it all work out? What other photos did they take that day? Did he keep one also, and did it have an insciption?
Treat yourself to this book, and allow yourself to succumb to the endless stories inside - those that are documented, and those that you will find yourself making up.

5 people found this helpful

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