In a world dominated by digital photography and the endless scroll of social media, a hidden gem lies in Melbourne's heart, defying the modern age. Meet Metro Auto Photo, the guardians of a dying art form, preserving the city's chemical photographic history through seven iconic photo booth machines. But here's the twist: these aren't just ordinary photo booths.
These vintage treasures, once operated by Alan Adler, Australia's 'most photographed man,' are more than meets the eye. They are time capsules, capturing moments in a four-minute chemical ritual that transcends the digital realm. The resulting black-and-white strips, with their unique depth and grain, are a testament to the magic of analogue photography.
A New Chapter for an Old Art
Chris Sutherland and Jessie Norman, the dynamic duo behind Metro Auto Photo, stumbled upon this legacy in 2018. They saved the Flinders Street booth from removal and, in the process, became Adler's protégés. Under their care, the business expanded to various locations, and they dedicated themselves to restoring these vintage machines, ensuring the survival of the 'wet' chemical process in a digital world.
The Analogue Ritual Unveiled
The secret to Metro Auto Photo's allure lies in the traditional silver halide process. Unlike digital booths, these machines produce high-contrast, black-and-white strips with a sensory experience. The strips emerge slightly damp, carrying the faint scent of 'fixer,' a reminder of the physical art of photography. And the best part? These prints are archival, often outlasting the smartphones we rely on.
Q&A with Chris Sutherland
1. Mentorship & Succession: Chris spent five years apprenticing with Adler, learning the machines' inner workings and his unique 'hacks.' Adler's resourcefulness, a product of his Depression-era upbringing, taught Chris to think creatively, using whatever was at hand for repairs. This approach has proven invaluable in emergencies.
2. Modern vs. Old-School Booths: The Flinders St booth's popularity lies in its anticipation and excitement. Unlike modern digital sticker booths, people wait, chat with strangers, and embrace the unknown outcome. It's a unique, tangible experience, creating a physical record that often finds its home on fridge doors.
3. Supply Chain Challenges: With only 250 chemical booths left worldwide, sourcing silver-halide paper and chemicals is a constant struggle. The community of photobooth owners had to find alternatives when Russia's invasion of Ukraine halted production. Thankfully, they found a solution with Ilford, a UK-based film and paper company.
4. Restoration vs. Resto-Modding: Balancing authenticity and practicality is a challenge. While they've added digital payment systems and updated flash systems, they strive to keep the machines as original as possible. And yes, they've had to 'hack' the machines to accept modern tap-to-pay systems.
5. Vandalism & Public Spaces: The Flinders Street booth, an iconic landmark, faces daily battles with vandalism and wear-and-tear. It's a delicate balance to maintain its vintage charm while dealing with the harsh realities of a high-traffic location.
6. The 'Man Behind the Curtain' Life: Chris's daily routine involves visiting booths, creating his own collection of test strips, and dealing with various issues. It's a 24/7 commitment, and the stress can be overwhelming at times.
7. Previous Life & Career Pivot: Chris, a former professional photographer and videographer, finds working with these chemical booths more rewarding. The unpredictability and the challenge of fixing physical parts are a welcome change from the perfection of digital commercial work.
8. The Archive of 'Lost' Photos: Metro Auto Photo has its own collection of 'lost' strips, found during restoration. These strips offer a glimpse into strangers' lives, and the team has even reunited people with their forgotten photos. Alan's presence is felt in every machine, as they find his strips used as shims during restoration.
The Photobooth's Fascinating History
The journey of the photobooth began in 1898 but faced reliability issues. It wasn't until the mid-1920s that Anatol Josepho, a Russian immigrant, introduced the first truly functional and commercial version. His booth, featuring the iconic curtain, took New York City by storm, with 280,000 people using it in the first six months. The Photomaton Company was born, and Josepho's invention became a symbol of accessibility, bringing photography to the masses.
But here's where it gets controversial: The chemical photobooth, or 'dip-and-dunk' booth, is a marvel of analogue technology. It uses light-sensitive paper and liquid chemistry to create photos in real-time, a process that modern digital booths can't replicate. The 9-step chemical journey, from blank sheet to finished photo, is a complex dance of science and art.
So, in a world obsessed with digital perfection, do these analogue time machines still have a place? Are we losing something valuable by letting go of these vintage treasures? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
