To celebrate the launch of our Kissing Balm, we chat with the couple who operates Melbourne’s iconic 1970s photo booths. Behind each photo strip is a story of connection, love and friendship, a memory frozen in time. Metro Auto Photo owners Jess and Chris tell us about their story.
The Metro Auto Photo story starts on a first date. Take us back in time.
Yes, we were on a first date and it was going very well (after a couple of negronis), so we decided to commemorate the date with a visit to the Flinders Street photo booth. We had both used it separately but since getting to know each other was going so well, why not freeze it in time for a moment.
What did that first kiss inside the Flinders Street photo booth mean to you then, and now?
Butterflies and giggles, but that still happens now. Years later, we still sneak a kiss behind the curtain when checking our own photo booths; it seems like a place in the universe where a kiss is necessary. But it really changed our lives in more ways than one. Not only are we now engaged (which also happened in the same booth by the way!), that night we saw a tiny hand-scrawled sign that the photo booth was going to be removed and I remember Chris saying “What?! No.”
That defiance carried through the years — from saving it from being removed (thanks to the support of Melbourne!) to us now carrying the torch for its legacy. The original owner, Alan is now 92 years old and ran it for 50 years. It is now ours to continue it for another 50 years through endless challenges of trying to keep these old machines running.
Since that date in 2018, you’ve made it your mission to restore and revive a whole lot more. What was the biggest surprise when you took over?
The biggest surprise was it becoming our lives. It started purely as a preservation project of Flinders Street but now we have to run a business. There’s a lot more stress involved when trying to operate and restore things that are 50+ years old.
First dates, milestones, spontaneous mementos: can you tell us about the magic that happens behind the curtain?
One of the many things we love about these photo booths is the spontaneity — there is no countdown, no re-touching, it’s a moment in time, frozen. The first flash then a squeal or laughter never gets old.
Through these public photo booths, you’re bringing together the community. Do you choose your booth locations based on that?
Exactly, we want our booths to be a love letter to Melbourne. A way to visit and explore the city through interesting, unique or famous locations. Flinders Street being the original icon that is it. The Curtin location is our favourite pub, we installed a photo booth there for our engagement party and it never left! The Curtin has a rich history as well as being one of the few remaining live music venues in the 3000 postcode. We also placed one outside of Hillvale Photo in Brunswick, who are playing a huge role in keeping film photography a part of the lives of Melbournians.
We live busy, fast-paced lives these days. What is it about these analogue strips that defies the need for instant (digital) gratification?
Because it is a one of one strip… something you can physically hold as well as taking a moment to stop, maybe talk to a stranger while you wait or give pointers in-between giggles. We call it making tangible memories.
What’s next for you, and how can people support you?
We are putting together a book, a gallery exhibition and more long-term booth placements around Melbourne. Follow along on our social media accounts (@metro.auto.photo + @flindersphotobooth) and come visit one of our photo booths!
And lastly, what’s your favourite place to go in Melbourne for a good time, every time?
The John Curtin, our local. A perfect Melbourne spot. Great food and band room and a pub that still has a soul. And there’s a photo booth there, that’s pretty cool too ;)
