A couple from Utah, Zoe Lazerson and Brandon Minton, began chronicling their love story in a photo booth at the bar where they first met in 2022. Their love story began to unfold as they captured intimate moments in the analog photo booth, sparking a nostalgic feeling within them. This led them to open two street-accessible photo booths in New York City named Old Friend. The couple’s journey of love and togetherness has now become an inspiration to many.
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In their charming love story, Zoë Lazerson, 28, and Brandon Minton, 26, stumbled upon each other while playing pool in Utah back in 2022. As fate would have it, a quaint dive bar they frequented installed a classic photo booth around the same time. The couple found joy in capturing moments together in the booth, which soon became a symbol of their budding romance. Their move to New York City in 2023 marked a new chapter as they unveiled Old Friend Photobooth in Manhattan’s Lower East Side the following year, followed by another location in Brooklyn.
With a background in media and a shared passion for creative expression, Brandon, who previously worked in a film lab, and Zoe, an influencer for over a decade, envisioned Old Friend as a place where people could come together to create lasting memories. The couple aimed to offer a unique experience that resonated with people beyond just taking a quick picture. Old Friend Photobooth brings a touch of nostalgia, harking back to the era of analog photo booths that evoke genuine and unfiltered moments.
The concept of photo booths traces back a century to New York City, where the first automatic booth was introduced by Anatol Josepho. Despite the digital age dominating the photography scene, Old Friend’s appeal lies in its authenticity and simplicity. The booth captures four flashes and four images in a three-minute session, allowing individuals to encapsulate moments in a tangible format. Zoe highlights that many individuals feel a sense of nostalgia for photo booths, even if they have never experienced them before.
Unlike the instantaneous nature of selfies, photo booths offer a unique allure with their candid and unedited snapshots. Brandon emphasises the authentic essence of photo booth images, where the final results remain a surprise until they are printed. This element of unpredictability adds a touch of magic to the experience, making each captured moment more cherished and memorable than scrolling through endless digital photos on social media platforms.
Old Friend Photobooths in Manhattan and Brooklyn have become a hub for capturing various life celebrations and milestones. From mothers visiting the city to newlyweds, birthday celebrants, and expectant parents, the booths have witnessed an array of heartfelt moments. The couple’s endeavour to create a welcoming space transcends cultural boundaries, drawing inspiration from their travels in Europe and their desire for inclusivity.
Zoe and Brandon’s vision for Old Friend goes beyond just a photo booth; it represents a place where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can come together to celebrate life’s moments. The accessibility and simplicity of the booths encourage spontaneous photo sessions, fostering connections and creating lasting memories. The couple’s journey from a serendipitous meeting in a Utah bar to becoming the architects of a beloved photo booth experience is a testament to the enduring power of love, creativity, and shared moments.
As Old Friend approaches its one-year anniversary, Zoe and Brandon continue to spread joy and nostalgia through their street-accessible booths. The couple’s dedication to maintaining a welcoming and open environment ensures that anyone can walk in and create their own special memories. Their story of love, creativity, and community stands as a beacon of inspiration for all who step into the world of Old Friend Photobooth.