harry ransom center - photo booth

I'm really enjoying the playful photos of people who have visited the Harry Ransom Center Photo Booth. It accompanies an exhibit and involves a Victorian backdrop setup with a foot pedal switch in a semi-private room. All you have to do is go in the room and stand in front of the camera. There's a live video feed of what the camera sees so you can see how the photo might come out. There's a few instructions on the wall - asking folks to please limit themselves to 5 photos (although some people were having a lot of fun & took a few more), that by taking the photos they're releasing the HRC to publish their photos, and that the HRC has the final say on what's put online/published. The switch is a foot pedal–similar to a sewing machine pedal-that is hooked up to the camera. Usually people play a little bit–seeing that they're on camera–and then they press the pedal to take a photo. It takes a few seconds to focus & take the picture. So you have to hold a pose for a few seconds to get a clear picture.

I think it's a brilliant idea! I love the way you get to see ordinary people playing - jumping, hugging, kissing, hiding, acting, smiling, laughing, moving, with loved ones, by themself, elderly, little children, college students, adults, etc. It's so fun to see other people in play - being themselves or just having fun. Even shy people who normally wouldn't do something like this have a chance to be expressive because there's no one else in the room (it is open on one corner to the gallery but it's hidden). I like the diverse cultures represented and the range of emotions shown in the photos. It seems that a lot of people have had fun with the installation.

Wonderful art! Great idea David Coleman. :)