From phone galleries to photo strips; city is falling in love with photobooths 

 

In an era where thousands of pictures remain buried in smartphone galleries, city’s youngsters are rediscovering the charm of holding a memory in their hands. Tiny photo strips with goofy expressions, candid smiles and aesthetic filters are becoming keepsakes, giving rise to a culture that was almost non-existent in the city just a few years ago. From college students and best friends to couples and families, people are lining up to capture moments that feel more authentic than an ordinary smartphone selfie. The appeal is simple - a few poses, a countdown and an instant printed memory that can be carried home. A photo session typically costs Rs 200 for two strips of four, but may vary in different places. Unlike digital photographs that often get lost among thousands of images, these printed strips become personal souvenirs. They find a place inside wallets, journals, phone covers and study tables, serving as a constant reminder of shared laughter and special moments.

 

The imperfections, a funny expression, a blink or an unexpected pose often make the pictures even more memorable. The trend has been largely driven by Gen Z, a generation that values experiences as much as aesthetics. Social media has played a major role in popularising photobooths, with Korean-inspired photo strips becoming a favourite addition to social media. Yet, beyond the online appeal, the experience offers something increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced digital world - a tangible memory. Anshika Bhardwaj, along with her friends, shared her experience with this scribe. “We just wanted some cute pictures together. We take selfies all the time, but photobooth felt different,” said Anshika. She added that, the countdown, the funny poses and getting the strip printed instantly made it much memorable. The rise of photobooth culture also reflects a changing urban lifestyle in the city.

 

Youngsters today are looking for interactive experiences rather than just shopping or dining, and a quick photo session has become an enjoyable part of spending time with friends and family. It combines nostalgia with modern technology, making it both trendy and timeless. “You may forget where a photo is saved on your phone or it may get deleted, but a tiny photo strip in your wallet or diary can bring back an entire memory which can not be deleted,” expressed Rupali, a young lady. As the city embraces new forms of entertainment and self-expression, photobooths are evolving from a novelty into a cultural phenomenon. In a world dominated by disappearing stories and cloud storage, these little printed strips prove that some memories are meant to be held, shared and cherished long after the moment has passed.