Auto-Photo: A Life in Portraits

There is an inherent charm to the simplicity and repetition of the photobooth, which first appeared in the early 20th century. This book tells the story of Alan Adler, a man who is likely the most photographed person in Australia, and also perhaps the longest-serving photobooth technician in the world. For more than 50 years, Adler maintained a suite of photobooths across Melbourne and would undertake weekly testing and servicing of each machine. He eventually amassed an archive of thousands of photographs, the only surviving record of his life’s work. Adler’s gappy grin, comedic expressions, and pet cats intermingle with shifting fashions, retro film tints, and increasing wrinkles.