'the whole photo booth as art concept'

Below is a transcript of an email regarding the 'Photo booths as art concept"

(note - see Selfridges page for 'photo booth as art concept' in action)

>       ----- Original Message -----
>       From: Neil
>       To: Dave
>       Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2002 2:33 PM
>       Subject: Photo booths!
>
>
>       Hiya Dave,
>
>       Am doing some research into the way people use
> photo booths as part of a university project and
> general interest in the whole photo booth as art
> concept.  Loved your site which I found using
> various search engines.  Really I'm looking to
> search your brain and ask if you know of any other
> decent sites I should check out?  I'm particularly
> looking for people who have really gone to town and
> used props and backgrounds to make the pictures
> really unique and arty, but ANY sites that look at
> use of photo booths would be great if you have the
> time.
>
>       Meanwhile keep up the good work and keep
> enjoying!
>
>       Neil
>

>     hi neil,
>
>     thanks for your email.  glad you liked the site.
>
>     I see photo booth as art, in a kind of anti-art
> way.  Photos produced are more functional than
> entertainment. 
>
>     However, more and more photobooths have funny
> backgrounds that make you look like you are on
> safari, or sitting next to a Hollywood star.  This
> detracts from their appeal I think.
>
>     I remember the excitement of going in to our
> local Boots chemist when I was young to get my photo
> taken.  Back then (20years ago) this was the only
> 'instant imaging' you could do.  ie have your photo
> taken, and you could see what it looked like 4
> minutes later.  Brilliant !
>
>     The 'found' element of photos which have been
> lost or discarded fascinated me further. 
>
>     A normal photo lost would say something more
> about the person  eg their surroundings, expression
> and how they interact with other people and objects.
>  All this is missing in a passport photo, which i
> think is nice.  It leaves it more open.
>
>     So that's my summary !
>
>     The only other sites I know of are the ones
> linked from my site.
>
>     I'm afraid I don't know of any other passport
> photo related sites (other than the manufacturers
> themselves).
>
>     There has been more interest post-Amelie of
> course !
>
>     Good luck in your project.  I would be very
> interested to see your final report.  Where are you
> studying ?
>
>     dave

>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Neil
>   To: dave simpson
>   Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2002 1:22 PM
>   Subject: Re: Photo booths!
>
>
>   Sorry for the prolonged reply, I am studying at
>  Lincoln (in the UK) and will let you know how things
>  progress when they start to - have had a few
>  setbacks you see!  Very impressed by the passion you
>  have for the subject, and very very grateful for
>  your reply which was quick and just what I wanted!
>
>   Stay safe
>
>   Neil

> hi neil,
>
> can I include our email conversation on the
> davescollections web site ?  I can remove your email
> address / place of study if you want - or I could
> leave them in to see if anyone else wants to
> contribute ?

> Sure no problem, doubt any one would contribute, but I
> don't have an issue with it as any contribution would
> be great.
> Neil

Neil later wrote:

> By the way, you don't happen to remember anything
> about a Channel 4 TV programme a few years ago
> about a bloke who went around taking photo's in photo
> booths using all sorts of props and scenery??  Channel 4
> themselves have no recall but I distinctly remember it! 
> Just can't remember the title nor the name of the bloke!!

If anyone does remember this then let me know and I'll pass on the info to Neil !