Photoboxes Proliferate in Public Spaces as Group Photo Sessions Become Part of Hanging Out

Some customers come for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or before a member moves away.

Sabrina observed that the physical photos aren’t always simply taken home.

Many customers also snap pictures of the printed photos themselves to share on social media.

"So effectively, after getting a physical photo, they revert back to digital," she noted.

Small Prints for Lasting Memories

Dinda (25), another photobox employee, shares a similar perspective.

She said customers come with various intentions.

While some plan to take photos, others decide spontaneously after seeing the photobox during their strolls.

“Photoboxes often become an extra activity before heading home,” Dinda said.

She mentioned visitors who have just eaten or hung out and then decide to try the photobox upon spotting it.

This pattern means photoboxes may not always be the main destination but rather part of a sequence of activities outside the home.

Customer spending varies as well.

“Basic packages start around Rp 50,000, but expenses rise if customers take extra sessions or request additional prints,” she explained.

“One session is usually enough, but if the first shots aren’t good, we try again,” she added.

Dinda believes the tangible photos are a key reason people stay interested.

Even though practically everyone today can take photos using their phones, the experience here feels different.

“If you just want good photos, a phone works just fine. Here, they’re buying the experience,” she said.

The experience starts with selecting frames, stepping into the booth, striking poses, following the camera countdown, and waiting for the prints to emerge.

Some customers even treasure imperfect photos.

“If a friend's face looks funny in one shot, that photo often becomes the one most talked about,” she added.

Photobox as a Social Hangout Activity

Nabila (22), a college student, is among those who have used photoboxes multiple times, about five or six sessions so far.

She finds the Rp 50,000 to Rp 70,000 price range reasonable when shared among friends.

For example, with three people, the cost is split, making it affordable entertainment alongside the photos.

“Photos on phones often just go into a gallery and are never looked at again. Here, you get to take a physical photo home right away,” Nabila said.

She usually keeps some of the photos in her wallet or sticks them in her journal.