Photobooths have become a popular element for many wedding receptions; filled with the people you care about and often a host of silly props, these provide a unique way to capture the fun of your reception and give guests a great take-home souvenir from your special day.

Photobooth fun for all! (photo from blog.qcweddings.com)

The photobooth was the invention of Anatol Josepho, a Russian-Jewish immigrant who began working on a coin-operated automatic camera and direct-positive photographic print processor in 1913 at age 19 while living in Budapest, Hungary. After years of refining his invention, Josepho launched his first Photomaton Studio in New York City’s Times Square in 1926 – and the photobooth quickly caught the public’s attention.

A stylish woman poses for her photobooth pictures, sometime between 1930-1935. (From the collections of The Henry Ford)

Two young military men and two young women crowd into one photobooth, perhaps while enjoying a night on the town during World War II. (From the collections of The Henry Ford)

Click here to read more about the history of this fun invention, or check out our series of great historic photobooth photographs on our Flickr stream. (And the next time you’re here at The Henry Ford, make sure to stop by one of our own photobooths and get your picture taken!)

Are you planning on having a photobooth at your wedding reception? Recent brides, any tips for getting great photobooth pictures from your guests?