PhotoboothSF just opened up today next door—with an emphasis on portraits and Polaroids.

I walked there alone today to the opening party, squeezing through the throngs of chatter…to study the still faces on the wall. I make assumptions about who they are—their facial expression in that moment, trying to guess at their thoughts captured in their eyes.

But I watched a portrait being taken of a guest. She was in her late twenties—quintessential hipster with thick eyeliner, squinting in the harsh light. The spotlight highlighted her deep eyebags—perhaps nights barhopping with PBR and Tecate. She grimaced through the clicks, glancing at her friends maybe for approval. Then the portrait was done, she retrieved her bag and receded back into the background.