Taking a snap in Tokyo

I had to renew my Alien registration card here in Tokyo and that’s the reason for this blog. Well Japan and the people here in offices are systematic. In fact too very systematic for that matter. I had been to the ward office for my card renewal and I had to return because they wanted my latest snap and more over there were 2 more days for my card to expire :)

Usually for VISA purposes i visit a studio and its so costly to get a snap in there! Any ways, I have been thinking of getting this new snap and my friends kept suggesting the very common photo booths in Japan. Friday night while on way from work just got out of the station and found one of the booths.

I was amazed by what something on the roadside could do so much in such a simple time.

As I get in and pull the curtain across the door, the lights come on and the screen lights up.

Ask- Fun photo / formal photo and display the rates.

The machine has left and right arrow keys and a green OK button.

Select formal photo

Asks you to insert the amount. Once done, you could change the language to English and then

Soon you are asked to sit and adjust your face to be at the center of a red ring that would be appearing on the screen and in a moment you are there so clear right in front of you.

Announcement is made that the 3 shots would be taken and you would soon hear the 3...2....1 count down for each shot. Once that is over, the machine displays all the 3 snaps and you can choose the best of all.

And you would be in love working on this simple but brilliant microcomputer.

And soon the announcement comes. Please wait outside and in 19 seconds your photos would be available.

Oops! Out of the booth. By the time you wear your jerkin on there come the snaps.

It’s all about facilities and perfect ways of doing things. Did any one go jobless because of this self automated machine?

I do not think so. Here is the place where cameras digital, SLRs and all types of gadgets are sold like hot cakes. Even high costing lenses are sold out in minutes.

And you can see so many of the photographers all around Tokyo with their real professional cameras. Do not be surprised if you hear the shutter sounds! its Tokyo.

It could be a professional or a near my machine! :) So make sure you are always with a great smile :) :)

The system is called Photo- me . Note that the snap was transferred to the web via another clikc from my mobile and hence looks a bit dull! Other both the subject and the snap looks fabulous :)