Alyzeh

I knew about the Photomatons in Paris metro stations through films and media and figured I’d use them as a tool for some self portraiture inspired by artists like Tomoko Sawada and Juan Pablo Echeverri. Self portraiture is something I am enamored by, I love being behind the lens but also love being in front of it. The Photomatons that are sprinkled throughout the metros are new-age digital photo booths that are used for government issued id photos as well as photos for keepsake and fun. They are the modern versions of what were previously analog photo booths from the 60s. I went on various midnight walks for photo booth fun, shocked to find all of the Photomaton booths either shut off or out of service. I realized on my last night in town that they do in fact all shut down at 930pm, so my midnight adventures were bound to be unsuccessful. In the midst of that journey, I came across an Autofotomat, a refurbished analog photo booth, one of 50 found in France and Czechia. The element of patience, mystery, and surprise while waiting roughly 6 minutes for each photo strip was reminiscent of the joy of shooting film. I became infatuated with the Autofotomat and returned to it multiple times throughout the week. On my last morning in town, I woke up early to have at least one digital Photomaton result - tired, makeupless, and rushed but worth the experience in the end. What I’m sharing is a mixture of the two, Photomaton and Autofotomat. I don’t feel quite ready sharing these just yet because they do feel like the beginning of a project and a newfound love I’ve gained for photo booths. It feels right though to get something out there to start. From a self portraiture perspective - the photos I like of myself are the ones where I see I see a little bit of my parents, my sisters, my family, my friends, my therapist, my lovers. All of the people that contribute to the molecules and atoms that make Alyzeh, Alyzeh. Maybe I see a little bit of you too. More of this project to come. Thanks for reading.

Deeply homesick — so I flip through my film and my memories

How red shows up over the seasons

Self timer on an island 🤍

It’s my life

Me Paris October 2025

Little bits and bites

My people on the couch, the floor, and a table or two.

Me, some outfits i loved, and a wig.

I think about this little moment often. Paris. July 2023.

I’m thinking about my favorite season I’m thinking about summer I’m thinking about Bodrum About traveling and feeling free About dresses flowing in the breeze Thinking about being a Sag Thinking about my break up About healing Thinking about all of my loved ones Thinking about me Thinking about all of you I love you.

Last bits