You’ve seen them. Those grainy, high-contrast black and white photo strips where everyone somehow looks like a 90s supermodel or a brooding indie film lead. It's not a filter, and it's definitely not a lucky iPhone shot. It’s Booth by Bryant.
For the longest time, getting your face inside Bryant Eslava’s legendary vintage photo booth was basically like trying to get into an after-party at the Met Gala. You had to be a Kardashian, or at least have a couple million followers. But things changed. The "Booth by Bryant OC photos" craze isn't just for the Hollywood elite anymore. It’s landed right in the heart of Orange County, and honestly, the vibe is just different here.
The Magic Behind the Grain
Most people think this is just some fancy digital setup with a clever "vintage" preset. It isn't. Bryant Eslava, the mastermind photographer who basically documented the entire "influencer" era from Vine to TikTok, went old school. He tracked down a real-deal, analog chemical photo booth from the 1950s.
We’re talking about a machine that uses actual silver halide paper and liquid chemicals to develop your photos right there inside the box. No ink, no digital sensor, no "undo" button. When you sit down for Booth by Bryant OC photos, you are participating in a mechanical process that’s nearly a century old.
Why does it look so good? It’s the lighting and the chemistry. The flash is harsh but flattering. The chemical process smooths out skin in a way that feels organic, not plastic. It catches the stuff digital cameras usually miss—that raw, messy, human energy.
Where to Find Booth by Bryant in Orange County
If you’re hunting for the booth, you don't have to trek to Harriet’s Rooftop in West Hollywood or sneak into a private Coachella party. The permanent OC home for the booth is at The CAMP in Costa Mesa.
Specifically, you’ll find two of these vintage machines tucked inside Camp Out, which is the retail off-shoot of the main eco-friendly campus.
- Location: 2944 Randolph Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
- Price: $5 per photostrip (which is a steal compared to LA prices)
- Payment: They take card and tap-to-pay now, so you don't need a pocket full of quarters like Bryant did when he first started.
- Hours: Generally 10 AM to 11 PM daily, but this is OC—things can be chill, so check their Instagram if it’s a holiday.
There was also a massive pop-up at South Coast Plaza recently (near the Saks Fifth Avenue wing). While those pop-ups come and go, the Costa Mesa location has become a pilgrimage site for anyone wanting that specific aesthetic without the velvet rope.
Why Everyone is Obsessed
Basically, we’re all tired of looking at "perfect" photos.
We live in a world of AI-sharpened, 4K, HDR-processed images that show every pore and every stray hair. It’s exhausting. Booth by Bryant OC photos offer an escape. You get four vertical frames. You have about three seconds between flashes to change your pose. It’s fast, it’s chaotic, and the result is always a surprise.
Since it’s analog, the photos are one-of-a-kind. Sure, you can scan them and post them (and everyone does), but the physical strip is a piece of art. It smells like a darkroom. It feels like a memory.
Celebrity Influence
It didn't hurt that Bryant started by photographing his friends. And his friends happen to be people like Kylie Jenner, Lil Wayne, and the cast of Succession. When the Daisy Jones & the Six cast did a session, the internet basically broke.
Seeing your favorite "Real Housewives of Orange County" stars or local influencers popping up in the booth at events makes it feel like you’re part of that world. It’s a status symbol that only costs five bucks.
Pro Tips for Your Session
Don't just walk in and stare at the lens like a deer in headlights. You’ve only got one shot at this.
First, wear something with contrast. Black and white film loves textures. A leather jacket, a fuzzy sweater, or even just some bold jewelry will pop. If you wear a flat gray t-shirt, you might just blend into the background.
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Second, move your head. Don’t just change your hand position. Tilt your chin, look away for one shot, laugh for the next. The best Booth by Bryant strips are the ones that look like a story unfolding.
Third, don't wait for the digital copy. Part of the fun is the physical strip. Keep it in your clear phone case or pin it to your mirror. That’s how they were meant to be enjoyed. If you do want a high-res digital version, there are scanning services nearby, or you can just use a scanning app on your phone. It won't be as "pure," but it'll look great on the grid.
The "Fake" vs. The Real Deal
You’ll see a lot of "Kardashian style" booths at weddings or corporate events in Newport Beach. Most of those are digital. They use a DSLR camera and a "smoothing" filter. They’re fine, but they aren't Booth by Bryant.
The real thing is unpredictable. Sometimes there’s a light leak. Sometimes the chemicals are a little fresh and the black is extra deep. That’s the "flaw" that makes it perfect. If the strip comes out 2x6 inches and glossy, it’s a digital imitation. A real vintage strip is usually 1.5x8 inches and has a distinct matte feel.
What to Do Next
If you're in Orange County, head over to The CAMP on a Tuesday or Wednesday night. It’s way less crowded than the weekends. Grab a coffee or a beer at one of the local spots first to loosen up, then go get your photos.
Check the @boothbybryant Instagram before you go. He often announces new locations or special "limited edition" backdrops. Sometimes they change the chemical balance to give a "sepia" or "blue" tint for a few days.
Once you have your strip, don't just shove it in your pocket. These are chemical prints. Let it dry completely for a minute. Then, find a cool spot at The CAMP—there are plenty of murals and plants—and take a "photo of your photo." It's meta, but that’s the OC way.