Behind The Booth | Black Heart Tattoo
At Photomatica, we have a deep appreciation for vintage craftsmanship, and nothing excites us more than preserving the charm of analog photo booths. So, when the opportunity arose to install one of our most beloved treasures, a 1950s Auto-Photo Model 11 photo booth, in one of San Francisco's most iconic spots—Black Heart Tattoo—we knew it was a perfect match.
| piece by Tomas Jimenez for Lex Molinari |
A Marriage of Timeless Craftsmanship
Black Heart Tattoo is a staple in SF’s Mission District, serving up bold, badass ink since 2004. Known for their killer classic designs and top-tier custom work, this spot has earned serious street cred. The vibe is old-school cool, no-frills, and all about the art. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Black Heart's where you go when you want ink with soul. It's not just a tattoo shop, it's a creative hub that oozes the raw, real energy of San Francisco.
We also have a special connection to the shop - our owner, Doug, and our Designer, Lex, have been regulars there for years - getting inked by some of the best in the business. There’s just something about the shop’s old-school vibe and killer artistry that keeps drawing them back.
Our partnership all started during one of Lex’s, tattoo sessions with Tommy Chambers. While chatting, Tommy mentioned they wanted a booth for their holiday party. Lex immediately pitched the idea of installing a permanent booth at the shop. When he brought it up to the team, we realized a tattoo shop was the perfect spot for a vintage photo booth. As Lex put it, “No one would dare mess with it—people have a ton of respect for tattoo shops, especially Black Heart with its legendary history.
Why We Love tHIS BOOTH
The Model 11 embodies the essence of mid-century analog technology. Its curved body design, durability, and mechanical precision made it a standout in its era, capturing timeless moments on real photo paper with rich chemical processing.
This booth also reflects our dedication to craftsmanship. Over the years, we've restored this booth to its original glory, making sure it functions just as smoothly as it did back in its heyday. It’s been a labor of love, but seeing it installed in such an iconic spot makes it all worth it.
Come Check It Out!
If you find yourself in San Francisco’s Mission District, be sure to stop by Black Heart Tattoo. Whether you're getting inked or just passing through, take a moment to capture a snapshot of yourself in this one-of-a-kind booth.
