We built Momentje to bring a small, beautiful ritual into the places people gather. It’s an all-wood photo booth centered on the ceremony of the printed photo strip — something to hold, not scroll past. Our first booth is live now at the Hawthorne Theatre in Portland.

Step in. Tap to pay. The lights flash — three frames: a glance, a joke, a look you didn’t plan. As the print develops, you’ll get one quick yes/no about sharing to the public feed (@momentje.fun). Then it drops into the tray in front of you. If you opt out, the moment stays yours. Simple as that.

We designed the booth to feel like a timeless piece of furniture that doubles as a tiny stage. Warm wood, soft curves, and surface-printed artwork give it history without tipping into kitsch. Its interface is tactile and restrained: wooden buttons, a one-way mirror, and a lo-fi pixel display that glows softly behind the glass. The silhouette stays the same from site to site, but the artwork shifts — each booth a quiet variation on a familiar form.

Under the surface, we kept the tech focused and serviceable. An iPhone handles camera and compute for excellent image quality and reliable connectivity. Remote diagnostics flag errors and low-paper states. Hinges and locks are hidden for a clean exterior.

The print itself is spare: momentje, month/year, and venue along the edge. No logos. No filters. Just the artifact. Sharing to the public feed is quick and optional, because the physical keepsake is the heart of it.

Why this approach? After years of using photo booths ourselves, we noticed the same pattern — bolted-on card readers, cluttered UX, and disposable design. We wanted something cohesive and deliberate, where technology hides behind craftsmanship, and the interaction feels simple, even a little magical. Subtle animations, warm light, a flattering hair light — small details that make the moment feel considered and human.

This is the kind of multidisciplinary problem we love: where software, hardware, and craft converge to feel inevitable.

Momentje was designed to catch a few sparks of connection and make them tangible.

A little moment, kept.