Chinatown Passport Photographer's Secret to Success: It's Not Just About the Photo
In an era where selfies are ubiquitous and professional photographers are in high demand, 35-year-old Chunika Kesh at Eliz Digital, a small film shop in Chinatown, has stumbled upon a recipe for success that defies the conventions of modern photography. For a few dollars, customers flock to her modest studio, equipped with an older DSLR camera and a diffuser to soften the light, to get their passport photos taken.
Kesh's technique is straightforward: "Tilt your head," "Roll your shoulders back," and "Relax." It's not rocket science, but it works. The internet has fallen for her charm, with over 1.1 million people sharing screenshots of Brown's photo on social media, after he posted a review of his experience at Eliz Digital.
But what sets Kesh apart? She doesn't consider herself a professional photographer, having lost count of the number of passport photos she's taken. Yet, her images have a certain je ne sais quoi – simplicity and an emphasis on authenticity that resonates with customers who crave something more genuine in their portraits.
As word of her talent spread, Kesh found herself inundated with requests for passport photos, with some customers even mentioning Brown's viral post as the catalyst for their own appointments. "Eliz Digital is the f***ing truth," user @frajankie wrote on social media, while another customer, @adrnvic, joked about needing a passport appointment the next day after seeing Kesh's work.
For those who have walked into Eliz Digital, it's an experience that feels like stepping back in time. The shop itself remains unchanged since 1988, with its old-school charm and retro aesthetic – neon signs, simple gold and silver frames, and empty photo albums collecting dust on the floor. Kesh moves between customers with a practiced ease, doling out advice on pose and lighting while directing them to her portrait studio at the back of the shop.
It's clear that Eliz Digital has tapped into something bigger than just photography – it's about reconnecting with a bygone era of physical life. For customers like Emma Hartsfield, who saw Brown's photo and decided to get one herself, Kesh's portraits are more than just passport photos; they're captures of an era. "She's really perfected the craft, and you can tell she is very deliberate and knows what she's doing but makes it look effortless," Hartsfield said.
For Kesh, it's not about making her customers look pretty or trying to change who they are. It's about capturing them as they are – with all their flaws and imperfections. "I think people like to go to organic stuff. They don’t want [me] to make them look too pretty or whatever, just as it is, more real," she said.
In an age where technology dominates our lives, Eliz Digital's revival feels almost accidental. As the neighborhood around Chinatown evolves, Kesh has seen a new kind of crowd emerge – younger people who are passionate about film and photography. They're learning from her, tracking their progress through each roll of film, and eventually, getting hired for shoots.
For Kesh, it's not just about the photos; it's about creating a sense of community around film and photography. As she lines up each shot with a steady hand and flash of light, she knows that she's created something special – a small but vital part of a larger world where people connect over their shared love of art and authenticity.
In an era where selfies are ubiquitous and professional photographers are in high demand, 35-year-old Chunika Kesh at Eliz Digital, a small film shop in Chinatown, has stumbled upon a recipe for success that defies the conventions of modern photography. For a few dollars, customers flock to her modest studio, equipped with an older DSLR camera and a diffuser to soften the light, to get their passport photos taken.
Kesh's technique is straightforward: "Tilt your head," "Roll your shoulders back," and "Relax." It's not rocket science, but it works. The internet has fallen for her charm, with over 1.1 million people sharing screenshots of Brown's photo on social media, after he posted a review of his experience at Eliz Digital.
But what sets Kesh apart? She doesn't consider herself a professional photographer, having lost count of the number of passport photos she's taken. Yet, her images have a certain je ne sais quoi – simplicity and an emphasis on authenticity that resonates with customers who crave something more genuine in their portraits.
As word of her talent spread, Kesh found herself inundated with requests for passport photos, with some customers even mentioning Brown's viral post as the catalyst for their own appointments. "Eliz Digital is the f***ing truth," user @frajankie wrote on social media, while another customer, @adrnvic, joked about needing a passport appointment the next day after seeing Kesh's work.
For those who have walked into Eliz Digital, it's an experience that feels like stepping back in time. The shop itself remains unchanged since 1988, with its old-school charm and retro aesthetic – neon signs, simple gold and silver frames, and empty photo albums collecting dust on the floor. Kesh moves between customers with a practiced ease, doling out advice on pose and lighting while directing them to her portrait studio at the back of the shop.
It's clear that Eliz Digital has tapped into something bigger than just photography – it's about reconnecting with a bygone era of physical life. For customers like Emma Hartsfield, who saw Brown's photo and decided to get one herself, Kesh's portraits are more than just passport photos; they're captures of an era. "She's really perfected the craft, and you can tell she is very deliberate and knows what she's doing but makes it look effortless," Hartsfield said.
For Kesh, it's not about making her customers look pretty or trying to change who they are. It's about capturing them as they are – with all their flaws and imperfections. "I think people like to go to organic stuff. They don’t want [me] to make them look too pretty or whatever, just as it is, more real," she said.
In an age where technology dominates our lives, Eliz Digital's revival feels almost accidental. As the neighborhood around Chinatown evolves, Kesh has seen a new kind of crowd emerge – younger people who are passionate about film and photography. They're learning from her, tracking their progress through each roll of film, and eventually, getting hired for shoots.
For Kesh, it's not just about the photos; it's about creating a sense of community around film and photography. As she lines up each shot with a steady hand and flash of light, she knows that she's created something special – a small but vital part of a larger world where people connect over their shared love of art and authenticity.
. I mean, who needs fancy studios or editing software when you can get a real person to take your photo with a diffuser and some chill vibes? 
It's all about capturing that authentic feeling, right? And I love how she's created this community around film and photography – it's like, the more analog we get, the more connected we feel 
. She's not just taking photos; she's creating experiences. Can we get a roll of film party at Eliz Digital ASAP? 
, I'm loving this tiny film shop in Chinatown right now! 
The secret to Chunika Kesh's success is not just about taking good photos, it's about capturing the person, flaws and all 
. She's all about keeping it real and authentic, which is like, so refreshing in a world where everyone's just posting perfect selfies 
. And can we talk about how cool her old-school setup is? 
It's like stepping back in time, you know? The neon signs, the retro frames... it's like she's transported us to another era 
. I need to check out Eliz Digital ASAP 
anyway, i think it's the whole experience at eliz digital that's magic - the old school vibes, the actual film process... it's like taking a step back in time 
plus, she's just got that chill factor going on 
And I love that she's not trying to make everyone look perfect or anything, she just wants to capture 'em as they are - flaws and all. 
It's like, in a world where everyone's always staring at their screens, this little studio is like a breath of fresh air... even if it is just for passport pics! 
i mean, its not rocket science but sometimes those small things make such a big difference in how we feel about our portraits 
Plus, her shop, Eliz Digital, is literally a time capsule – I mean, who wouldn’t want to go back in time and take a photo in front of those retro neon signs? 
And Kesh, she's got this thing down pat, like, no fuss, no muss. It's all about being relaxed and letting the camera do its thing. I mean, who doesn't love a good selfie, but these passports are more than just a pretty face... they're a vibe 
. And it's not just Kesh, her whole setup is on point, like that old-school charm, the neon signs, it's like stepping back in time, you feel me? 