Forget everything you think you know about passport photos! A tiny shop in Chinatown is causing a frenzy, and it's all thanks to a photographer who's making federal ID requirements look, well, good.
Eliz Digital, a small photography studio at 77 Elizabeth St., has become a sensation. New Yorkers are flocking there, hoping for a passport photo that actually flatters them. It's a testament to the power of a good picture and a relaxed atmosphere.
The woman behind the camera? Chunika Kesh. She insists she's no magician, as she mentioned in a recent interview with CNN. Her secret? Making people feel comfortable.
And it's working! The internet is obsessed. One TikTok user, teacher Sam Shekian (@teachingwithms.shekian), has been getting passport photos taken by Kesh every month since 2022. She even displays them as art in her apartment! Photographer Laura Fuchs has dedicated an entire Instagram project, “Chunika & Me” (@fuchswithfilm), to documenting her visits to the shop.
On X, user @boltsfood went viral for sharing his passport photo, declaring Kesh “the best portrait photographer in ny.”
But it's not just passport photos that are drawing crowds. Eliz Digital is also a haven for analog photography enthusiasts seeking affordable, high-quality disposable camera development. TikTokker @movewithanj raves about it as a NYC bargain. Content creator @baileyisoverdressed agrees, sharing her love for the shop in a walking vlog.
So, whether you need a new passport photo, want to document your monthly glow-up, or need to develop some film, Eliz Digital in Chinatown is the place to be.
But here's where it gets controversial... Do you think a passport photo can truly capture your best self? Or is it just a necessary evil? Share your thoughts in the comments!
