One Hour Photo

I just took pictures.

How is Jake doing?

Oh. How old is he? Nine?

Nine.         Here we go. Got a winner. When do you need these by?

Oh, we close at 7 on Sundays.

I'll get them done for ya.

Mrs. Yorkin, you're one of our best costumers. I'll have them for you by the time we close.

No problem.

I'll see you in 40 minutes.

Bye.

I've done POS mini-lab work for over 20 years now. I consider it an important job. I work with priceless objects. When people's houses are on fire, what's the first thing they save after their loved ones and pets are safe... The family photos.
Most people wouldn't consider this a job of craft, but it is. The way I look at it, the mini-lab machine is like a musical instrument. And like any musical instrument it can be played exquisitely... or poorly depending on the skill of the performer.
Some people think this is a job for a clerk. They actually believe that any idiot who attends a two-day seminar can master the art of making beautiful prints in less than an hour. But, of course, like most things, there's far more to it than meets the eye.

I see someone had quite a birthday party. I did them 5 x 7 for you.

Uhm... the larger ones are better. I didn't charge you extra for those.

Oh, $30.06... but let's call it an even 30.

You know, we have a special gift for birthday boys.

Mm-hmm. That's right. Birthday boys... get a free camera.

You're welcome, buddy!

See ya.

See you, Jake.

What's wrong with these people? (early version)
What the hell is wrong with these people? (final/DVD version)

For most of my customers, photography is not an art form. The natural part of family life. It's just something they do. A parent who didn't take pictures of their child, especially when they're small, might be considered indifferent.

Oh no, thanks. Just the check will be fine.

Yeah.

Yes, that's my little nephew Jake.

Yeah, I, uh--I got him a camera for his birthday.

Oh, yes.

Oh, no, I'm fine. Thanks.

You too.

When we say we remember an experience from our childhood... do we really remember it? Or do we remember what the picture of it looked like in our photo album? Would we forget it if we didn't have a picture to remind us? Are we afraid that when we're old and senile, our memories will desert us, and we'll be left with nothing?

There's no such thing as an innocent photograph. They're not dead things like some magazine lying in some shoe box. They cast spells.

I'm sorry, this isn't my section.
You're Will Yorkin.

Sy Parrish, I'm the photo tech here. I do all your family's pictures.

Right. I just don't see you around that often.

Well, I wish I could, but this is computers and I do photo finishing. It's not my section.

Oh, no problem. I--I'll, uhm, get someone. Customer needs immediate assistance, aisle 4. Customer assistance, aisle 4. Someone will be here in just a minute.

You got it. So, is the rest of the family here?

You're a very lucky man, Mr. Yorkin.

You have a wonderful family. And if you don't mind my saying so, a beautiful house too.

Hey, I understand.

Oh, it's okay. You say hello for me.

Ah, I have to be getting back. Someone will be here in just--there ya go.

What?

You're kidding?

You know, he writes a lot about noticing coincidence, doesn't he?

That thing he says about fear. The things we fear the most... have already happened to us.

I wouldn't say that.

Me? No, I'm not married.

No. I have a snapshot of my mother, though.

She's passed away.

It was nice chatting with you.

I'm sorry?

Right. Birthday gift. Number of sets?

4 x 6, 5 x 7?

Standard.

What was that address again?

I'm fine. I'll have these for you tomorrow.

Bye.

I'm leaving early, Yoshi.

I won't be coming back, Yoshi. Bill let me go today.

Yep.

Really.

I really enjoyed working with you, Yoshi.

For what?

You're welcome, Yoshi. Don't let the place go downhill, okay?

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word "snapshot" was first used in 1908 by an English sportsman by the name of Sir Andrew Hawker. He noted in his diary that almost every bird he shot that day was taken by snapshot. Meaning a hurried shot, taken without deliberate aim. Snapshot, then... was originally a hunting term.

Sure.

Are you married, detective? Do you have any children?

You're right, that's none of my business. But I'm guessing by your answer and the ring on your finger that you are. That makes you a fortunate man. And I can tell by the way you've treated me so far and the way you carry out your job, you're a good man. Good husband, father. And I appreciate this good fortune. You'd never cheat on your wife, hurt your family. Betray their trust. You'd never neglect and abuse your children and make horrible demands of them. You'd never ask your children to do things--things that children shouldn't do! You'd never take disgusting, sick, degraded pictures of your children doing these things!!! You'd never treat your children like animals.
Will Yorkin has it all, and he threw it all away. He's not a good father.

You're welcome. Can I see my pictures now?

Thank you.