These two pro Canadian photographers take "high-quality bad photos" – without turning to AI. The response to their 1980s kitsch portraits been overwhelming

Two Ontario-based photographers, Leeanna and Aaron DiGruccio, are taking the trend of "high-quality bad photos" from the 1980s mall studio portrait style and doing it without the help of artificial intelligence. Their photography booth, M4LL PH0T0, has gained widespread attention and praise for its humorous approach to recreating 80s and 90s studio portraits.

Leeanna and Aaron met while Leeanna was working for a company that ran store-based portrait studios inside Sears and Walmart, which ultimately went under. They decided to take a day off to ensure everyone received their photos, as a way to honor the memories made in those studios.

M4LL PH0T0 sets up pop-up booths at festivals and events, where the photographers joke with their subjects and provide three different themed photographs: a plain background, a laser background, and a surprise third set. These portraits are meant to be lighthearted and fun, with the photographers themselves acknowledging that they don't take themselves too seriously.

The couple's approach has resonated with people, who have been drawn to the novelty and sentimentality of the portraits. Some have traveled from out of province or even the United States to get their photos taken. The DiGruccios also run an event photography business, but M4LL PH0T0 stands out for its accessibility and low cost – a typical portrait session costs CA$25 (about $18 / £13).

In addition to their work as photographers, Leeanna is an industrial engineer and Aaron is in IT support, including working on Apple devices for the Artemis II mission. The couple emphasizes the importance of relationships and interactions in their work, rather than simply taking photographs. They aim to make high-quality photography more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.