I Don’t Feel Awkward in Front of the Camera Anymore: Thanks, self.space

Photography has long been associated with discomfort for many who aren’t used to being in front of a camera.

Capturing the perfect shot often involves a level of awkwardness, especially for those who don’t consider themselves photogenic or simply feel uneasy in front of a lens. Now, an innovative project called self.space, founded by Mitia Muravev and Petr Bondarenko, is addressing this challenge with a unique approach that merges artificial intelligence and privacy-centric design to reshape the self-portrait experience.

Based in Dubai, self.space isn’t just another photo booth or automated studio setup. It’s a fully AI-powered system that allows individuals to take professional-grade photos without the need for a photographer. After four years of development and several iterations, the project is now making its way into pop-up locations, private events, and permanent studios across the UAE.

At its core, self.space tackles three primary issues that traditional photography often struggles with: discomfort in front of the camera, privacy concerns, and the complexity of achieving professional results. For many in the Arab world, particularly where cultural and religious sensitivities come into play, having control over who sees their image is essential. The AI-driven system ensures complete privacy by automating every aspect of the photography process—from capturing the image to editing it—without human involvement.

Mitia Muravev, founder and Chief Executive Officer of self.space, explains the philosophy behind the project:

We believe in creating a space where people can freely express themselves and feel confident in front of the camera. Our technology enables everyone to capture stunning photos without the need for complex setups or a photographer’s presence.

What sets self.space apart from traditional photography setups is not just the convenience but the technological sophistication behind it. Using advanced AI algorithms, the system manages lighting, framing, and even retouching in real-time, delivering high-quality images that maintain natural facial details like wrinkles and freckles. Users can take their photos at their own pace, in a comfortable and private environment, without the need for technical expertise.

In less than two seconds, the AI processes the images, and users receive their photos through a secure private link within minutes. This seamless integration of technology into photography not only simplifies the experience but also opens up new possibilities for how we think about capturing personal moments.

For those interested in trying out self.space, you can follow their social media channels to stay updated on where they’ll be next.

Source: self.space