How to Create a Photo Booth

One of the new crazes at networking events, expos and even wedding receptions is a photo booth. Unlike the photo booths found at theme parks where you pay a few dollars for a strip of small pictures, this new booth allows guests to express their personality and adds a quirky element to the event. If you're interested in setting up a photo booth for your event or providing photo booth services for events, follow these instructions.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Backdrop stand
• Backdrops
• Camera
• Flash
• Softbox
• Softbox stand
• Tripod
• Props
• Computer/Laptop
• Printer
• Image paper
• Printer ink

Assembling the Photo Booth

1. Buy a portable backdrop stand. It needs to be something that can break down and travel easily.

2. Select a variety of possible backdrops for the event. You can stick with something simple, such as solid colors or neutrals, so that the focus is entirely on those in the picture. Another option is to have a backdrop custom-made for your event that goes with the theme or displays a company logo. For example, if your wedding reception theme is disco, then consider getting a backdrop made that displays a disco ball and bright lights.

3. Make sure that you have the appropriate camera equipment. At the very least you will need a professional-quality camera and lens, a tripod, a flash and softbox (with a separate stand) and possibly a reflector.

4. Acquire props. Props are what make the photo booth fun. Add fun elements such as boas, overly large sunglasses, gaudy hats and wigs, and other things that stand out and help to convey a playful personality.

5. Set the booth up in an out-of-the-way location that has enough lighting to prevent blurred images. Consider creating a canopy or enclosure around the photo booth for more privacy.

6. Have on hand a computer and printer that produces image-quality prints so that you can print the images for guests to take home at the end of the event. It would help to have an assistant to do this throughout the event, so that no one waits for pictures.

Conducting the Photo Booth

7. Designate times during the event that the photo booth will be open and available, so that it doesn't take away from the main portions of the event (such as cutting the cake at a wedding reception or the awards presentation at a business event).

8. Ask those interested in getting a picture taken in the booth to form a line. Let everyone know that pictures can be of individuals and groups.

9. Periodically take a break to load the images from the camera's CF card to the computer so that the assistant can begin printing. The recommended printing size is 5x7, and it is best to keep it to one picture per person in the shot.

10. Announce a "last call" about 15 minutes before you plan to close the booth. Be sure everyone gets images before leaving.

Tips & Warnings

• With the increasing popularity of photo booths, several companies have popped up across the nation that have all the equipment to provide this service. If you have a large event and the budget, it may be better to simply hire someone.
• Don't set up the photo booth and leave it for anyone to take the pictures and print the images. Designate people who are well versed in photography and editing/printing programs to handle these tasks. The addition of an enclosure around your photo booth will significantly limit the amount of light available for pictures, making it harder to get a quality image for participants. Only do so if you have the flash equipment to compensate.

Resources

• Hire a company like Polite in Public to handle all of your photo booth needs.