Photobooth
GIF and boomerang
Create short animations with the photobooth: preparation, the guest flow, settings and tips for a great loop.
Format rolling out. GIF and boomerang are arriving gradually in BoothX releases. Depending on your version, setting names and values may differ from this description.
GIFs and boomerangs are short animations that guests love to share. They are made by the booth, for free and without an internet connection.
GIF or boomerang?
| GIF | Boomerang | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Several photos taken at regular intervals, played in a loop. | A very short clip played forward, then backward, endlessly. |
| Capture time | A few seconds, several shots. | One or two seconds of continuous movement. |
| Effect | A “flip-book”: each pose is a frame. | A smooth back-and-forth motion. |
| Best source | Canon camera or webcam. | Webcam preferably (closely spaced, smooth frames). |
| What to ask the guest | Change pose with each shot. | Do one simple gesture: clink glasses, blow confetti, jump. |
The guest flow
- The guest chooses GIF or Boomerang on the welcome screen (or the format is set by the event).
- A countdown gets them ready, just like for a photo.
- The capture:
- for a GIF, the booth shoots several times; an indicator shows progress (“2 / 4”);
- for a boomerang, the booth records a short clip; the screen says “Move!”.
- The assembly: a few seconds of processing, with a waiting screen.
- The review: the animation loops on screen. Depending on the settings, the guest can retake or keep it.
- Sharing: QR code, email or SMS depending on what you have enabled.
Prepare the event
Equipment
- Webcam: ideal for the boomerang, since it provides a continuous stream of frames. See Use a webcam.
- Canon camera: perfect for a GIF of a few high-quality photos. The shooting pace depends on the camera; an interval that is too short may be lengthened automatically.
- Lighting: constant and sufficient. A flash that recharges between two photos slows the GIF down; prefer continuous lighting.
Design
- Plan a polished waiting screen for the assembly (a few seconds).
- Depending on your version, a logo or frame can be overlaid on the animation: keep it subtle and away from the edges.
- For printing, choose in the template the frame that represents the GIF (often the first or last pose).
Settings
The exact values depend on your version; here is what the settings you'll come across do:
| Setting | Effect | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Number of frames (GIF) | How many photos make up the animation. | Few frames = clearly distinct poses; many = smoother but heavier animation. |
| Interval (GIF) | Time between two shots. | Long enough to change pose, short enough to keep the energy up. |
| Playback speed | How long each frame is shown in the loop. | A lively pace makes the animation funnier. |
| Capture duration (boomerang) | Length of the recorded clip. | Short: a single gesture is enough. |
| Output size | Dimensions of the file produced. | A moderate size loads fast on a phone and keeps the online gallery light. |
Tips for a great loop
- Give an instruction on screen: “4 photos, 4 funny faces!” or “Cheers!”.
- Props: confetti, balloons, hats, giant glasses. Movement is everything.
- Fixed frame: the booth must not move. Use a stable stand, and make sure guests don't touch the booth during capture.
- Simple background: a plain backdrop or a cloth reduces artifacts and keeps files small.
- Test a few animations before opening and look at them on a phone, like your guests will.
File size and online gallery
An animation is heavier than a photo. If you enable the online gallery, each animation uses cloud storage, plus bandwidth each time it is viewed. A moderate output size is therefore also a cost-saving choice. See Estimate the cost of an event.
Common issues
- Choppy animation: not enough light (the camera lengthens its exposure time), computer under too much load, or too many frames. See Slowness, choppy preview and an overheating computer.
- Very long assembly: reduce the output size or the number of frames.
- Blurry boomerang: movement too fast for the available light. Add light or ask for a slower gesture.
- The GIF doesn't print as expected: only a still image prints; check which frame the template uses.
Frequently asked questions
Does the GIF work without internet? Yes. Only uploading to the online gallery or sending by email waits for the network to come back.
Can the guest retake? Depending on the event settings, the review screen offers a retake. For a long line, limit this option.
Can I apply a filter to the GIF? Yes, filters also apply to animations. See Photo filters.