Tips for a successful photobooth

A good photobooth is one people notice, understand in two seconds, and that produces photos they're proud of. Here's what works best, from experience.

Location

• Visible but out of the way: near the bar or the dance floor, not in front of the restrooms or the emergency exit.
• A backdrop behind the guests: a photo backdrop, a plain wall, a sequin curtain. Avoid having the venue in the background (tables, waiters, doors).
• Room in front of the booth for a group of 6 to 8 people, and for those waiting.
• A power outlet nearby, so you don't have to run an extension cord across the walkway.

Timing

Guests loosen up after dinner. Start the booth during the cocktail hour so people spot it, but expect the busiest time during the dancing: check the paper beforehand.

Props

A basket of props (glasses, hats, signs, boas) multiplies sessions and makes the photos fun. Plan for:

• signs with messages tied to the event;
• a few props big enough to be seen in a group photo;
• a place to put them back near the booth.

Screens that guide

Design the screens so guests know what to do without reading instructions:

• Welcome: a title and a single instruction (“Touch the screen to start”), in large type;
• Capture: a visible countdown, a “Smile!”;
• Share: a large QR code, with “Scan to get your photos”.

See Discover the editor.

The right pace

• 2 to 3 photos per session: enough to vary the poses, short enough not to create a line.
• 3 to 5 s countdown and a 2 s delay between photos.
• Automatic printing turned on: guests leave with their print without having to ask.
• Per-guest limit of 2 or 3 prints if paper is running short.

The printed template

• Recall the event: first names, date, a logo, without overloading.
• Let the photos dominate: they're what people look at.
• Respect the margins: nothing important less than 5 mm from the edge.
• Test with a real print: the screen is brighter than paper.

Lighting

This is the setting that changes the result the most. Soft light from the front, and nothing bright behind the guests. If the room gets darker in the evening, take another Test photo and adjust the camera's exposure.

During the evening

• Check in from time to time: props, paper, touchscreen cleanliness.
• Keep an eye on the web panel alerts if you're away.
• Keep a microfiber cloth for the screen and the lens.

After the evening

• Leave the booth connected while it uploads the photos to the gallery.
• Send the gallery link to the client the next day: that's when it's most eagerly awaited.
• Do a quick review (photos, prints, gallery views): see Booth statistics and activity.