How to set up your own DIY wedding photo booth.
From weddings to baby showers photo booths have become a huge trend. They’re simple and affordable and guests love them. You’ll end up getting the most amazing, fun, entertaining photos ever without having to hire someone or rent an entire booth. Here’s some instructions and ideas to create your own on-of-a-kind experience.
Materials Needed:
- digital point-and-shoot camera
- camera tripod
- backdrop stand (optional)
- backdrop
- spotlight (optional)
- lighting umbrella (optional)
- tape
- props (optional)
- signage
Step 1: Find a Camera and Tripod
In this instance you just need a simple digital point-and-shoot camera (with a timer on it) and a tripod that’s tall enough to extend to eye level. A remote shutter release for the camera (available online or at camera shops) allows guests to take their own photo. Some attach to the camera with a cable, others operate wirelessly.
All images can be downloaded quickly ready for everyone to see and share online. Polaroid camera’s are another option for instant pics and smart phones are easy for guests to post online right away. Just make sure they share 😉
Step 2: Lighting
For a professional photo booth and great photos, good lighting is a must. A spotlight and photography umbrella (available online or at camera supply shops) diffuses the light and adds a flattering glow to faces. If you opt against lighting equipment, turn your camera’s flash on or place a floor lamp beside the camera facing the backdrop.
Step 3: Your Fabulous Backdrop
Now this is the part where you get creative and reflect your personal style. For example…here’s some from our online store:
OR make one that adds life to your photos. Here’s some ideas to inspire you:
Image source: Brit+Co
Image source: Weddbook
Image Source: BoothLove
Image Source: Blush
Step 4: Props
Using a variety of props can keep things fun and guests entertained. Why not start with your own closet? Like a fun scarf, silky gloves, sun hat and big sunglasses. Ask your friends to scavenge their own closets for similar items or visit a local thrift store. You can make props that look like they’re a part of your wedding theme or go off in a different direction completely. The point is to have fun.
Find props and set up a table with them displayed on it. Like vintage tea cups or old photography equipment. Try using a chalkboard and let guests create their own custom messages. The ideas are endless!
Featured here: paper parasol in caribbean blue and personalized directional sign with chalkboard print design
Step 5: Location
HGTV’s wedding experts say “when choosing where to set up your photo booth in the party space, look for an area that doesn’t obstruct the flow of the party but is still easily accessible. Even if you are hosting a large gathering, you don’t need a lot of square footage to set up the photo booth.”
“The space should also have a wall large enough to accommodate your backdrop. Ideally, 5 feet across and 3 to 4 feet tall is sufficient to frame 3 to 5 people waist-up in the shots.”
Step 6: The Set Up
- Once you’ve chosen the location, clear all wall decor and furniture from the space.
- Cover any windows in that space with a dark cloth to ensure that the flash properly lights the photos.
- Next, use painter’s tape to mark the area on the wall where the backdrop will be placed for guidance.
- Mount camera on the tripod and place it a few feet away from the wall.
- Frame the shot and angle the camera accordingly. (Ask someone to stand in front of the camera while you frame the shot). Using painters tape, make an X on the floor to mark the spot for the tripod and the center and outer limits where guests can stand for photos.
- Set up remote shutter release and test before the party begins.
- Assemble a prop station and display items guests can grab easily to pose with.
- Make a simple signboard instructing guests to pick a prop and strike a pose and place it near the prop table.
Step 7: Get the Party Started!
- Be sure your camera has ample battery life and memory card space for the party, and be sure to have backups on hand.
- Tell guests about the photo booth and demonstrate how it works.
- After the party, create an online album of all the shots from the photo booth, or send each guest a print as a thank you note or keepsake favor.
Enjoy!
Jennifer
Do you have a wedding DIY project you would like to share with us? Email us at info@realbrides.ca
Content Source:HGTV
