Are the props and backdrop really that important? Isn’t your wedding photographer supposed to take photos of people acting silly at your reception? Aren’t your friends and relatives, all armed with iPhones and Androids, going be taking a gazillion party photos anyway? At the end of the day the photobooth is a supplementary experience at your wedding reception. And in all honesty, it’s probably more important to invest in a good DJ or band before you purchase a photobooth service.
But why-oh-why are photobooths still around? What was once a hot and mysterious trend has morphed into a staple at wedding receptions everywhere. I’ve offered the Bongobooth (my silly name for my photobooth) as a service from the beginning and enthusiastically continue to do so. I love the photobooth medium. Over the years I’ve accidentally become a little bit of a photobooth connoisseur. In this blog I’ll explain the science behind this deceptively complex photo experience.
Secret: we love having our photo taken
Being a photographer is like being a dentist. We offer a service that people dread. Most people hate visiting the dentist. The same sentiment generally applies to when people are forced into having their photo taken. After doing this for a few years though I’ve become convinced that the opposite is actually true. People LOVE having their photo taken. I mean, how else can you explain why the photobooth medium has thrived? There is an insane level of joy people express when they receive their photobooth print. The Bongobooth normally draws a LINEUP of people. Could you imagine a lineup for the dentist? I honestly believe that we all share a universal love of photographs. Sometimes we hide this enthusiasm for photos by pretending to reject images taken of us, but ultimately it is something we cherish. And this, in my opinion, is why photobooths have become so important. A genuine photobooth celebrates our universal love of photographs.
Okay, enough philosophy. Let’s take a look at some of the basic fundamentals of the photobooth medium.
Box/booth style vs. red carpet?
Above, left: Red carpet style. Photo from http://www.mazelmoments.com/
Above, right: Box/booth style. Photo from http://www.meirphotography.com/
This is the first critical question to ask yourself. Do you want to hire a company that uses an actual booth – so a box that your guests cram into and take their photo in privacy – or, hire a company that uses the “red carpet” method. Allow me to explain each method.
Above: Naked ballerina acrobatics are not likely going to take place during cocktail hour.
The box/booth style is great for couples that want their photobooth to be more low-key. Generally speaking, companies that use the box/booth method tend to favour props that are accessories, so things like: wigs, goofy glasses, boas, cowboy hats, and moustaches. The photobooth camera is fixed and constricts guests to squeeze into a smaller space. This style of photobooth also tends to be self-serve. Guests should be able to pose, shoot the photo, and print their results all by themselves very intuitively. A representative from the company will always be present to assist if any troubleshooting issues arise. I recommend this photobooth style for couples that are anticipating a more reserved crowd. The box/booth method also fits in nicely at cocktail hour since it is more discreet and sober.
Above: The red carpet method is more appropriate for guests wishing to deliver babies, commit chainsaw murder, or simply pull off rockstar handstands.
The red-carpet style is more engaging but it is NOT low key. But that’s also the point. The red carpet style of photobooth is an event. Guests pose in the open air as opposed to in the privacy of a box. There is a lot more flexibility with the kinds of props that can used (chainsaws, anyone?), as well as a wider variety of poses that can be explored (handstands!). The photographer is also heavily engaged since he/she actively takes, composes, and directs the photos. This is what the Bongobooth is. NOTE: Some companies offer a red carpet photobooth with a fixed camera that is mechanically operated. Dianabol HOW TO Quickly Increase Methandienone MASS OF THE BODY Tricks To Gain Dianabol Clarify before you book! Most of the couples that I meet want a colourful photobooth experience so I’m going to spend the rest of this article talking about how that is best achieved.
It’s not for everyone
This is a theme throughout my blog – plan your wedding/event according to what you want. Read the personality of your guest list wisely. A high energy photobooth works best at a reception being attended by outgoing, energetic, and fun-loving people. Remember: you don’t need a photobooth to have an unforgettable night. However, if you want a dynamite photobooth that will leave you giggling forever, you should be confident that your guests will embrace it enthusiastically.
Alcohol is important
The consumption of alcohol testosterone gel pills for sale stretch this to mixes extremely well with the photobooth medium. And that leads me to my next point…
Timing is key
Above: It should be quite evident that these guests just stepped off the dance floor moments before their photobooth pic was taken.
Low-key and “sober” photobooths are more suited for cocktail hour. If you want to have an explosive photobooth experience that yields roll-on-the-floor-laughing photos then the best time to launch your booth is shortly after the band/DJ opens the dance floor.
Be inappropriate
A memorable photobooth, in my opinion, produces visually destructive results. A successful photobooth should be an insult to aesthetic beauty and grace. Weddings are so graceful and meticulously planned – the photobooth should be a sharp contrast to that. It is THE pinnacle moment when you can celebrate a great day.
Location, location, location
A photobooth should be strategically located and VISIBLE to your guests. Close proximity to high traffic areas is key. Close to the main bar.
The future: Slow Motion Video Booth vs. Photobooth?
Above: Video by Jason Pavey Films.
Kudos to contemporary wedding videographers/cinematographers for pushing the creative boundaries of their craft. I am a huge supporter of vendors introducing new and innovative services and I think Slow Motion Video Booths (sometimes called “SloMo” booths) are fantastic. Photobooths have officially aged by now and the advent of these new videobooths should theoretically motivate photobooth companies to improve and innovate their own services.
So here’s the question – do you purchase a super trendy video booth, or a slightly less trendy photobooth? A couple questions to ask yourself:
– How do you want to engage your guests? If you are really enthusiastic about incorporating the latest trends in your wedding then a SloMo Booth is exactly that.
– What do you value more: photos or video? Do you want your guests to be able to take home a photobooth photo as a party favour, or be wowed by a really unique video reel?
In closing…
At the end of the day, after the vows have been exchanged, after all of the pretty photos have been taken, after the delicious food has been wolfed down, what remains is the PARTY. Vendors offer all kinds of exciting entertainment services and I just happen to be ridiculously excited about photobooths. No matter what you end up choosing as your reception entertainment, just make sure that you have the most fun possible!
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