A photo booth is a modern kiosk or vending machine with an automated camera and film processing equipment. Most photo booths are now digital, but there are a few exceptions. A coin-operated photobooth uses film and is typically operated by coin. A traditional coin-operated photobooth would have a printer and a developer, while most modern units are coin-operated and are digital. The photo booth can be a fun, inexpensive addition to any event.
A photo booth operates by signaling its customers to stand in a specific pose. Photographs are taken on a strip of film, which takes a few minutes to develop. Once the film is developed, the photo booth delivers the prints to the customer. A traditional photobooth print is a strip of four photos, 40 mm wide by 205 inches long. However, digital photobooths tend to be square or rectangle, so the format is much more versatile.
Once the last photograph is taken, the photo booth develops the film. Older “wet chemistry” photo booths took several minutes to develop the film. Today’s digital booths only take 30 seconds to develop each picture. The prints are then delivered to the customer. Different types of photobooths are used, but all have the same basic process. Most traditional booths use a square or rectangle layout for pictures. A digital photobooth tends to have a rectangle layout.
A photobooth allows several customers to pose for the same picture. Some photobooths include various backdrops, fans, seats, and blue screen effects. Some even have wigs and costumes to further enhance the fun. The final step of a photobooth is the development of the film, which takes a few minutes, depending on the style of photobooth. Some photobooths use digital cameras, while others use video cameras.
Unlike other photobooths, the cost of running a photobooth is not expensive. The costs associated with running a photobooth can be as low as $50 a month. Aside from the expense of gas, a photobooth requires minimal setup and maintenance. To maximize the impact of the booth, choose locations that have exclusive events. If the venue has a V.I.P. area, for example, it is ideal to host the booth. Guests will use the photobooth to document the event, and this can help attract a lot of potential clients.
A photobooth allows multiple customers to pose for pictures, and some photobooths offer a variety of backdrops. The backdrops usually include different colors and backgrounds. The booth can also include a green screen for special effects. A digital camera and LCD screen are necessary for an effective photobooth. An iPad or laptop is helpful for social media sharing. A pen-sensitive screen is also useful for customizing the photos. The user can select their favorite pictures and share them with their friends and family.
