DIY Photobooths

Hi, will be interested to see replies too (sorry no help for you really) but we have been trying to work this problem out too.

We started off with the idea that we would set up a tripod and just leave a frame for guests to hold up and look through with them using a remote to take the photo and then print it off on a portable printer.....we then thought 'hang on, most people can't work that sort of stuff sober...let alone half cut' Also we had issues with leaving that kind of kit for people to knock over or for it to go missing etc

So then we wondered about the idea of buying polaroids and getting people to take photos for each other etc...but I'm a photographer and my Oh is keen on photography too so our standards are high and Polaroids have a fixed focus, meaning in all probability fuzzy photos....plus the refill things are expensive and people may be shy about having someone photograph them being silly.....

We then thought about getting my brother or someone to wonder about with a chalkboard speech bubble and a camera....which would mean no print outs but maybe some nice messages and prints later.....but then my poor brother would be tied to the camera for ages and the same issue of privacy etc for the guests....

So in the end we have given up on the idea although I still really want a booth

Yeah I thought about the fixed focus problem and wondered if we could put markers on the ground for people to know where to stand. I know the photos aren't great quality but we're just thinking of it as a bit of fun to match up photos and comments in the guest book. We have a professional photographer for the proper photos.

I definitely think it'll need someone to supervise but I'm sure I could rope my brothers or the ushers into helping for a bit. My OH has a good DSLR which we could use but I'd be worried about drunk people using it whereas if we can find a cheap-ish instant camera I wouldn't be too bothered if it dived in a pint at the end of the night. I'll keep an eye on ebay for instant camera but I want to research which is the best one first. I know Polaroid don't make the old film anymore so want to be careful when buying stuff online.

Thanks OB, that photo is great!

If we can't find a decent instant camera then that might be the next best plan. Our printer is pretty huge but could look into getting a small one, though there's a very good chance we'd forget to print them on the night too!

Just giving this a cheeky bump because I know there are lots of people doing DIY photobooths.

Anyone used instant cameras before?

I've just bought a Fuji Instamax camera and am going to ask people to take a photo and put it in the guestbook with their message. It only cost about 60 EUR.

I wasn't aware that the photos are supposed to fade - surely if they're in a book where the light doesn't get to them they will be OK?

If you're really worried about them fading you could always scan them on your PC and save an electronic copy?

Sorry just saw this reply Chloe.

It was just one review on amazon that said the photos faded so I was just wondering if anyone had experienced that or if it was just a very fussy reviewer. The old polaroid photos faded bit but my mum still has loads of old photos and although the colour is a bit dodgy they are still fun to look at. I think if if I get a guest book with acid free paper it will be ok. The fuji one looks the best value for money.

Thanks

Hi, we were going to make our own DIY photobooth, but literally ran out of time (and energy) but did get some amazing props from " the photobooth prop shop", you can find them on Facebook, defo worth giving them a quick look, Bex (the owner/creater) does outstanding work and everyone at our wedding love them!

She does all kinds and could possibly even make some up for you if you give her ideas of what your after. We had tashs, hats, where's wally, all kinds! defo worth a giggle and in the end, we didnt need the photobooth as everyone grabbed the props and took photos anyway!

Sarah x