{"id":4419,"date":"2013-06-19T18:14:41","date_gmt":"2013-06-19T20:44:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/apopofpretty.com\/?p=4419"},"modified":"2020-03-07T11:43:18","modified_gmt":"2020-03-07T15:13:18","slug":"how-to-make-a-photo-booth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/apopofpretty.com\/how-to-make-a-photo-booth\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make a Photo Booth (Cheaply + Easily)"},"content":{"rendered":"

This post was most recently updated on March 7th, 2020<\/p>\n

In this article: <\/strong>You’ll learn how to make a photo booth – easily and cheaply! Are you searching for a simple way to create a party photo booth without much work or cost? Well, today I’m sharing the DIY photo booth I made for a birthday party. The set up wasn’t elaborate, but it was perfect! And, it works great for any kind of party or celebration. The best part? I did it for under $75. Curious? Read on!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn How to Make a Photo Booth for Any Party or Occasion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wondering how to make a photo booth? Well, it’s no wonder! It seems that having a party photo booth<\/strong> is all the rage these days.  But, wow, have you noticed that they cost a lot to rent? Plus, I found that most ‘how to make a photo booth<\/em>‘ tutorials out there required more money and effort than I was willing to commit. (Like, power tools<\/em> kind of effort, lol!) So, today, I’m going to show you how to make a photo booth for a party, both easily and cheaply. And, I promise, you won’t have to touch a drill!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This popular “How to Make a Photo Booth Cheaply & Easily” tutorial was originally posted in 2013, but was completely updated in January 2020 to include awesome user testimonials and new technological references! <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For my daughter’s Broadway Themed Birthday Party<\/a>, I was determined to make a photo booth without a lot of money or effort. So, after a little research, I came up with a plan that was easy and cheap, and we were thrilled with how it all turned out! Further, you could use this hack to create a party photo booth for any kind of celebration, be it New Year’s Eve, a retirement party, a special anniversary, a Bachelorette Party, a Halloween party, or more. Really, the sky’s the limit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Other are Saying About this Photo Booth Tutorial<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

OMG! Just made one of these for our annual Halloween party last night! Such a hit and so easy to make. Thanks for your prep work and for sharing with everyone. We had a ball!<\/em><\/p>– Stephanie, Blog Reader<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Thank you for sharing your info! I used it for my son’s 16th birthday party this weekend. It was a huge hit!<\/em><\/p>– Patricia, Blog Reader<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Thanks so much for this tutorial! It was really helpful. I’m planning to make a photo booth for a charity ball, and I’m so glad I found an easy tutorial. All the other ones I found had me setting up an umbrella and a flash – WAY too complicated!<\/em><\/p>– Lydia, Blog Reader<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Yahoo! Thanks for this cheap and easy tutorial! I\u2019m making a photo booth for my upcoming ugly sweater Christmas party. I want it to be THE party of the year, this will definitely put me in the ranks!! The other tutorials I read were very complicated and had you making an actual, physical photo booth!<\/em><\/p>– Emilly, Blog Reader<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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How Much Will it Cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ok, so I know you are probably wondering: “How much is this diy photo booth REALLY going to cost me? <\/em><\/strong> Well, you’ll only have few expenses if you already own a camera and tripod (Option 1), or an iphone and selfie stick (Option 2) , or an instant camera (Option 3) . <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, because I already had the equipment I needed, the entire project cost less than $75<\/strong>! But, it’s definitely possible to do it even cheaper if you are economical with your other supplies. And, when you compare this cost to renting a photo booth at about $200\/hr, it’s the most affordable option for a party photo booth, by far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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So let’s get this party started! But, before diving into the tutorial, take a look below at how it is organized. That way, you can skip to the parts that are most relevant to you. And, this will really depend on what kind of camera you are planning to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How this Tutorial is Organized<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There’s a lot to tell you about how to make a photo booth, but I’m going to keep things short and simple. And, to keep us on track, this diy photo booth tutorial is organized as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Part One:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

How to Make a Photo Booth: The Materials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The things you’ll need make your own photo booth:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A. Equipment<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

B. Props<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

C. Backdrop<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

D. Decorations<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

E.<\/em> Signage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

F. Seating<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Part Two<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

How to Make a Photo Booth: The Process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step 1: Location selection.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Photography – camera, lighting, etc.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Photo viewing \/ sharing.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 Part One: How to Make a Photo Booth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Materials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

OK, so let’s start with the stuff you’ll need if you want to learn how to make a photo booth like mine. (Please note: This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. For more about affiliate links, check out my Disclosures Policy<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A. Photo Booth Equipment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What you need: A DSLR camera, basic tripod, a shutter release remote, and some ambient light sources (strings of fairy lights, a small lamp, etc.) .<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

DSLR and Tripod<\/strong> Option<\/em> (for GREAT Photos)<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

For the best photo quality, I highly recommend <\/strong>using a DSLR camera (if you don’t have one, borrow one!) and a basic tripod. (If you’re interested, this is the tripod that I use<\/a>, and it’s been great.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Now, don’t let this next part scare you off. I promise you, it’s so simple and inexpensive<\/em>: You’ll also need something called a remote shutter release<\/a><\/strong>. Basically, it’s a little remote control for your camera. And, I’m going to give you all the details on it in a few minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll need this if the participants will be taking the photos themselves (without a photographer). Obviously, they’ll need a way to click the camera from their seat. And, this simple, inexpensive (and truly magical) little gadget will do the trick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

iPhone and Selfie Stick or Tripod<\/em><\/strong> (for Decent Photos)<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

If you don’t have access to a DSLR and tripod, then you could always use a an iPhone on a bluetooth selfie stick<\/a>. You’ll still get decent photos, but, since everybody (and their dog lol) takes selfies these days, I’m not sure it would be as novel or as exciting a set up for participants. But, it would certainly still be a fun option. And, you need to work with what you have to keep this project on budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Update: Another way to use your iPhone in a party photo booth is to mount it on a tripod for a mobile device<\/a>. Some of these even come with remote controls! I’ve included one of these devices in my Amazon Storefront. If you are interested, you can find the link in the section, ‘Shop the Post’, below!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this is the route you are planning to take, the last parts of this tutorial (on photo booth equipment) won’t be as relevant to you. However, you’ll still find the sections about Photo Booth Materials (backdrop, props, etc.) and the Location Selection to be helpful. The final section about Photo Viewing and Sharing Options will also have some great tips for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instant Camera (for OK Photos)<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Another option is, of course, an instant camera<\/a>. There are lots on the market today (Instax, Poloroid, etc.). My kids have one, and, while it’s super fun to use, I’ll admit, the photo quality isn’t that great. But, it would certainly work in a pinch. And, hello, that photo paper isn’t cheap, so you will need to factor that into your project budget. If you plan to go with this option, you should have somebody available to take the photos, other than the party participants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Also, the last parts of this tutorial (the Photo Booth Equipment and Photo Viewing and Sharing Options) won’t be as relevant to you. However, you’ll still find the sections about Photo Booth Materials (backdrop, props, etc.) and Location Selection to be helpful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n