reception idea: Make your own Photo 'Booth'

At one point, I really, really, really wanted an old fashioned Photo Booth at my reception. Seriously, how fun would that be? I knew it would garner all sorts of great, unique shots and that our guests would have a ball with it.When planning a wedding on a budget, you simply can't do everything you've dreamed of... but I still try & push the idea to my friends getting married. If they can afford it, then I still get to have fun! ;)

I recently came across some information to make your own 'Photo Booth' & had to share... while it's not a booth in the traditiional sense, it's still a place where your guests can pose & smile to their heart's delight!

Here you can see some of the resulting pictures from knotties h_flee and Mrs.Razpswrl, as well as what the setup looked like for Mrs.R.

Directions for doing this at your event (courtesy of knottie h_flee):

1. Set up an area with your backdrop (could be fabric or a wall)
   
2. Set up your camera on a fixed tripod (h_flee used a digital camera)
   
3. Test the exposure/on camera flash and framing a few times and make adjustments as needed
   
4. Mark off the maximum area (with tape) that your guests can stand in and still be visible through the lense
   
5. Have your guests use a remote control or cable release to take the pictures themselves (Be sure to have easy instructions to let your guests know what/how to do this... we made a simple illustration and had it framed next to the area)
   
      OR
   
   Have someone man the area and take the picture for your guests.
   

TIPS:
*Have someone (the band/DJ) announce to the guests to remember to visit the photobooth before the night ends.
*Place the booth in an area where there is some traffic but not too much to distract.
*We used professional lighting but an on camera flash will work as well.
*We also had our guests write a message to us before their picture to place next to their picture in a photo guest book album...
* Have fun!

i heart weddings,
Nicole