If you are reading this, I hope you are having a wonderful day, and I hope that you are getting closer to your goals today. I also want to say thank you for reading my humble blog! Things have been kind of slow recently. In the absence of abundant events, I wanted to take the time to write about the full process we go through for each event here at Elevate Events. Granted, wedding photo booth rental and corporate event photo booth rental are two entirely different beasts. But while every single event is unique, both in its character and in the way we prepare for it, this is just to highlight and breakdown the general steps we take when hired for a new event. A little behind the scenes, if you will. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it short, so you don’t get too bored!
STEP 1: TELL US YOUR VISION
The first step is always having supplies ready to go. This would include a basic variety of props, backdrops, screen templates, and print templates. I think this is very important because you never know when you may get offered a last-minute gig, and it sucks telling people they can’t have this super freaking cool photo booth experience at their event! While you may not be able to get a backdrop with your bride’s face on it within a week, the ready-to-go stash of eclectic supplies will be sure to save the day. BOOM! I get an email telling me someone filled out my questionnaire. This detailed set of questions (easily accessible on our website) gives me an understanding of when/where/what is going on, and THEIR vision for the event. It also tells us that they are interested in having an on-site photo booth. Our gears begin turning immediately, and we are already imagining all the possibilities of this beautiful event.
STEP 2: CONNECTING AND BUILDING THE PERFECT TEAM
This is usually followed (or often, preceded) by a phone call with the host of the event. Between these two virtual conversations, I get to know the host, they get to know me, and we feel confident that we are on the same page about every detail of the event. We build trust with the client because, at the end of the day, we are your employees. I, next, want to find a partner to take with me to the event. So far, my girlfriend has been a fantastic assistant and she often talks to the clients at the events more than I manage to; however, I am always looking for new assistants, because I cannot offer full-time hours and cannot simply rely on one person.
SIDENOTE: if you are a young female with high confidence and don’t mind lifting heavy things AND are looking for sporadic part-time work ($20+/hour) that will possibly turn into more hours and/or different work involving event photography please email me! And now back to our scheduled program. I like to have a confident assistant, and for the time-being, preferably female. This way there are two of us, one of each gender, so that I might flatter the ladies in front of the camera, and the lady assistant may flatter the men in front of the camera. Most importantly, the mirror booth will allow the guests to flatter themselves. I must ensure that my assistant completely understands the host’s vision for the event just as well as I do.
STEP 3: CUSTOMIZE YOUR EVENT
A backdrop is included in our price, and it is the first thing that the host will specifically choose for their event. Any backdrop on premium one backdrops (they have such an awesome selection) is up for grabs, and if you want something customized, we can do that as well. If you want suggestions, we pride ourselves on event organizing skills and love to offer them! We like to do the backdrop first so that we know what color scheme to apply to the print template. We want a decent amount of contrast between the photos themselves and the bordering template. This leads to my favorite part of the whole process: photoshop. Now, I get to make the template. I enjoy doing this more than anything because every single event inspires an entirely unique template, and each photo that each guest takes home will have that 1of1 aspect to it. I am sure to spend hours on every template I make, getting lost in the process. We must then get the template approved by the host. We need to make sure the colors match their vision, and they like the creative design and/or words we forged for them. Post-approval, our team thinks of any additional things to add to the photo booth experience. This includes custom props, additional services (caterers, DJs, photographers, videographers), game ideas, 3D backdrop decor, custom signs, and even as much as confetti for each photo.
STEP 4: SCOUT OUT THE VENUE TO BRING THE VISION TO REALITY
The most important prerequisites are now behind us, and the next thing I like to do is go scout out the venue. I will drive up there a few weeks prior to the event and get an idea of where we will be set up, and what colors/setup the venue has. This is not always possible, and that is okay too. Seeing the venue really helps me (1) plan how to come in, set up, and exit with minimal disturbance to the party (2) know what kind of lighting we are working with and (3) design the screen template and interactions. I like to think of the screen template as a hat or socks in an outfit that is the venue; I want it to compliment everything else without being the star of the show. The lights, the buttons, the logos, the names… all of this is super cool and an original interactive photography experience for each guest that takes their photo there. We make this template on the giant i-phone looking mirror booth itself. Next are the settings, these are rather technical and boring steps, but they DO differ from event to event, and we always make sure to have them perfect for each situation. They include things like screen timing, internet settings, email/text settings, print settings, lighting, blah blah blah.
STEP 5: TEST SHOTS & FINAL TOUCHES
Upon completion of the screen template and settings, we run test shots. We consider the lighting, among all other things to make sure the photo DSLR camera and giant mirror are set to go for each and every one of you guys’ events! I do this in my mom’s in-home studio, which is perfect because it is large with adjustable lighting. Once we get the perfect shots we are looking for we pack everything up and wait for the big day. We often go to Hobby Lobby or other stores to get a supporting cast of props and decor to set an ambiance around the booth. On the day of the event, we always show up at least an hour early to set up and run some final test shots. Finally, the magic ensues!
Well, folks, this is the awesome, fun, creative, and unique process I get to exercise every time someone wants to use my DFW photo booth services! I hope this breakdown wasn’t too boring. It's currently 7 degrees, snowing, and icy in Dallas, so unless you’re out sledding, you probably don’t have anything better to do anyway :P Until next time, and with love.
2 Comments
Apr 11, 2022, 9:00:29 AM
Misty Hoyt - Thank you so much!! We are very proud (and, more importantly, our clients are thrilled) with EE photobooth experience. From one PB to another, we appreciate you taking the time to comment on our blog.
Apr 6, 2022, 8:22:51 AM
Losangeles Photobooth - The Photo Booth looks awesome! https://losangelesphotobooth.com/services/corporate-photo-booth/