A Photo (Booth) Is Worth a Thousand Impressions

Let’s talk about one of the most effective and engaging ways to create lasting memories for your audience at your event: photo booths.

Photo booths provide a fun and interactive experience for all ages. With the need for social proof, people already love to share their photos on social media—with the added benefit of creating buzz around your event.

Photos also serve as tangible reminders of an event, and they’re more personal than gift bags and other takeaways. Creating themed photo areas within your event can enhance the experience and encourage attendees to share even more content from your event or activation.

Last year, Barbie themed events almost all featured the classic Barbie Box photo booth (and if you still have that booth…it’s time to let it go). Many upscale events are also finding ways to update their florals, drapes, and step-and-repeat photo areas to offer unique setups that guests will feel compelled to share.

There is no right way to curate a photo experience. Guests will typically find the best location for photos on their own, and it is simply more advantageous for your event to have several branded areas…or to have something totally unique.

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Why Incorporate a Photo Booth?

• Brand Activation: Customize your photo booth with your brand's logo, colors, and messaging.
• Lead Generation: Collect attendee information through branded prints or digital downloads.
• Social Media Engagement: Encourage guests to share their photos, amplifying your event's reach.
• Memorable Experiences: Create lasting memories for your attendees that they'll cherish long after the event.
  

Because they can be costly, you have a few options as an event organizer to fit a photo booth into your budget.

Many companies offer rental options to fit your specific needs. However, if you host frequent events over the year or own a venue, purchasing a booth can be a long-term investment. This option is the most expensive, so a long-term rental partnership can yield discounted rates and the same content-generating effect. If your budget is iron-clad, it might be a good idea to collaborate with a photo booth company for expertise and resources or to seek sponsorship from local businesses to offset costs.

Over the years, photo booths have evolved from simple enclosed spaces to dynamic, interactive experiences. Here's a look at some of the most popular types that I’ve come across:

• Open-Air Booths: These booths became more popular in recent years, allowing for more natural poses and group shots.
• Green Screen Booths: Green screen booths allow guests to choose from a variety of backgrounds, creating unique and personalized photos.
• GIF Booths: GIF booths capture short, animated clips, creating fun and shareable content.
• 360-Degree Booths: These booths capture video from all angles, creating immersive and interactive experiences.
• Slow-Motion Booths: These booths capture video in slow motion, creating dramatic and eye-catching effects.
• Overhead Shooting Booths: These booths feature cameras mounted overhead, allowing for unique and creative perspectives.

My suggestion? Go for the most technologically savvy option within your budget. Sometimes, the wow is not the booth itself, but the photo layouts, effects, and unique background.

According to a recent study by the Event Marketing Institute, 85% of event attendees reported that the presence of a photo booth enhanced their overall experience. 70% of attendees said they were more likely to share their photos on social media when they were taken in a photo booth. Furthermore, a study by the Event Technology Association found that events with photo booths had 40% higher engagement rates on social media compared to events without photo booths.

Photo booths aren’t going anywhere! But it is important to understand why they are important and your options as a marketer. The goal is to create lasting memories for your attendees while also driving brand awareness and generating leads.

Whether you choose to rent, buy, partner, or secure a photo booth sponsorship, incorporating this interactive element into your next event should be a key part of your event strategy.

Need some help deciding what’s right for your event—and then making it happen? Boombox’s experiential experts are here to help.