Diy Budget Photobooth + Props

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  Step 1

  Draw shapes on the felt using a fabric pencil or marker. I found that a white gel pen worked well on black felt. Cut out the shapes. Ideas: mustaches, a beard, glasses, bow ties, hair bows, lips. You can use this tutorial if you wish to make a bow.

  If you are using regular felt as opposed to stiff felt, you’ll need to add an extra step. Coat the back of the felt shapes with fabric stiffener and let dry to ensure that the shapes don’t flop around once they are attached to the stick.

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  Step 2

  Using a long piece of ribbon (ribbon still on the roll works great), glue one end of the ribbon to one end of the wooden dowel, using hot glue (because it dries fast). After the end of the ribbon is secure, wrap it around the dowel securely until you get to the end. Snip off the end of the ribbon and glue it securely in place.

  Glue the dowel to the back of your felt shapes.

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  Step 3

  Find a cute way to display your props. You might try displaying them in vases or in a vintage suitcase.

  Other prop ideas include giant sunglasses or scissors, costumes, or chalkboards (The Monster and Me makes some cute ones).

  Make a sign so people know what the props are for.

• Step 4

  Pick a backdrop for your photos. A vintage sheet or piece fabric makes a cute backdrop if you have a way to hang them. If you don’t have a wall, try hanging them close-line style.

  A plain wall or large piece of decorated cardboard can also work well.

  Try hanging a banner in the background or add some balloons. Now you’re ready to set up the photobooth.

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  Step 5

  There are a few different ways that you can do the actual photobooth. If you able, have a designated photographer snap photos. This method can result in more professional looking photos but unless you have a photographer friend, it can be a costlier option.

  Another option is to set up a camera on a tripod with instructions for using the self timer. The downsides to this method are a less professional look and guests may have trouble using the timer on the camera. You might also have a table with an instant camera or disposable cameras for guests to use. Guests can take turns snapping photos of each other posing. This can create a fun experience and if your guests are any good with a camera you can get some good photos out of it.

  The option that I choose to go with was to use a MacBook with the Photobooth program (similar programs exist for PCs).

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  Step 6

  Print an instruction sheet and place next to your laptop with simple instructions for using the photo program. Make sure the laptop is on and that the Photobooth program is the only thing on the screen.

  With Photobooth, you can simply click a camera icon under the reflected image of yourself. Then you get 3 seconds to pose before the webcam snaps your picture. The photo saves automatically so it is very easy to use.

  If using the laptop method, you’ll need to set up the laptop on a table and provide chairs for guests.

• Step 7

  Set up your backdrop opposite the computer screen. Make sure the placement of everything works for the photo frame.

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  Step 8

  Tips:
  When using a webcam, signs will be reflected so you’ll need to write backwards!

  Set up the photobooth in a shady place because you might get glare from the sun.

  If setting up your photobooth outdoors, don’t forget to consider the wind when choosing your backdrop!

  If you don’t have the email addresses of all of your guests, be sure to make an e-mail sign up sheet so that you know who to send the photos to. Upload all of the photos to a photo hosting site (like Flickr) and then send an email to party guests letting them know that they can view and download the photos online.

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  Step 9

  If you DO end up using Flickr to host your photos, you can visit Big Huge Labs and use their Photobooth utility to create vintage photo booth strips.

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