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Photo Booth Fun!

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Photo Booth Style
Photo Booth Style Sessions are now here!
I've been toying with the idea of buying a photo booth.  The issues?  Cost.  Storage.  Maintenance.  Storage.  Transportation. Storage.  Cost. Storage.  Maintenance.  Storage.

You get the idea.

So, I got creative.  No storage necessary, just a simple setup with existing studio equipment: a giant 7' parabolic umbrella mounted to an Alien Bees 1600, triggered by Pocket Wizard flex units, and a white seamless backdrop.

Is the giant umbrella necessary?  No.  The powerful Alien Bees 1600? No.  The Pocket Wizard triggering system? No.  The white seamless backdrop? No.  The dog?  Yes.  We all need a cute dog.

You can totally do this on a budget at your studio.  Grab your speed light(s).  Buy a cheap shoot through, or reflective umbrella (our giant one has a silver reflective inside).  You can get a very decent sized Westcott umbrella for under $50 (even bigger if you go used!)  If you are using Nikon - set up the CLS so the camera triggers the strobe(s).  If you are using another brand, consult your manual...or youtube.

Photo Booth, Coudersport, Wedding PhotographyThe setup:  Big umbrella a touch higher than your subject, and slightly to a side (but mostly straight on).  Camera on tripod just a touch in front of the umbrella.  Frame the backdrop area you want and get as close as you can while still allowing for lots of space for sweet activities.  Do a few tests until you like it.

To make the strip on the left, I simply made a new file in Photoshop CC, 6x20'', created rectangular picture holders, and dropped in the images I wanted.  You can do whatever you like here - get creative!

SPEAKING of creative...  The best part of this setup, is that it allows me to interact with the subjects!  I've made a bunch of ludicrous "action" cards for people to act out, and create hilarious scenes!  So, instead of okay looking images from a photo booth where clients did it all on their own - now I am the director of the shoot!  I just set the camera up on the interval timer, or use the pocketwizard system



to remote trigger, and I don't even have to be behind the camera!
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