Skip to main content

Photo Booth Fun!

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!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

So You Want To Be A Photographer?

Are you interested in becoming a photographer?  Do you want to turn your passion for creating images into a source of income to support yourself and your family? Tim Walck Photography will soon be offering online courses in photography training, and portrait business training.  Each course will span 4-8 weeks.  Every student who participates in all classes will gain the tools necessary to succeed in the wedding and portrait photography business. ---- I started my photography business with only $2,000, which I had saved from working as a tele-marker, social services provider, and substitute teacher, all while being a full time graduate student at Mansfield University.  That was enough to buy a camera, lens, and flash.  I poured my heart and soul into photography, read everything I could get my hands on, and began to build my business.  After 3 short years of juggling multiple jobs, and being a photographer on the side, I made the leap into phot...

The Struggle with Senior Portraits Posing for Guys

If you search Pinterest for senior photos, overwhelmingly, girls show up.  Tons and tons of examples of beautiful senior girls in flowery fields, on the town, in a stream.  There are a few exceptions (and some really great ones) for guys, but it made me stop and think about the struggle with taking senior photos of boys.  Sure, many of them aren't really into it, but rather having photos done because mom said so.  Many aren't used to having such undivided and direct attention showered their way.  Also, the teenage years can be awkward for boys.  Where do you put your hands?  How do you look like you're not enjoying it too much?  What if you're not into sports?  The struggle is real... but fixable.   Here are our some of our best senior portraits and tips for making them feel comfortable : #1.  Talk to them and wait for just the right moment for the "natural smile".     #2.  Photograph them in places the...

Valerie Gaberseck: Mom & Me Winner

In late April, Walck Portraits advertised that we were looking for nominations for exceptionally deserving mommas.  We wanted to celebrate a few moms that deserved a special portrait session and some gift prints because of how hard they work to take care of their families. With over 25 applicants, it was so hard to choose, but one of the most endearing nominations was for Valerie Gaberseck .  Normally, women aren't keen on their mother-in-laws, but Valerie was nominated by her daughter-in-law Angelee Kamats .  There were many, many great things that Angelee stated about Valerie, but there were a few things that stood out the most: Again...the fact that she was nominated by her daughter-in-law.   This doesn't happen often. She's a mom of four:  two adult boys and two teenage daughters.  Phew.  That's some work. She has faced many personal issues within her family, and yet she still perseveres.  Everyday. She stays true to her faith in God....