DIY Event Photo Booth for $30
Just an iPad + tripod + app.
What Problem Are We Solving?
At our school, we like to have a photo booth to record group pictures at events. This solution shows how you can enable a basic self-service (or attended) photo booth using an iPad and a paid app on a tablet.
Materials
- iPad
- 1 month paid subscription to Simple Booth $30
- tripod with tablet attachment
- lightbox
- extension cord
- backdrop (optional)
How it Works
In the photo booth, visitors can touch the tablet screen to take their own photos within the Simple Booth app. Then, visitors can scan a code or enter their phone number/email to send the photos to themselves. Printing photos is possible, but requires more preparation (not covered in this guide).
Setup
- On your tablet, log into the app and pay for 1 month.
- Customize your template and settings for your event.
- Set up tripod, backdrop, and lightbox.
- Stand nearby to help people use the app. :)
- After the event, log into Simple Booth and download all the photos to your computer.
- Cancel your subscription in the app so you don’t get charged for another month.
File Management
Use this bash script to enhance the filenames (replace photobooth-2023-winter-social with your event and date):
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a=0
for i in *.jpg; do
new=$(printf "photobooth-2023-winter-social_%03d.jpg" "$a")
mv -i -- "$i" "$new"
let a=a+1
done
A lot can happen in an 8x8 booth.
Photo Releases
If you plan to publish images or use them in printed or distributed materials, obtain media releases from your participants: