It's official, party photo booths are popping up everywhere in Hawaii. From wedding receptions to birthdays and company events, they’re the perfect party favor. If done well they can be a genuine highlight of the day! But if done badly, they can be disappointing, embarrassing and a waste of money.

So how do you get it right the first time at your event?

Having been the photo booth of choice for many memorable events, HNL Photobooth Company knows a few things about really making a photo booth work. Here are 9 simple ways to make sure you get photo booths right the first time around. 

1. CHOOSE AN OPEN-AIR STYLE PHOTO BOOTH

Closed/Enclosed boxy booths with curtains are great for passport photos but definitely not for parties. Claustrophobic much? Closed booths limit who can join in and no one likes to be left out of a good time. An open-air concept booth means that everyone is in on the fun and many people can fit in the photo. Positioning an open-air photo booth is simple at any party and can easily match your unique event theme.

Laughter is contagious; so ditch the enclosed mall-changing-room gloom and keep it fun and open to everyone.

2 CAMERA SHY? NOT TODAY!

Photos with the guest of honor are priceless on the big day, Try your best to give up being camera shy for just one day an plan to jump in the photo booth! Taking photos is an easy way to create lots of naturally fun and organic memories to cherish for years to come.

3. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Hide your booth somewhere far and you won’t get many decent photos. We’ve found that a spot close to the dance floor or near your guests is the best place for maximum exposure. You want your guests to notice the photo booth to get maximum use out of it.

It's your photo booth, so make sure people use it and leave with fond memories, keepsake prints and not regrets! It's all about location.

4. FLATTERING LIGHTING AND IMAGE QUALITY

Everyone gets dolled-up and their swag on for a party! Your photo booth should show everyone off in their best light. Every side is their “best side” when you have flattering lighting. Review a photo booth company’s recent event gallery to see the quality of light and photos they provide.

5. BACKDROPS EXCITE PEOPLE

The more fun and flashy the backdrop, the more people want to be photographed in front of it! Striking options, custom prints, a unique venue’s wall features, or something to match the event theme works amazingly well. Memorable backdrops are one of the little things that make an event truly special.  

6. GET PICKY ON THE PROPS

You want the right props that will fit your unique event theme. Picture yourself having a luxurious upscale event and your chosen photo booth company brings cheap props fitting for a child's birthday party. Photo props help tell a story of what's going on at the event and help people get more comfortable in front of the camera!

Find a company who pays attention to their prop selection and what you are looking for at your special event. 

7. QUALITY BOOTH ATTENDANTS MATTER

Unlike your caterer or event planner, photo booth attendants interact directly with all your guests. A quality attendant will encourage people into the booth, get them excited about poses, and answer any questions. Having personable, friendly, and appropriately dressed attendants will ensure that your guests feel taken care of and have fond memories of your event. The booth should be easy to operate, but there will be times when something technical goes wrong, and it's always great having a skilled attendant ready to make it right.

8. CUSTOM PRINT DESIGN OPTIONS

Choose a photo booth that offers you a large selection of print designs or the option to create custom designs. Your party invitations won't be seen after your event is done, but guests will display their photo booth prints in their homes or at work for years and years to come. Ensure these prints are as memorable as your event. Choose a photo booth company with skilled graphic artists that can personalize prints to match your event theme or party invitations.

9. UNLIMITED PRINTS

A nice addition to having a photo booth at your Hawaii event or party is having unlimited prints available for all the guests. This gives everyone in the group something to take home and remember the occasion by. Plus, no more arguing over who gets to keep the print, since everyone gets a copy!