How to pose for and take a perfect photo strip - Access your inner performer.

If you've been to an event where there is a photo booth, you'll see that certain people have the knack for getting the perfect photo strips.  Here are some helpful tips in how you can do just that.

  There are 2 approaches you can use; the subtle approach and the loud approach.  But both approaches have to be dynamic (I'll speak more about this later).

  Those individuals that are able to get good photo strips, are able to tap into an aura of spontaneity.  It's ok to plan ahead, but allow yourselves to get "lost in the moment".  What this does, is allows you to take photos bigger than you are.  Like a great singer up on stage.  If she thinks, "boy, I better do good.  Look at me on stage in front of all these people..."  That is not a recipe for believability.  A great performer can shrug off appearances and go straight for the essence of what being an entertainer means.  He or she does not premeditate the moves they will make, or the nuances.  These come by giving yourself over to the moment.  Coming from your heart, and allowing you to be spontaneous.

  Still, to this date, the best photo strip I ever had posed for, was a test photo strip prior to  a wedding.  I pushed a button, and the next thing I knew, I was making dynamic poses and throwing my leg up in the air like an air guitar.  I had accessed my inner performer, and "boom", there it was before i ever knew what happened.  

  The subtle approach involves more facial expressions.  These can be very "loud" when dynamic, but often carry a theme.  Each pose conveys a dynamic expression and almost tells a story.  

  The loud approach involves getting up on the seat and basically being a monkey.  Well, not literally. But being willing to look like a fool.  Think Charlie Chaplin.   

  Combine the 2 approaches, and you'll be a photo booth legend before you know it!   

  

What You Must Know in Renting a Photo Booth.

If you are renting a photo booth for a wedding or corporate event, follow these steps to be sure you get what you need and know what you are paying for.
Firstly, the closer the company is to your event, the easier it is for the company to get to your event. Things such as traffic and bad weather can stop or slow some companies down from making it to the event on time. This is not to say that the closest companies are the best, just preferred.
Secondly, how much time do you need for the rental? If you have unlimited funds, be sure you know beforehand how much more the rental cost is if you decide to extend the rental for one hour or more. Usually, a rental will state in the contract something such as $100 per hour extra.
For groups of more than 200, consider 4 hours for a rental. Less than 200, three hours of rental will normally suffice. But know your guests. Sometimes guests love to go all out in the booth for hours on end.
Thirdly, do you really need the extras? See what is included. Are they charging you to make a logo on the photos? This takes only a few minutes, so this should not be an extra charge. Are they hosting the photos online and are they free to access? This should be included in the rental cost. Also, how much are a bin of props? You can make your own and save more than $50 most often. You only need a few hats, boas, glasses, and maybe a silly doll of sorts. The later the night gets, usually the props are utilized and provide buckets of laughs and entertainment.
Fourth, be sure to make a guest book. If you are being charged more than $50 for a guest book, just buy your own. You can get scrapbook and materials nearly anywhere.
Most importantly, don't hesitate to rent a photo booth, as they have proven to be a phenomenal staple at weddings and dances across the country.

Bridal Fairs: How to get the most out of your experience.

Anyone who has ventured to a bridal fair knows that they can be a hectic experience. Lots of people, lots of vendors, lots of cake, and lots of promises. My guess is, for most of us, we must be careful in making decisions on the spot. Most vendors want to book a majority of their services right at the bridal fair. They will make lower than normal offers, while promising the world.
While I was a Dj with a photo booth rental business, I would walk around and listen to other Dj's talk, and man, they were smooth! I saw several trying to force a deal on multiple brides. They promised the world to them, while I was just around the corner, charging a bit less, and just giving straight talk. I am a top Dj in my area, but I don't like sounding like a used car salesman to get gigs. Luckily, my business is now to the point that I don't have to go out and seek it anymore. Howeever, if you are one of the brides at the next bridal fair, here's my advice:
Firstly, take your time! Relax. Get a feel for the vendors and try not to get caught up in what they are saying and promising right up front. Sometimes these things can overpower you and you end up putting a down payment on something you really didn't want. They will tell you that they will be "booking up, because you are on a very busy night. So act now." Take a breath and relax. Chances are, it's not true.
Secondly, do some research online first and see who is going to be at the show. For instance, if you want a photo booth rental service, go to their website first, see what they offer, and come to the show with that knowledge in hand. If you feel you can gauge from their website, and like the feel and look of the booth and photo strips at the show, go ahead and book them if they offer you a deal. Normally, it's hard to get such a good deal as at the bridal shows.
Thirdly, be sure you bring a water bottle. All the sugar based foods at the fair are tempting, but they will spike your blood sugar and can make you tired.
Fouthly, keep a checklist of all you need to do and get done for your wedding. However, make your choices only when it feels good in your heart, and not when you feel overwhelmed.
Stick close to some savvy friends and you will do well!

Steps to Choosing the Right Dj

There is a good chance that if you're reading this, you've never had to hire a Disc Jockey before. Maybe you are getting married? Maybe you are looking for a Dj to emcee an event you're holding. I have worked many weddings and events as a Dj and offer this useful advice to helping you get the proper one.
It's true, we are a photo booth rental company, but we're writing this from the experience of having been to numerous weddings, not too mention, we carry some experience being musicians and at one time, a Dj.  These are our some helpful tips we would like to suggest:
Firstly, meet the Dj in person. There's a good chance if you don't like his personality in person, you won't like him at your event either.
Secondly, please ask for references. A good Dj will have a plethora of these.
Thirdly, ask him for a photo of his lights in action, what does he carry? It doesn't have to be much, but make sure you're getting something sufficient.
Fourthly, have a list of songs in mind that you know you like. See if he knows these. Ask him what his music specialties are; ie.) Hard Rock, Rap, Top 40, etc..
If you're looking for a good Dj, it's not hard to find one. However, make sure the Dj is responsible and has the credentials to prove it. There are many Dj's that really don't have the things you need. Make sure he has a wireless mic for your speeches too.
Bridal fairs can be a time to meet Dj's in person, but usually they are all working strong gimmicks, promising the world, and not really personable in a genuine way at this point.
To get the best experience with your Dj, he should also have a list of questions for you to review, to help you plan your day. He probably does a wedding or event almost every weekend of the year, so he should be well versed in how the night should progress.
My last important tip, is to recommend you to share as much information with him as you can. The more he knows about you and what you like, the better work he will give you. Give him a list of at least 10-20 songs to work from and he should be intuitive enough to get you dancing through the night.