Use illuminated backgrounds for photo booths.
Photographers can set up photo booths for public and private events, or even specialize in photo-booth services for parties. Some tricks of the trade include: setting up partitions to enclose the shooting space; attaching large display monitors to a computer for viewing images; incorporating timed shutter releases and/or remote shutter triggers; and marking focus points with markers to help set up the booth to function without handling the camera. Photographers who print on-site benefit from pre-defined print sets that have multiple photos in various dimensions.
Instructions
1. Assemble the illuminated background, following the manufacturer's instructions. Commercial illuminated-background systems minimize space requirements, because the subject can stand much closer to the background without casting a shadow.
2. Attach or extend a floor skirt to the illuminated background and extend the skirt along the floor toward the camera (unless the floor in your setting has a desirable visual element; for example, some buffed cement floors can add character and drama to a shot). The floor skirt should match the color of the background. Floors skirts are typically made of muslin fabric, and background manufacturers offer floor skirts that are made for their backgrounds. Alternatively, use a roll of matt photographer's paper that matches the color of the background.
3. Lay one sandbag across the extension bar at the base of each background support stand.
4. Turn the camera sideways and look through the lens while standing at the end of the skirt, or at the distance that you prefer to position the camera. For a full-length photo booth, ensure that there is an 8-foot height clearance in the shot. Use clothespins or other temporary markers to mark the height if necessary. Ensure that there are no unwanted items in the frame. Check for objects visible behind and on either side of the backdrop, as well as objects adjacent to the base skirt.
5. Set up a tripod to match the camera position that you selected. Attach the digital camera to the tripod.
6. Sync the camera display with a laptop running the photo software supplied by the camera's manufacturer. This software may offer a live view of the image as seen through the lens, or a gallery view to display multiple photos after a sequence of shots is taken. Place the laptop on a table behind the camera.
7. Attach a USB photo printer to the laptop. Place the printer on the table adjacent to the laptop. Put photo paper in the printer's paper trap and install ink cartridges if necessary.
8. Attach one monolight or flash unit to a light stand with a bounce umbrella. Extend the light stand to approximately 7 feet high. Position the base of the stand between 5 and 7 feet from the photo subject, placing the stand in front of the subject and about 45 degrees to the left of the subject. Lay one 35-lb. sandbag across the extension arm at the base of the light stand.
9. Attach the other monolight or flash unit to a light stand with a bounce umbrella. Extend the light stand to approximately 7 feet high. Position the stand about 5 to 7 feet in front of the subject and about 45 degrees to the right of the subject. Adjust the powers setting on this light to half of the left light's power. Lay one 35-lb. sandbag across the extension arm at the base of the light stand.
10. Attach a monolight to a third light stand. The background light stand is usually flush with either side of the background, and the head inserts into an opening on either side of background. Extend the stand to match the height required to position the light at the insertion point. Refer the manufacturer's instructions for more specific information about inserting or attaching the background light unit. The power setting on this light should be equal to or slightly less than the front left light's power setting. Lay one 35-lb. sandbag across the extension arm at the base of the light stand.
