Have you ever had an awesome party but at the end of the night thought, "Dang it! We forgot to take pictures!!" Believe me, it happens all the time (even to us photo-obsessed bloggers!). Sometimes you get so caught up in the party (especially if you are hosting) that it just totally slips your mind. Other times you do remember, but you may feel weird being "that person" that goes around snapping pictures of everyone like a creepy paparazzo. Want to know the solution to your problem? A photo booth! Photo booths allow you to get pictures of your guests and commemorate the occasion in a quick and easy way. Plus, it runs by itself once it's set up, so you're free to fulfill your hosting duties and jump in a picture whenever you have the time.
While photo booth setups can range from super sophisticated to purposefully cheesy, this version of a home photo booth can easily be set up in only a few minutes. Here's what you'll need to make your own: 
Supplies:
-backdrop that can be taped or tacked to a wall (I used these foil door curtains and hung these stars)
-photo booth props (try these, these, or these)
-camera tripod
–wireless camera remote (check which one works with your specific camera brand)
Step One: Use painter's tape or thumbtacks to hang your backdrop. There are a million things you can use for a backdrop (like fabric, streamers, or other paper products), but I love the look that the metallic fringe curtains have, so I overlapped several of them to create my backdrop. 
Step Two: Set up your camera, tripod, and remote system at the appropriate distance from your photo booth backdrop. If you don't have (or don't want) a camera remote, that's OK too! You'll just have to assign someone as the photographer for the night. If you're having a party at night, but usually aren't big on using a flash (which I totally understand), don't fear the flash! This is one instance where the flash will actually help your picture look more like an authentic photo booth picture. 
Step Three: Gather your photo booth props and place them in a basket or container near your backdrop—you're done! 
Photo booths are great for any party, but it's also fun to customize them for a theme party as well (like for Christmas or a birthday). Just tailor your backdrop and props for the theme of the party and you're set. I started a tradition this year of making one for Valentine's Day, and I can't wait until I have a few years of pictures so I can make a little book of them. Think you'll add a photo booth to your next party? xo. Laura
Credits // Author: Laura Gummerman, Photography: Sarah Rhodes, Photos edited using A Beautiful Mess Actions
94 Comments
SO perfect for parties. I absolutely love this. I definitely will have a photo booth at my next party! I love the idea of having a back drop and props! So fun!
xo Juliette Laura
http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com
Great idea of using a tripod and wireless remote! So fun!
A much better solution than pinning up a bedsheet on one of the bedroom walls. 😉
http://www.mybigfatcubanfamily.com/my_big_fat_cuban_family/2010/12/nochebuena-cubans-photo-booth-win.html
Do you ladies recommend a certain remote system for snapping pics? Thanks!
Ahh this is so cute! We did this at a 20s party i hosted and it was adorable. I need to try the camera remote next time!
I love it!!
This is absolutely perfect for me – I’m deep in party planning mode for an event in June, but am low on budget. I can’t wait to set on of these up and see the great photos that come from it!
http://6000milestohome.blogspot.com
LOVE this idea
http://thewanderlusthasgotme.blogspot.co.uk
Such a cool idea for parties, I’ll definitely be doing this when I have my own place and I can throw parties 🙂 it would take so much pressure off not having to constantly snap photos! Thanks for the idea!
Cuuuuuuute! What an awesome idea for parties!
http://cuddlyasacactus.wordpress.com/
this looks fun. pinned on my wedding board 🙂
so funny – I literally just did this EXACT backdrop for our oscar watch party. lol.
Oh yes I will!
My birthday is on April and I’ve had a remote for so long, so I must do this!
Thank you 😀
This is such an inexpensive and easy alternative to renting a real photo booth! I am having a University Grad Banquet in the next month and this might save us a ton of money!
where is emmas dress from?
where is emmas dress from?
I always go on Etsy looking for these and they are so pretty but expensive…This is a great idea!!
Love it! I can never figure out how to get the camera remotes to work though, so someone will have to man the station!! 🙂
Where are Emma’s shoes from?
Next time I have a party I am definitely doing this!
as always, your photos look great and you guys always look amazing allygong.com
-Ally
aww nice pictures :3
xx
Emma! I have those exact shoes and wore them today! We were matching, how fun! 🙂 🙂
How fun is that!!!! Great job and super simple, thanks for the inspiration!
Great idea! Even though I don’t know the last time I went or threw a party!
Emma, where did you get that dress? It’s so cute!
You have so much fun !! It’s better that a party!!
Ha ha! Such a great idea. Especially for awesome parties!
I did this for my New Years Eve party this year! People are still talking about it!!
This is awesome! My sister and I have been looking for a good DIY photobooth for her wedding this summer! I can’t wait to try this out and see how everything turns out!
xoxo
Taylor
http://www.welcomehometaylor.com
such a fun idea! totally know what you mean by not having enough pictures of my friends, this is the perfect way to get candid shots 🙂
I really need to re-create something like this!
xx
http://www.analeote.blogspot.com
E MMMMMMMMAAAAAAA, OMG LOVE your dress!!!!
Seems like a complete party to me! Thank you
Love this idea! The background is so cute 🙂
Lol! Such a cool idea 🙂 I want to try this for myself as I need new backdrops for shooting videos on 😀
Super cute idea!!
Well, this is serendipitous. I’ve been put in charge of my ex-husband’s tattoo shop anniversary party (exciting!) and have been “researching” backdrops for photo booths when I clicked over to ABM and saw this post. My challenge is finding props to suit the too-cool-to-look-goofy tattoo clients there… my new mission! Thank you for sharing some simple to manage ideas for the overall concept:)
Thank you so much! my 21st is tomorrow and i needed some inspiration for photobooth ideas!!
These foil curtains would be the perfect backdrop for the table at my husband’s upcoming graduation get-together. He is a computer programmer, and these are not too cheesy like most things I have come up with. How many did you use to get the coverage shown here?
I love going to parties where there are photobooths!!! Such a great idea to do your own!!! Thanks for the recommendation!
So much fun! Great party idea 🙂
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Such a great idea!
I love the idea of the tassels! It seems so easy to put up, and is such a festive backdrop.
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How about a photo room?! Well ok. let’s start with a wall. So looking forward to this!
http://www.CoralynxBlog.com
This is the coolest thing ever! And it is so easy! I’ll definitely be taking some inspiration from this and applying it at my next party, or even a simple get to together!
How cool. I need to give this a try.
This is such a great idea. No where ive ever been to has had something like this!
fun idea!
x Kenzie
http://easy-lucky-free.com
I love Emma’s tights! Where are they from?!
This the perfect way to take funny and memorable pics at a party! Thanks for the idea!!
http://everydayingrace.blogspot.ca/
I love how easy and customizable this is! Such a great idea!
xo Jac
thesunshinedistrict.blog spot.com
That happens all the time – I always kick myself the next day. Great pictures and great idea!
http://www.dancingthroughsunday.typepad.com
I have actually done this for my friend! We had pink balloons and cut the strings at different heights instead of the gold as our back drop, and we also got a black and white plastic table cloth cut to size in front so people knew where the boundaries were for the camera! It was such a big hit! I highly recommend it. It makes the event more fun when it has a custom feel. Love this post!
http://www.musingsofnidia.com
If you would like to see some of the pics on my Instagram.com/musingsofnidia
You can actually leave a sticky or a chalk board next to it explaining to not move anything and exactly what button to press if the remote doesn’t work for your dslr. I would definitely try to get one, but if not the sign works! Everyone needs to party!
http://www.musingsofnidia.com
My almost 3 yo is having a party in a couple of weeks. I can’t believe it but I just got a remote from eBay and then the photo booth will go up.
this blog is wonderful. i really love it. follow u on fb, teitter and bloglovin. i wait for u on my blog if u like
xx
http://sofiscloset.blogspot.it
perfect! we are definitely having a photo booth at our wedding reception and this is more help for stream lining it/making it quick/easy to set up!
awesome idea! looks fun! =)
http://theplaincanvas.blogspot.com/
What a great idea!
— Lily
http://www.twocraziesoneblog.tk/
This looks like so much fun! 😀
fab idea, will use this in the future !
Lauren x
Britton Loves | Fashion Lifestyle + Photography – http://www.brittonloves.blogspot.co.uk
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I’m guilty of forgetting to take photos during fun events, all the time! love the photobooth idea and the sparkly backdrop in yours. will have to use this in the future!!
Emmett – Hippie Lace
Fantastic idea! I have been to quite a few events with a photo booth and thought of just renting one, but this is so easy and looks fun!
Such a great idea!! I love pictures but always seem to forget to take them! lol!
Or if you don’t have / don’t want to buy a wireless remote, you can use something like this service: https://photoboothcreator.com/ You only need a webcamera! (Full disclosure, this was created by a friend of mine, and I can vouch that it’s super easy 🙂
Lovvvvvve photo booths at parties! It’s the best type of entertainment that everyone will love!!
I love that backdrop too 🙂
So bright and fun! Nice and easy ideas always, thanks!
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I love that you guys have been showing so many group photos of the four of you. It shows just how much fun you all are having at work!!!
love this! it’s always such a shame not to have any pictures of a wonderful night.
Elsie I always love your hair but I must say I’m loving the side bangs cause it’s nice to see more of your cute face 🙂
This is simply brilliant! 🙂
so simple!! i love this!
xxoo,
nikki
http://www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
This photo booth brings nostalgia from high school dance days.
Pinterest has lots of cute ideas too. See this sequins pic.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/199073246000856927/
Omg I love this so much! definitely doing this with my friends
I love this idea but the only issue I see is not being able to print them out for guests right after they take the phone… well, you could if your camera had wireless capabilities to print to a printer. I went to a wedding where they had this. The photographer had to select each photo and quantity for printing. Printing took forever because of the sheer volume needing to be printed but it was nice to get a copy soon after the photo was taken.
that’s a really nice idea!! but i’d be scared that the camera will break – like when it falls down cause someone knocks it down. you never know.
what i do when i’m at parties or going out with friends in general – i take a little digicam with me and pass it around. everyone who wants to take a random picture can do so.
pssshhht.blogspot.com
I have wanted to do this for our youth at church! Thank you for the push. Love this blog!
We linked the remote that we use in the supplies section 🙂
Laura
A friend of mine did this for her birthday and it turned out so well!
This looks so fun!
http://laurenslittleblogs.blogspot.co.uk/
xx
This would make the best birthday party ever. Especially with instant cameras 🙂
Tyler
onelittleblackdress.com
I have been seeing more and more people create their own home “photo booths” for parties and I think it is such a fun and inexpensive idea for a party and a great way to create a keepsake for anyone participating.
how would you print it?
I’ve made one of these before for a party! Although, mine was a lot less intricate. I used a string of gold glittery half circles from a shop on etsy. And we set up a camera on a tripod and used a remote clicker. At the end of the night I had 500 pictures to go through, so I’d say it was hit. They can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/18438106@N05/sets/72157642392781905/
looks like so much fun, what a great idea!
xo, cheyenne
Great idea! 🙂
http://my-fashion-mess.blogspot.com/
This is such a cute idea!!!!
My friend’s 21st is coming up and I needed ideas for surprises. Thanks!
Wow! This is great. I actually just launched a skincare website and was keeping my eyes peeled for a fun background for some informational videos that I’m putting together. This could be a great option! Thanks for the idea!
We’ve done this at parties and we used glitter (took weeks to get rid of loll). And love the pink heart tights with the shoe laces!
great post
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