Seasons of Life: Fabric Photo Booth

I love the new trend of photo booths for your party or reception. It offers guests a fun activity during the cocktail hour or thoroughout the reception and throw in some props and you have a party! Having a fabric backdrop is a cost effective alternative to renting a full-fledged photo booth, minus the secrecy of what goes on behind the curtain. Fabric backdrops can be as easy or elaborate as you want to make them.

Found on

Martha Stewart Weddings.

Found here

I made my own fabric back drop below starting with upholstery fabric that I picked up from Ikea. We don't have an Ikea in Hawaii so it's a required shopping spot on my trips to California. The fabric was narrower then most upholstery fabrics so I purchased green fabric in the same type of thickness and sewed panels on both sides of the Ikea piece and voila a fun, unexpected photo-op spot.

Photography by Brooke Dombroski

The panels can be strung from trees, tacked to the side of a wall, hung from a clothesline or if you really want to go all out, you can construct a wood or PVC pipe frame for a freestanding backdrop. I like the idea of leaving extra fabric on the bottom for a photo studio look. Thicker fabric works best to keep the drape straight and less light will shine through if it's not hung against a flat surface. You can also use a high thread count sheet (for added thickness) a duvet cover, bedspread or blanket.

Found here

So you have the backdrop and it's hanging, so now what? This is where the fun begins. There are several options for capturing fun photographs.

1. Discuss with your photographer the option of taking a few of your couple and family shots in front on the backdrop. Ask if your photographer can have a second photographer snap photo's for a specific time during your reception and corral your guests for a photo shoot.

2. Ask a friend to play photographer for the day or several friends so they can take turns.

3. Setup a tripod and digital camera and either provide clear, written instructions for your guests on how to use your camera's timer or better yet, provide a remote control for click perfect shots.

4. For instant gratification, set-up a Polaroid camera and have your assigned photographer post the pictures on a board. Your guest will have fun writing their well-wishes to you making a great conversation piece at your reception or party.