Photo booths have always been a great tool for capturing unique, relaxed photos. The original idea of a photo booth was a kiosk that took coins or bills and contained a camera and film processor. At the end, a series of photos would print out in a strip. While these photo booths still exist and are often rented for special events, people are becoming more and more accustomed to the modern, digital booths that can be created at home for parties. These booths generally have simple setups, and consist of a backdrop, probably some lighting elements, a camera or computer, and often a remote to take the photo.
Setting up a photo booth in the hallway of your school is a surefire way to get some memorable and personal photos for your yearbook. It’s easy to set up a photo booth using some of our handy directions. And, if you decide to use a remote, the booth will be self-sufficient. Not to mention, people will feel more comfortable posing, being natural, and trying multiple takes if they don’t have a photographer lurking over them.
One easy component that can be added to any photo booth is props. Props help people loosen up, be creative, and bring out their fun side. They’re also an easy way to add some flare to the photos for your yearbook, or help the photos dovetail with a theme. Here are some ideas for simple, cool, and crafty yearbook photo booth props:
Props add an element of fun to any photo booth.
Image source: Flickr user A Cool Breeze
Oversized chair – Photo booths are sure to draw a big group. It’s a great way for everyone to be included in a picture without one person having to step out to actually take it. However, it’s a bit typical for everyone to line up and pose with their arms around each other, and typical is exactly what you want to avoid when using a photo booth. Using an oversized chair is a humorous way to get everyone in the picture, and it gets everyone to relax. Plus, there’s room for interpretation: sit in the chair, climb on it, lie on it upside down… it’s all about having fun!
Athletic equipment – People want to remember what defined them during their school days. For many students, this means playing sports or participating in some kind of athletic activity. Instead of having people drag their own equipment over, leave out a box filled with school-themed sports memorabilia. Try things like football jerseys and balls, pompoms, a tennis racket, track jacket and sneakers, and more. This could be a good opportunity for captains and other key players to pose together. This same idea could be applied for students in band, choir, theater, and other clubs, as well!
Polaroid cutouts – Senior superlatives have been a tradition for many years, and are a great way to show a sense of humor and remember students for their strongest personality traits. However, how many times can you see that same picture of “Class Klutz” falling down the stairs, or the “Most Dependable” giving a thumbs up? Instead, use the photo booth to recruit everyone for the senior superlative pictures. Create large Polaroid-styled signs with the middle cut out – that is where people will put their faces. On the bottom, write the superlative title.
Gilded frames – This would be a great idea to try at prom. Go to a second-hand store and purchase a large, ornate frame. Spray the frame bright gold or try the school colors. Hang the frame a few feet in front of the backdrop. Then have dates pose together behind the frame. This will create a multi-dimensional picture that will make for great yearbook content, and a nice take-home prom photo.
Chalkboards – It’s true chalkboards are becoming the old faithful of photo booth props. However, what if you don’t use them for students? Chalkboards are part of what define teachers, anyway. Have teachers hold small chalkboards that state their name and the class(es) they teach. This will make for unique teacher portraits for that section of the yearbook. If you want to make it truly interesting, you can create chalkboard props in all different shapes by simply using cardboard and chalkboard paint. Try a large beaker for the chemistry teacher, a book cutout for the English teacher, a paint palette shape for the art teacher, and so on.
Food cutouts – Everyone always complains about school cafeteria food. So why not make a joke of it? Create cutouts of the typical lunch line food – pepperoni pizza, sloppy joes, mac & cheese, tater tots, etc. – and glue each cutout to a stick. Students could hold them up, pretend to eat them, or make disgusted faces.
