How to be a photobooth artist

It's easy. Here's a few tips on how you can do it.

Most of us will have visited a photobooth machine at some time to get that all important identity snap for passports, pass or licence. There are many of these machines around us. They all perform well and if you are disappointed with your picture it is usually the straight faced pose you gave.

However, there are many ways you can make an ordinary picture from a photobooth machine look more exciting.

Here are 5 things you can do:

1. You can attach a background to back of the machine.

This can give a feeling of depth or just set a scene.It could be a piece of material or you could use an old poster. It might be easier to get someone to hold this up for you (more fun) or you could stick it up with a couple of pieces of masking tape. Just using the white background can be effective but depending on your composition it may leave you with a pale picture.

2. You can wear a mask.

Using a mask you can either become someone else, or even something else.The mask could be something you buy or make yourself. It could be a simple cardboard mask held in place with elastic (which can be attached with a few strips of sticky tape). Add a few dabs of paint, cut out some eye holes and even the simplest of things will look good.

3. You can use a simple effect.

This might be a piece of coloured plastic, maybe something like food wrapping or coloured acetate. A piece of cardboard with a circle or other shape cut out of it and placed centrally over the lens at the front of the machine can give you a bordered effect and emphasise the image within.

4. You can use a prop to illustrate
an idea.

This could be something as simple as holding a bunch of flowers, draping a garment around yourself or wearing wigs and hats. Remember not to obscure your face/mask with your props unless this is your intention.

5. Sometimes just a facial expression is all that is needed.

You can all pull faces.

Some basic points to remember

With any combination of these things - just two would be good enough - an unusual or fun picture can be made.

Practice at home using the mirror so you can see what you will look like so when you get to the photobooth machine you will have a fair idea of what you want to do. It might be best to settle on one easy theme or design. Using vibrant colours is one way to make a picture stand out. Try not to use to many dark colours or make shadows.

The more you practice the easier it will be to make the picture you want. When you are actually using the machine you will be in a public environment so finding the time to do your picture may depend on circumstances around you. Remember the more you prepare the easier it will be.

A simple scenario might be:

Arrive

Stick background up

Sit down

Check position

Try mask on or hold prop

Put money in the machine

Hold pose

Most of all, have Fun.

Stephen Howard, Mixup