It's loud, it's a bit daft and people love it. But it needs more space and a bit more planning than a standard booth, so here's what's worth knowing first.
What happens on the platform
Depending on the platform's size, somewhere between two and five people can usually get on at once. The attendant hands out props, sets the arm spinning, and the group dances, throws confetti or just tries to look cool while it goes round.
Each spin lasts a few seconds. That's all you need, because the clip gets slowed down and edited automatically straight after.
Slow-mo, music and overlays
The finished video is usually a short clip in slow motion, sometimes mixed with normal speed and reverse, with music laid over it. Many systems can add a branded overlay too, like a name and date for a birthday or a logo for a work do.
Pick the music yourself if you can. A track that suits your crowd makes a real difference to how often the clips get shared afterwards.
Getting a good clip
A few things turn a 360 video from fine into great. Movement, for one. People standing still look odd as the camera swings round, so the attendant will usually get groups waving, dancing or chucking props about.
Confetti cannons, bubble machines and fans are popular extras where the venue allows them. Check first, though. Some venues ban confetti outright, and a cleaning charge isn't the souvenir anyone wants.
Lighting matters as well. Most platforms come with a light on the arm or a ring of LEDs round the base, which keeps faces clear even in a dark function room.
Getting the videos to guests
360 booths are almost always digital. Guests collect their clip at a sharing station, often an iPad, by scanning a QR code or typing in a phone number or email. Some setups play the videos on a big screen as well, which pulls even more people over.
There aren't usually prints, as it's video. If you want something to take home too, a separate print booth or a GIF booth can sit alongside it.
Space, ceiling height and safety
This is the part to check with your venue. The platform might only be about a metre across, but the arm needs room to swing, so plan on an area of roughly 3.5 to 4 metres square. Many partners rope it off so nobody wanders into the arm's path.
Ceiling height matters if people are going to throw things in the air, and the floor needs to be flat and level. Grass in a marquee can work with boarding underneath, but ask first.
The attendant should brief every group before they step on. Hold on to the props, no jumping, one at a time getting on and off. Setup is often around an hour, a little more with extra lighting.
Who 360 photo booth hire suits best
It shines at 18ths and 21sts, proms, Christmas parties and product launches, where people want something to post. At a wedding it usually works best in the evening once the dancing's started.
It's less suited to small rooms and very quiet events. It also usually costs more than a standard booth, so have a look at our price guide and then get a quote for your date.
