A new do-it-yourself photo booth has opened up on Main Street. Located in one of the single units of the old motel, that has been refurbished into an colourful artist collective. Each unit now a studio for a single artist to work out of, to do business out of, and see clients as they wish. And the best part, because this use to be hotel, each unit also comes with its own washroom.
I was visiting unit 117 today, rented as the home to The Booth YVR. When making a reservation with them, you are able to select a few customizations. In our case profile photos against a yellow backdrop. You also have the option of choosing a horizontal setting or wallpaper in blue, pink, or white.
The background is pretty fixed as it does take time to roll and unravel out the colour as needed. Each secured with several clamps, left lose on the ground. These proved to be a tripping hazard, as I found myself falling prey to them while walking back-and-forth along its edge.
The camera is mounted onto a rolling tripod, that is also outfitted with a filtered light. You are equipped with a remote control that allows you to take your own photo when ready. We had difficulty getting the camera to the right height in order to be able to look directly into the lens. Each photo taken was broadcasted onto a television screen mounted on to the back wall. However, the screen is set horizontally, so any vertical photos are shown horizontally. The TV does have a swivel mount, although is too heavy to stay on the chosen axis. I found it clumbersome, much like the security of the backdrop, as mentioned above.
We were a group of seven and found the space cramped. However, the online advertisement states groups are welcomed. There is limited seating for those waiting in between shoots. You are able to use it and all the decor pieces present in the room, as props. An animal hide rug, lounger, and vase of fake pink roses.
If you come in, try a few shots and don’t like it, you can choose to switch up your photos from vertical to horizontal midway through the session. The owner/attendant is on site to help ensure a smooth session. As well as field any questions you may have. However, be warned bookings are only 60 minutes, so you have to make sure you get all your shots in by the allotted time.
I found my experience disappointing, even more so seeing as I planned this photo shoot around getting my hair donec hoping to get some great head shots for my future counselling career from it. A head of freshly dyed black hair and bouncy curls pinned back professionally. I curated my outfit to be a mix of professional and funky, but was not in the mood to remove my jacket and get comfortable after walking in and seeing the set up. I changed my shoes in the car to be able to showcase some height in heels, but was not able to capture it. I also bought props that went unused. My blue light UV glasses and a couple of textbooks to reflect the professional I was hoping to become, all left on used. It was hard to get excited and want to continue when things aren’t as expected.
I ended up cutting my time short with little communication, not wanting to ruin everyone else’s time. I removed myself from the situation.
At the time of writing this post, I am not optimistic of the results, but I am curious to see how the photos turned out. I do regret, inviting a group to come play my “work family”, having had it not meet my own expectations.
In truth, I have been to another self operated Photo Booth recently, so couldn’t help but compared the two experiences now. The bar was already raised.
Considering this is a new venture, and repeat businesses and word of mouth is key during these introductory months; I would have expected a more concrete sesdion that has such kinks worked out. I would have given them more grace, and would not have expected as much if they were not double the price of the other self Photo Booth. This felt put together in someone’s basement. So, as the newer of the two experiences there is only room to grow for The Booth YVR.
I like the moxie of the business idea and capitalizing on the trend, but have seen and experienced other studios put in a lot more effort into currating a more welcoming and elevated experience. I would like to see what they do to improve and now they grow in the future, to set themselves apart.
The Booth YVR
Studio 117 @ City Centre Artist Lodge
2111 Main Street, Vancouver, BC
