Operator Spotlight: Colin from Adept Photo Booths

Welcome back for another installment of our Operator Spotlight series. This week we chatted to Colin from Adept Photo Booths a Perth based photo booth hire business who also service Mandurah. Colin is only relatively new to the photo booth hire industry but not the events industry where he is an events, marketing and sponsorship professional. Here's what he had to say about boothin.

When was the first time you can remember being in a photo booth?

I have been in a photo booth countless times, however my most memorable was at my own wedding. We had a photo booth at our reception and still look at our album with personal messages from our guests often (more than our professional photos!).

Describe what you believe it is about photo booths which makes them so popular?

Giving guests the ability to leave a photo and a personal message in a guest book creates a time capsule that the hirer can treasure for years to come. I must also say that the entertainment value of a photo booth as an icebreaker for a corporate function or to start the party at a wedding reception is one of the their most over rated feature.

How long have your been a "photo boother" and what made you decide to become one?" 

Adept Photo Booths is relatively new compared to some “Photo Boother’s” in Perth as I am in my first year of operation. In saying that, I have been in the events industry for over 10 years and enjoy helping create unique and memorable experiences for hirers and their guests. Photo booths are an extension of what I have been doing my whole career. The satisfaction of exceeding people’s expectations and helping them create memories that last a lifetime drives my passion for what I do.

Is there one photo booth hire you have done that has stood out above all the rest and why?

This industry allows you to meet so many great people. I have had many great experiences with hirers from working with the  inspirational young people achieving great things through adversity at the 2016 Perth Airport Achievers Awards to celebrating national championships with the West Coast Angels of the Ladies Gridiron League. But I would have to say that a baby shower that I have coming up where a photo booth will be used to add a twist to all of the traditional games of ‘guess the baby’s weight’ and ‘guess the baby’s name’ is one that I am particularly looking forward to. The ability to take a timeless tradition, add a modern twist, and exceed the hirers expectations is what I enjoy most about the events industry.

What do you believe it is about your photo booth hire business that sets it apart from your local competition?

Many photo booth providers will claim that their equipment sets them apart. However I believe that most photo booths, as long as they have a DRLR camera and quality prints, will be fit for purpose. So for me, I would have to say that my commitment to enhancing an event rather than merely documenting the event is what sets me apart. Booking a photo booth starts with a conversation of what value I can bring to the event through my experience in the events industry and ensuring that I deliver what the hirer wants. Often hirers don’t know exactly what they want and need to be guided through the process. I enjoy talking them through the possibilities and often leave them more excited about the event coming up as we work together on a plan to deliver the perfect approach to fit their unique personality and event.

What are some of the challenges of running a photo booth hire business?

Whist there are some great operators in the market, there are also some cowboys that tarnish the reputation of the industry as a whole. Without a doubt we are in the customer service industry so reputation is key to people building trust in a photo booth operator. Operationally I would have to say stairs are my biggest challenge. Sure my photo booth is portable so I can get up stairs, but that doesn’t mean that I have to enjoy it!

What's your the best tip you can give someone who is considering hiring a photo booth for their important event?

Talk to your provider with an open mind. Search for a unique approach to the strip artwork, background or experience that compliments your personality and will enhances your event.

What's the funniest thing you have ever seen happen in a photo booth?

It is always entertaining seeing people come out of their shells in a photo booth. It still amazes me how more often than not the ‘party pooper’ with their arms crossed in the corner becomes the ‘party boother’ as soon as they are dragged into the photo booth.

Is there a pose that you think should be banned from photo booths?

The term “what happens in a photo booth stays in a photo booth” is not entirely accurate. What happens in a photo booth also ends up on the photo booth hard drive and sometimes is shared straight to social media. Keep it clean folks!

Who in your opinion has the most fun in a photo booth kids or adults, boys or girls, men or women?  

Tough question. I have never seen anyone leave a photo booth without a smile on their face. Sure, some people get dragged in there kicking and screaming, but after one shot, they usually come back.

Thanks to Colin for fitting us in despite the different time zones from across the country. For all you West Australians who live in and around Perth and Mandurah make sure you get in touch with Colin and the Adept Photo Booths crew for your next Wedding, Party or Corporate photo booth hire.