Fian....Wife's Photobooth

[Green Giant]

It has been a while guys.  Finally got some time to get back in, and I have a deadline to complete this project.  I finished my arcade back in 07' and then the economy hit.  My girlfriend at the time loved the arcade, but she gave a condition of it going in the house if I also got her a photobooth, like the old ones from the mall.

Fast forward 2 years and I finally get the funds to buy the ring and pop the question(see attached).


More to the point, I promised her a photobooth for the wedding reception, and I intend to deliver.  

First thing I did for this, something many of you other young guys like myself without an amazing shop to work in should do, build a saw horse.  I had some lumber in the garage of the house we rent, so I put it to use.  Lots of sweat and a little hard work, I have my work platforms.

[Green Giant]

A short trip to home depot and I had the lumber, screws, and a few pieces of random hardware for about $120ish.  Got cabinet grade 1/2" plywood since it will be stained.

Second pick shows the front, back, and back pieces for the photobooth.

And I am attaching a simple paint schematic.  I did most of the design work on paper and in my head.  This should give you guys an idea of what I am doing.

[Green Giant]

Once I figured the width, I decided to start on the bench.  Originally was one piece but I have some heavy friends so I reinforced it a bit. I think I put the wrong size for the depth, will confirm later.


I plan to cover the seat with carpet padding and then wrap it with some cheap pleather material.  Got a great idea of adding a diamond hex pattern from another guys photo booth on here.



As for printing.  Getting an epson printer with a CIS system.  A Continuous Ink System runs tubing from the printer to an outside ink storage tank that allows for HUNDREDS upon hundreds of printouts.  Now I will only have to worry about paper running out at the wedding.

[Green Giant]

Created the side panels to match the length of the bench.  Added some braces where the bench seat will rest and left a little room for the front panel of it.

This is how it is right now.  Need to get back to work asap.

As for the corners of the booth, trying to find some cheap aluminum angle brackets that will look nice against the stained plywood.  So much work to do and so many ideas that need perfecting.

[thatpurplestuff]

Congratulations!

Went to a wedding last weekend with a photobooth and it was a blast.  One thing you may want to consider is grabbing some fun props and putting them on a table outside of the booth.  There were a bunch of funny hats, wigs, mustaches, glasses, etc and people were having a blast putting them on before they went into the booth.  Just something to think about (that is of course after you actually complete the booth!)

[Nephasth]

Congratulations!

+1! When is D-Day anyway? Just wondering what time frame you have to work with.

[Green Giant]

Congratulations!

+1! When is D-Day anyway? Just wondering what time frame you have to work with.

October 29th.  So I have some time.  Not to worried about it really.  I think I can have most of the construction done in the next 2 weeks.


But it's all about the details, especially when it has to be "perfect" according to the little lady.




Also, to the above comment.  I am going to hinge the bench to allow for prop storage in the seat.

[BobA]

Great idea.   Remember the last 5% (getting it perfect) can take as long as the original 95%.

[Green Giant]

So I finally got out over the weekend to sweat and continue building.  Finished the other side of the panel and had to make a few adjustments to properly align the front panel to make it flush.

These will definitely need some putty soon.  My primary aim was to complete one half of the structure though.

That shows what it looks like closed up and off the homemade sawhorses. 

The next two show the lid open from two angles.  I still need to add a floor to the box, but not sure if I want to elevate the entire assembly or make it flush with the walls.  Suggestions?


And finally what it looks like standing up.

Tested out the seat by bouncing my 225 lbs on it.  No weird noises.  Now to disconnect it and apply padding.

PS.  It is so damn hot in Houston.

[Well Fed Games]

A very cool project, I look forward to seeing it complete!

[Fordman]

What photobooth software are you using? I have tried 5-6 of them (trials) and nothing really stands out as easy to use or they are cost prohibitive to buy (Up to $300 for a 1 week license....OUCH!)

Fordman

[Green Giant]

What photobooth software are you using? I have tried 5-6 of them (trials) and nothing really stands out as easy to use or they are cost prohibitive to buy (Up to $300 for a 1 week license....OUCH!)

Fordman

http://sparkbooth.com/
I looked around ALOT.  Even started working on some scripting features using autohotkey.  This software looks better than the $500 versions and it is only $60.00

I tested it in an old computer I had, talking celeron processor old, and it seemed to stress the onboard video to much.  Otherwise it looks to be the hands down best out there regardless of price.  And when you factor in price you really can't compare it to anything else.

[johnm160]

Was just wondering where you were at with this project?

[dfmaverick]

Tick Tock

[Green Giant]

Don't worry, I am still working on it.  Got delayed by a trip to Chicago to meet her family up there for the first time after 8 years of dating.  Had to do very delayed engagement photos.  Plan the honeymoon.  I swear I am doing way to much planning for this wedding.

But I have an update I will post later today.  Not as far along as I had wanted to be, but done with alot of the construction.  Need to get ---my bottom--- moving on the stain work asap.

Bought a new computer for cheap from newegg, or at least parts of a computer.  Works great. 

[Green Giant]

Alright, some updates.   IT IS HOT.  It has been HOT.  Live in Houston FYI.  After sweating on my project for quite a while (thank god it wasn't MDF) I splurged.



So I started on the central base which will hold the guts.  Using 2x2s for all the bracing since it is easy, cheap, and light.


The other half of the top I think I left it leaning against the wall too long since it is only 5/8" I think hence the 2x4 to straighten it out.

[Green Giant]

After the bench portion was done I did some more thinking and realized I didn't want to add a single base across the bottom.  I also didn't want to put a flat base on the bottom as I like it to be 6'6" even.

So I had to jimmy rig a bottom for it.

Also removed the bench and played with my new router bits from China.

Figured it will make covering it in fabric a little easier.


Now back to the main base.  It needed a bottom, however this time I planned ahead and left enough space to attach one.

It only covered half since I was just using some scrap wood from the other panels.  No worries since the other half covered it nicely.
 
The bottom feels very solid.

[Green Giant]

A quick stop at Home Depot to buy another sheet of plywood.  Think I was assuming 2 feet width but I made it around 26" to account for the almost 20" printer which has ink reservoirs next to it.

The final side piece fits, but I can't attach it until I finish spacing out the inner guts.  Also need to come up with a door.  I am undecided on the side where the prints will come out or the back (opposite the people taking pictures).  Thoughts?

Now a shot of the top of the base with some reinforcement for stability.


And lastly both panels facing each other semi complete for the first time.  Should be noted on the back of each panel are some wheels so they can be tilted back and rolled through doors and what not.

Up next will take some pics of the computer setup I settled on.

[Green Giant]

So some late updates.

This is the main guts of the machine.  Got the mobo/cpu/vga mini-itx combo from newegg plus the ram(I think 4 gig) for around $180.00.  Logitech hi-def webcam off ebay for around $40 I think.  Using an old hard drive I had laying around plus a PSU I picked up on ebay for like $15.  Cheap build with enough video processing to run the webcam video smoothly.  Prior to this I tried on an old AMD 64 computer which couldn't produce a good enough frame rate when Sparkbooth was running.  Sparkbooth runs on an adobe flash/air setup I believe.


Touchscreen monitor from ebay for $50.  Was already decased when I got it.  Works great even after living a previous life in some kiosk somewhere.  Oh, and Brandy.


Wider shot of it all plus Brandy and Madeleine's butt.

[Green Giant]

Looking good, man.  It's hot in San Antonio too but at least we don't have any humidity.

$15 for a power supply?  Computer shop down the street has dozens of them for $5/each.  Makes me think I need to raid the place and pass them along to people here.

$5, damn that is cheap.  I know the supply was pretty low, I don't remember exactly cause I got 2 and it was like 2 months ago.  But they sure weren't $5 since it had to ship.  I suppose I should have shopped around some more.

At least the comp was as cheap as I could get.

[Green Giant]

So I got to hacking up the panel for the controls.  Fit the monitor in nice and flush.  It looks ugly since there are wires around the monitor to run the touch screen.  This is a non issue since I plan to get some framing wood to frame the front of it. 
 
Camera cut out which was rounded off as evenly as I could manage with the curved router bit.

Backside of the camera routed out to provide a flush finish and account for the unique camera shape.

Up next is cutting out a door on the back for access.  Going to use a rather long piano hinge.

[Green Giant]

So quite a few updates.

Back door beginning to get cut out.

Measuring out the hinge placement.  Forgot to take a picture of it mounted, however it won't look complete until I get the metal framing pieces which are going on after it is stained.

Cleaned up the monitor area with a nice frame.  Corners aren't perfect but will use some wood filler to touch that up.  Still not sure how people measure out frames perfectly yet.  Doing lots of trail and error on this bad boy.

Another shot of the framed monitor window.  Above the monitor and camera is the port for the light.
Yes it is ugly.  Will use the same aluminum angle pieces to frame it and hide any imperfections.

[Green Giant]

SECURE YOUR ROUTER BITS!!!!!

My initial plan for the light was to round off the wood with a nice rounded router bit, but turns out I didn't tighten it down enough.

Thankfully plan B is inlay the light diffuser (why it is routed 1/8") and place a flat 1 1/2" aluminum bar over it.

[Green Giant]

And now the bench.  I have to admit I stole a lot of this idea from another photo booth I saw on here.  I can't remember who but his upholstery idea was great.

So the cushion will have foam padding with fake leather on top of it.  As you can see the diamond patter is where buttons will be placed on the leather creating a cushion design.

Math is fun.  With an unconventional seat dimension had to math out the button arrangement.

The top center button will actually be the metal handle so users can open it up to pick any props they want to use.

Test fit of the padding.  Madeline seemed to enjoy it so should be good for customers.

I did finish the leather last night but was to tired to photo it.  Also applied all the buttons but one which broke.  Have to go buy another button.  Overall looks very sexy.


I was worried about the timeline but the only woodwork left is the roof which is really simple.  Going to start staining this week.

[Green Giant]

Got delayed by the woman.  Damn can they just take all your time.

So here is the bench seat as promised.  It came out great.

This is the back.  I predrilled holes in an evenly spaced out diamond patter.

This is the handle which I routed out a space so it can sit flush.  Had to trim alot of stuffing out and really jam it in there but the cheap walmart pleather held up great.

Lastly a shot of the bench inside the booth for a test fit.  Works great.

[Green Giant]

So started on the home stretch for the photo booth this past weekend.  The roof and any final details.
The thing has about a 2 foot gap to walk through to accommodate any big boys.  I figure if I can comfortably get my 6'6" shoulders through it then everyone else should too.
Below is the top of the roof.  Had to reinforce it since it felt pretty flimsy.

Added a side to it.  Looks pretty nice from the outside.

The inner guts showing how it is secured.  LOTS of angle brackets and very short 1/2" screws.

The finished roof.

And now in place.


I also built the slot for the pictures to drop out but forgot to take a picture.  it came out great with a nice rounded edge thanks to a router that didn't freak out on me.  Applied the wood filler everywhere last night.  

Tonight is sanding and conditioner application for the stain to evenly apply.

[Green Giant]

Damn I am exhausted.  That stupid cold front got me motivated to open the garage door and start smelling paint fumes.  Gotta love 65 degree weather.  My initial intention last night was to apply the conditioner to the wood so I could then stain it later this week, well I read the instructions after the first coat and realized I had 5-10 minutes to get the stain on there.

Stupid instructions always trying to ruin my fun.  Here goes.  You can see the front with light shining in from my garage light.

Here is the side panel I mentioned earlier where the photos drop out.

The bench seat portion.  I left the bottom where props will go bare since I figure a brighter color will make seeing in there easier.  I may yet get one of those battery powered led lights in it.

And lastly a shot showing the bench part and the roof.  The roof took the longest since I used a really cheap piece of plywood for it.  Had run out of the other stuff and it is only a roof.

Up next.  Poly for a glossy coat.  Guess we will see how many coats I get on before I just get too tired.

[Green Giant]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kodak-Stickerprints-Booth-/290621805791?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43aa68d4df

Just saying.

First of all, eww...Dallas, I don't want any crap from dallas.


Second, the perfectionist I am building this for would stab me if I rolled up with that thing.

[Fordman]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kodak-Stickerprints-Booth-/290621805791?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43aa68d4df

Just saying.

WOW! 462 lbs? How in the world would anyone be able to move the darn thing?

Fordman

[Fordman]

Im just wondering how the fotobooth will be transported? 

Fordman

[Green Giant]

Im just wondering how the fotobooth will be transported? 

Fordman

Back of my truck.  That is why it is sectional.

[Green Giant]

Monday morning update.  Last week.  Lots completed.

Spent 2 days sniffing polyurethane.  That stuff is powerful and effective.......for making wood shine.

Firstly put on 3 coats of glossy polyurethane.  Pictures don't do it justice as it really pops now.  The reds in the stain really look nice.  I wrapped sheet metal around the base to give it a more uniform and secure look.  Added some corner pieces at the angles for strength as well as the aluminum angles up the sides.

Added the flat panel on the back door to hide some flaws in the cutting and improved the look.  Also added a little lock to secure it.

And now the front.  Placed a piece of frosted plastic in the cutout for the light.  Then added the aluminum trim to frame the light.  All in all it looks great.

Just have to finish wrapping the bench seat cover it.  Then it comes down to remaining cosmetic pieces.  Bought some curtains yesterday.  I think I can finish off the second part tonight.

[Green Giant]

It has been a while since I updated anything about my booth.

Wedding came and went by successfully, and the photobooth worked like a charm.  I just barely got it all finished.  While installing mobo direct to booth wall I cracked it 2 days before the wedding.  Thank god Fry's is 10 minutes away.  After a very early morning trip the day before the wedding I was up and running with a new motherboard that matched my peripherals.  I stripped an old.....OLD computer of the guts and popped in the new mobo in an actual case.  Some tweaking of the drivers and we were up and running.

After the motherboard drama was through, everything else setup just fine.  Now came the other scary part, transport.  My dad and I loaded it up in his truck and managed to get it to the reception in one piece.  The printer acted a little crazy at first but the test print actually worked flawlessly.  

The photobooth was a HUGE hit at the reception.  There was a line from the time dinner ended until we left.  Not one error or bad printout.  It was definitely fun to hear everyone rave about it and then tell them I built the whole thing.

We ate, drank, danced, drank, ate cake, drank, took pictures, and drank some more.  Great wedding with no major problems.  Next morning my groomsmen transported the booth back to my garage while we finished packing for Italy.

Weekend before last I finally stuck the thing in my man cave.

[Green Giant]

I still need to make a few tweaks on the little guy which are mostly cosmetic stuff around the base.  Probably won't even touch that stuff until next year.  I will see about putting in a vid of the thing running if I can convince myself to move my sweet printer back downstairs.  God I love that continuous ink system.


I might let my brother rent it out with his DJ business.  The idea of getting $500 a gig would be insane.  Who would have thought actually having one of these crazy projects cost me nothing in the end.

[Well Fed Games]

The photobooth was a HUGE hit at the reception.  There was a line from the time dinner ended until we left.  Not one error or bad printout.  It was definitely fun to hear everyone rave about it and then tell them I built the whole thing.

Success! Congrats! 

[gatordad]

Post some of the pic's people took!
Those things bring out the kid in everyone!

I bet there are some good ones.

[DaOld Man]

Great job! And congratulations on the marriage, may you live long, prosper and have many kids to build things for.

Also, I agree with gatordad about posting some of the pics, but remember, this is a family friendly forum LOL.

[Green Giant]

Great job! And congratulations on the marriage, may you live long, prosper and have many kids to build things for.

Also, I agree with gatordad about posting some of the pics, but remember, this is a family friendly forum LOL.

Actually I plan on creating a giant collage of all the pictures people took into a huge picture.

I just need to get on it, Christmas takes up so much time.