360 Video Booths-All You Need To Know!
The popular new product sweeping the events industry!
360 video booths are the newest trend to hit the events industry.
First seen on red carpets and A-list events around the world they are now available at an affordable cost to customers just like you!
Since they first burst onto the scene many event and photo booth companies (ourselves included) have added them to their product lists and we have also seen countless new companies emerging solely offering 360 video booths.
With a product so new and somewhat unknown to many people it can be a little overwhelming to try and book one, equally, how do you know what to look for? What products/systems are good and which are bad? Is what you're being offered good value? And is it going to be everything you pictured when it turns up on the day?
Hopefully through this blog, I will be able to help you guys make informed decisions and know what to look out for when booking.
Firstly I would always say, know your budget!
We understand that any event, wedding or special occasion costs money and everyone's budgets will be different. Budget will not stop you from being able to book one of these fantastic extras, however it will effect the quality of the product that you get. As with many things you really do get what you pay for.
You may be able to get a 4 hour booth from one company for the same price as a 2 hour booth at another company but what are you actually paying for? I would always opt for quality over quantity.
There are companies offering 3 and 4 hour video booths for £200-£300 and that is absolutely fine. Just bare in mind that you are likely to get something that looks like this...
...and not something that looks like this...
Although would you believe that the booth in the first photo costs almost twice as much to hire than the one in the second photo?! So it is also important to make sure that you aren't being ripped off!
So how does a 360 video booth work?
You stand on the platform, dance your heart out and the camera spins around you.
It really is that simple!
The biggest misconception I find customers have is that the platform spins and they worry they will get motion sick or fall off!
The platform that you stand on is completely static, you guys just have to look like you're having a good time (which if you've booked a J.A.B.S Event Hire DJ you will be!) and let the booth do the rest.
Top Tips when booking would be:
Whoever you decide to book with, make sure you know what they are using as the camera. There are various different options-camcorders, smart phones, tablets-but you want to know what it will be. This will of course determine the camera quality and therefore quality of your videos. Equally if a smart phone is being used you will likely be unable to watch your video back properly and sharing will be more difficult due to navigating such a small screen.
You also want to check the size of the platform. Smaller platforms will hold less people, bigger platforms will hold more. Some companies will provide a small platform only really designed for 1 maybe 2 people cause it's cheaper for them, and allow you to squeeze 3 or 4 on there-all this is going to do is have a negative effect on your videos, not to mention it's just dangerous. So always ensure you know the platform size and also be mindful of overcrowding.
Do they provide any form of surround or backdrop? This can be a personal choice thing and some people will prefer to have the booth open so that it captures guests around the room in the background of the videos, however check whether you get the choice or is one included. A backdrop is a good middle ground but we will always recommend a full surround as the best option. Firstly it adds that something extra to the booth, it makes it feel more exclusive and guests tend to feel more comfortable when using it. Secondly, let's be honest, we're not in LA or Times Square with beautiful picturesque scenery and celebs strolling around so chances are you're going to catch Uncle John strolling past to the toilet or Nana Jean up the bar. As I say this is completely personal choice but it is always good to be offered the choice of with or without. If you opt to go without check what the alternative will look like.
What lighting is provided with your video booth? Whether you have a surround or not, your room is likely going to be a little dark, especially if the booth is set up where the main event is going on, so what lighting is provided to counter this and ensure you can actually see yourselves on your videos? Also what additional 'mood' lighting is included? You can see in the first picture above that there are white lights to light up the area/guests but nothing else-this is supposed to be a party! Do you get LED lights, disco lights or Ibiza sticks included?
The surround and the additional lighting may seem like something really unimportant but when you are spending your hard earned cash on throwing a celebration for whatever reason you surely want everything you have booked to look appealing? If you booked chair covers and they were stained you wouldn't be happy as it ruins the aesthetic of your party so why should your booth be any different? I always think that it shows that the company are proud of their product as well and actually happy to be and want to be a part of your big day, birthday booze up or whatever else you are partying for. You want your monies worth from any product or extra that you book and you want it to look like the supplier you have paid for that care and have made an effort.
The basic things to think about when booking your 360 booth are:
-Find/ask for as many pictures and videos as you can so you can see the company in action. This includes the finished videos that you and your guests receive to see recording quality and whether any overlays or personalisation are available.
-Check what is included in the price you have been quoted. Just because it is in their pictures or videos does not necessarily mean you are going to receive it. We have seen it too many times where what a customer receives looks nothing like the picture that they saw and they are then told that that is an 'added extra' or a 'premium package'. Unfortunately some companies will go all out for marketing purposes and then put in minimal effort for the event once money has changed hands.
-Read reviews! Even if you can't find any specific to 360 booths, see what people are saying about the company as a whole.
-Find out how much experience they have and how long they have been in the industry. As I say, numerous new companies are popping up solely to market 360 video booths and whilst most are serious about making it into a legitimate business and will appreciate your business no end, there will be some who are just jumping on the latest new trend to make some quick cash.
All of these points can be applied across the board when booking entertainment, extras and anything else for your event. Whether you book ourselves or someone else, just please do your research. In this industry cheaper is definitely not better and every event and celebration is massively important to you, it needs to be as important to your suppliers as well!
Hopefully you've found this informative-comment any questions or if I've missed anything you want information on, and I will see you all soon at your upcoming celebrations!
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