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How to build a D.I.Y. photo booth

By Bunnings magazine /

A D.I.Y. photo booth set up in a leafy and green backyard setting.

Overview

You’ve organised the food, the setting, theme and music for your next party, but what about a place to capture all the merry-making? This D.I.Y. photo booth will be an instant hit amongst your guests (and the best thing is it’s easy to do!) Whether you choose to build your photo booth frame with PVC or copper tubes, this guide will help you create the perfect set-up.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, and a mask, for example) when doing D.I.Y. projects, and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

D.I.Y. photo booth frame size guide

This D.I.Y. photo booth frame size measures 180cm in height and 100cm in width. This size provides the perfect dimensions for capturing full-body shots while remaining stable. If you're wondering about using PVC instead of copper, this D.I.Y. photo booth frame can be adapted using PVC pipes of similar dimensions.

Steps

1Preparing our D.I.Y. photo booth frame: Paint mesh

Wearing safety equipment and working on a drop sheet, apply a coat of metal spray primer and two coats of metallic paint to a 1.8m x 1m mesh panel, leaving to dry after each coat.
Creating a D.I.Y. photo booth - applying metallic spray paint to the frame mesh.

2Measuring your frame: Prep pipe

Measure and mark four 19mm x 1.5m copper plumbing tubes to cut three 1m and six 300mm lengths using a pipe cutter. Tip: Sand or file the cut edges to deburr if necessary.
D.I.Y. photo booth frame size – cutting copper tubes to correct for assembly.

3Building the structure: Assemble the frame

Apply clear epoxy adhesive to tube ends as you go. To make base, join two 1m tubes (front and back) and four 300mm tubes (sides) with four elbows and two 20mm tees. Insert 1.5m tubes (uprights) into tees, add 20mm straight couplings, then 300mm tubes. Use elbows to add 1m tube (top rail). 
D.I.Y. photo booth frame PVC and copper tube connections - assembling 90 degree joints.

4Completing your D.I.Y. photo booth structure: Attach the mesh

Position painted mesh in frame and temporarily attach with cable ties. Starting at base, use copper wire to secure mesh to the frame at every second horizontal bar and each vertical bar at the top, and trim with wire cutters. Snip off cable ties.
D.I.Y. photo booth frame size assembly – securing mesh with wire ties.

5Setting up your booth: Decorate your stand and make memories

Once your photo stand is in place you can decorate the display stand (we used faux eucalyptus garlands and festoon lights). Ask guests to take a Polaroid selfie or two on the way in. Use wooden pegs to attach photos and add to it during the event. Guests can take one home as a memento.
D.I.Y. photo booth frame size – decorating with Polaroid photos and creating memories.

6Keep in mind...

  • When spray-painting, wear eye protection, a mask and gloves and work outside or in a well-ventilated area, covering surrounding areas with a drop sheet to avoid overspray.
  • Keep all paint and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
  • Move your D.I.Y. photo booth undercover in wet and windy weather.

    • 7With your guest’s extra photo…

    Why not use the happy snaps to seat your guests in another easy D.I.Y. event idea.

     

    Photo credit: Eunice Oh, Jonny Valiant.

    Health & Safety

    Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

    When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.