How To Build A D.I.Y. Photo Booth

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.

Tools and materials

Steps

1
Preparing 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.
2
Measuring 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.
3
Building 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).
4
Completing 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.
5
Setting 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.
6
Keep 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.