ProBooth Talk

Welcome to ProBooth Talk, a podcast focused on building the skills needed to grow your photo booth company! Listen along as we explore the hurdles of photo booth ownership, covering everything from equipment and software to marketing strategies and client management. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or still learning the ropes, ProBooth Talk provides invaluable insights, industry expert level interviews, and actionable advice to help you succeed in our ever evolving industry.
Episodes
Episodes



Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
iPad vs DSLR: Or Is the Battle Over?
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Explore the evolution of the battle between DSLR and iPad photo booths as Jason and Lap explore the benefits and shortcomings of each. They also marriage between the two options and the future of booths, including Mac-based systems. Essential listening for photo booth owners!



Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
From Clicks to Conversions: A Summary of the Digital Marketing Process
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Join Jason and Lap as they dive into the role of SEO in the marketing funnel and the challenges of measuring its ROI. They discuss the impact of SEO and AI on website optimization, balancing business growth, and the importance of converting visitors into leads. Essential insights for optimizing your photo booth business!



Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Starting Somewhere: Starting Anywhere is Not a Plan
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Join Jason and Lap as they delve into the essentials of being prepared and knowledgeable in the photo booth industry. Learn about key photography skills, software troubleshooting, technical equipment handling, and the importance of a solid business plan, insurance, and a professional website. Essential insights for all photo booth business owners!



Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
Creating with Confidence: The Tools Clay Moore of Photo Booth Graphics Recommends
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
Join us as Clay Moore from Photo booth Graphics dives into the graphic design side of the photo booth industry. Discover insights on design concepts, screen vs. print resolution, DIY vs. professional design, and the latest trends. Don’t miss this essential episode for all photo booth entrepreneurs!



Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
Eat the Frog: Tackling Tasks and Procrastination
Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
The conversation revolves around the topic of procrastination and time management. Jason & Lap discuss their personal experiences with procrastination and how it affects their productivity, sharing strategies for staying organized, such as creating to-do lists and prioritizing tasks.
The conversation ends with a discussion on the concept of 'eating the frog' and tackling the most challenging tasks first.



Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Rapid Fire, no.1: Tip Jars, Drinking, Dress Codes and More
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Show Description
In this Rapid Fire episode, Jason and Lap answer questions from Facebook groups about photo booth software, tips, attire, and branding the photo booth experience. They discuss the importance of considering individual business needs when choosing software and emphasize the need for clear communication about event goals and requirements. They also share their thoughts on accepting tips, dress code, and the importance of professionalism. Additionally, they discuss the potential risks and liabilities of drinking on the job and the benefits of branding the photo booth experience. In this conversation, Jason Whaley and Lap discuss the topic of branding in the photo booth industry. They share their experiences and perspectives on the use of logos and branding on photo strips, tables, and other elements of the photo booth setup. They also discuss the idea of white labeling and when it may be appropriate to refer clients to other vendors. The conversation touches on the importance of transparency and honesty when dealing with clients and the benefits of having a strong network of industry peers. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights into branding strategies and decision-making in the photo booth business.
Takeaways
When choosing photo booth software, consider your specific business needs and goals.
Clear communication about event requirements and goals is essential for providing the best software and service.
Tips can be a personal choice, but it's important to consider the appropriateness for your business and clientele.
Dress code should reflect professionalism and differentiate staff from guests.
Drinking on the job can lead to liability issues and should be avoided.
Branding the photo booth experience can help create a memorable and recognizable brand. Subtle branding is often more effective and less intrusive than excessive branding
Consider the long-term impact of branding on photo strips and other printed materials
White labeling can be a viable option for offering new services without extensive investment
Transparency and honesty with clients are crucial for building trust
Networking with industry peers can provide valuable support and learning opportunities



Wednesday Jun 12, 2024
Read Your Client: Adapting Sales Techniques to be More Effective
Wednesday Jun 12, 2024
Wednesday Jun 12, 2024
Show Description
In this conversation, Jason and Lap discuss the importance of adapting to various clients in the sales process. They emphasize the need to understand the specific needs and goals of each client and tailor the sales approach accordingly. They highlight the different personality types of clients and how to effectively communicate with each type. They also stress the importance of active listening, asking the right questions, and building rapport with clients. The conversation concludes with a mention of the significance of follow-up in the sales process.
Takeaways
Understand the specific needs and goals of each client and tailor the sales approach accordingly.
Different personality types require different communication styles and approaches.
Active listening and asking the right questions are crucial in the sales process.
Building rapport with clients is essential for establishing trust and closing the sale.
Follow-up is an important part of the sales process and should be done appropriately and timely.



Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
In this conversation, Jason Whaley, Lap Le and guest host Brittany Griffor of Symphony Weddings & Events discuss the importance of building relationships with wedding planners and vendors. They emphasize the need for new companies to establish their identity and goals before approaching planners. Brittany advises new companies to attend industry events and networking opportunities to meet planners and make authentic connections. She highlights the value of trustworthiness, reliability, and problem-solving skills in the vendors she chooses to work with. Both Jason and Brittany stress the significance of delivering high-quality service and executing their roles professionally. They also caution against relying solely on lower prices or kickbacks to win business, as the strength of relationships and reputation are more important factors for planners. Building strong relationships with vendors is key in the wedding industry. Offering special pricing or upgrades to trusted vendors can enhance the client experience and foster loyalty. It's important to focus on the guest experience and provide unique and innovative offerings to stand out in the market. Discounting should be strategic and not undervalue the quality and value of your services. Cold calling or emailing may not be as effective as networking at industry events and building connections over time. The first meeting with a potential vendor should focus on relationship building rather than a sales pitch. In this conversation, Brittany and Lap discuss the importance of building relationships in the wedding industry. They emphasize the need for genuine connections and getting to know each other on a personal level. They compare the process to dating and highlight the importance of taking the time to build a friendship. They also address the issue of photo booths being left out or forgotten in the industry and discuss ways to improve visibility and recognition. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the value of networking, communication, and collaboration in the wedding industry.



Wednesday May 29, 2024
F*!&? Your Contract: Contracts vs Mission Statements
Wednesday May 29, 2024
Wednesday May 29, 2024
Show Description
The conversation discusses the importance of having a contract tailored to your business and the value of mission statements. It emphasizes the need for a balance between legal obligations and ethical decision-making. The hosts share their experiences with contracts and how they handle client requests and cancellations. They also highlight the importance of being proactive, communicating with clients, and being the expert in your field. The conversation concludes with a reminder to have a contract, a business plan, and a mission statement.
Takeaways
Have a contract tailored to your business and have it reviewed by an attorney
Balance legal obligations with ethical decision-making
Communicate with clients and be proactive in addressing concerns and requests
Be the expert in your field and provide solutions rather than just referring to the contract
Have a mission statement that guides your decision-making and reflects your business goals



Wednesday May 22, 2024
Working for Exposure: Leveraging Free Services into Lasting Relationships
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Wednesday May 22, 2024
Show Description
The conversation revolves around the topic of donating time, equipment, and services for free events. The hosts discuss their experiences with free events and the different types of events they participate in. They emphasize the importance of being selective and strategic when choosing which events to sponsor. They also discuss the benefits of showcasing unique services and products at free events to make a lasting impression. The hosts share personal stories and examples to illustrate their points. In this conversation, LX PIX INC and Jason Whaley discuss the benefits and drawbacks of participating in free events as a photo booth company. They highlight the importance of building relationships and making connections at events like open houses and bridal shows. They also discuss the potential value of sponsoring events and partnering with influencers. They caution against participating in events that don't align with your target market or that don't offer a mutually beneficial relationship. They emphasize the need for research and careful consideration before committing to free events.
Takeaways
Be selective about the free events you choose to participate in
Consider the potential benefits and opportunities for exposure when deciding to donate your time, equipment, or services
Create a questionnaire or form for people requesting free services to explain why they deserve it and how they can reciprocate
Use free events as an opportunity to showcase unique services and products
Build relationships with event planners and industry professionals through free events
Track and evaluate the impact of free events on your average job price Participating in free events like open houses and bridal shows can be beneficial for building relationships and making connections with potential clients.
Sponsoring events and partnering with influencers can provide exposure and potential business opportunities.
It's important to carefully consider the value and alignment of an event before committing to participate for free.
Research and networking can help identify opportunities for sponsorship and partnership with organizations and associations that align with your target market.



Wednesday May 15, 2024
It’s Time to Light the Lights: Lighting in the Photo Booth Industry
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Show Description
The conversation revolves around the topic of lighting in the photo booth industry. The hosts discuss the importance of lighting for photo quality, camera functionality, and overall user experience. They explore different types of lighting options, including umbrellas, beauty dishes, softboxes, bounce cards, and ring lights. They also touch on the use of strobes with DSLR cameras and the flexibility of lighting options for iPad booths. The conversation emphasizes the need for consistency in lighting setups and the creative possibilities that come with using strobes. The conversation explores different aspects of lighting in the photo booth industry. They discuss the importance of good lighting for high-quality photos, the use of additional lighting for iPad booths, the differences between strobes and constant lighting, and the challenges of lighting in different environments. They also touch on the topic of video lighting and the need for powerful LEDs. The conversation concludes with the importance of trial and error, testing different lighting options, and the role of education in improving lighting skills.
Takeaways
Lighting is a crucial aspect of photo booth setups, impacting photo quality, camera functionality, and overall user experience.
Different types of lighting options, such as umbrellas, beauty dishes, softboxes, bounce cards, and ring lights, offer various pros and cons.
Consistency in lighting setups is important to ensure consistent photo outputs across different booths and events.
Strobes are highly recommended for DSLR cameras, providing more control and creative possibilities.
The lighting options for iPad booths have expanded beyond constant LEDs, allowing for more flexibility and improved output. Good lighting is essential for high-quality photos in the photo booth industry.
Additional lighting may be needed for iPad booths to ensure proper lighting and white balance.
There are differences between strobes and constant lighting, and each has its own advantages and limitations.
Video lighting requires powerful LEDs to achieve the desired results.
Trial and error, testing, and education are key to improving lighting skills and finding the best lighting setup for different events.



Wednesday May 08, 2024
The Social Network: The Power of Real-life Likes, Shares and Connections
Wednesday May 08, 2024
Wednesday May 08, 2024
The conversation focuses on networking and building relationships in the event industry. Shannon shares her personal experiences and tips for effective networking. The key takeaways include: 1) Start with one person and make a genuine connection, rather than trying to meet everyone. 2) Take the initiative to follow up with people after networking events. 3) Building relationships takes time and effort, so be patient and consistent. 4) Networking is not just about business, but also about making personal connections and friendships. 5) Introduce people to each other and help facilitate connections. 6) Practice stepping out of your comfort zone and consider taking an improv class to improve networking skills.
Takeaways
Start with one person and make a genuine connection
Take the initiative to follow up after networking events
Building relationships takes time and effort
Networking is about making personal connections and friendships
Introduce people to each other and facilitate connections
Consider taking an improv class to improve networking skills



Wednesday May 01, 2024
Wednesday May 01, 2024
In this conversation, Jason and Lap get carried away and what begins as a discussion about owner vs employee mentality, transitions into back up systems and the again to responding to negative reviews. As a result, this is a LONG one!
So, sit back and join as they talk about the importance of adopting an owner mentality rather than an employee mentality in running a photo booth business. They emphasize the need to take responsibility, make hard decisions, and prioritize the success of the business over personal gain. They also discuss the importance of handling client complaints professionally, being proactive in planning and troubleshooting, and providing exceptional service to create a memorable photo booth experience. Additionally, they highlight the significance of recognizing strengths and weaknesses, delegating tasks, and having backup systems in place to ensure smooth operations. In this part of the conversation, the importance of backup equipment and having a network of support is discussed. Building relationships with competitors and being willing to help each other out in times of need is emphasized. The need for backup tools and equipment, as well as knowledge of software and photography basics, is highlighted. Taking initiative and learning new skills is encouraged, as it allows for greater preparedness and problem-solving. Finally, the importance of addressing issues and implementing solutions is emphasized as a key aspect of being a successful owner. In this conversation, Jason and LX PIX INC discuss the importance of taking responsibility and leading by example in the photo booth industry. They emphasize the need for owners to be proactive and find solutions to problems, rather than blaming others. They share personal experiences of adapting to unexpected situations and going above and beyond for clients. The conversation also covers the importance of being prepared for technical difficulties and handling last-minute changes. They discuss the significance of responding to complaints and negative reviews with genuine empathy and offering solutions. The conversation concludes with a reminder to engage with ProBoothTalk through reviews, subscriptions, and joining their Facebook group.



Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
Exit Surveys & Client Feedback: Collecting and Focusing Customer Feedback
Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
In this episode, Jason and Lap discuss the importance of collecting and using customer feedback. They highlight the value of reading and considering customer reviews, as well as the benefits of conducting exit surveys. The hosts share their experience with exit surveys and how they have used the feedback to make improvements in their business. They also discuss the challenges of handling inquiries through social media and the importance of staying in the customer's preferred communication medium. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the significance of listening to customer feedback and utilizing it to maximize business success.



Wednesday Apr 17, 2024
Be the Limo: Providing the Value You Represent
Wednesday Apr 17, 2024
Wednesday Apr 17, 2024
In this conversation, Jason and Lap discuss the importance of providing the value that you represent as a photo booth provider.
They explore the differences between luxury, mid-range, and budget providers, emphasizing the need to market and present yourself accordingly. They also discuss the misconceptions about luxury providers and the challenges of charging higher prices in saturated markets. The conversation concludes with a focus on developing a mission statement and making pricing decisions that align with your brand. This conversation explores the pitfalls of discount pricing and the importance of understanding the perception of value. It emphasizes the dangers of discounting and the impact it can have on reputation.
The conversation also highlights the importance of thinking long-term and matching products to the market. It discusses the significance of listening to client feedback and recognizing one's market position. The conversation concludes by emphasizing the value of networking, investing in education and skills, and learning from successful brands.



Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
Roaming Photography with James Trivlis
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
In this conversation, James Trivelis, the owner and founder of Curator, discusses the features and benefits of roaming photography and the Curator software. He shares his background in the experiential marketing industry and how he got into photo marketing. James explains how Curator's photography mode allows photographers to capture multiple photos quickly and easily, and how the software can collect data and create personalized galleries for guests. He also emphasizes the importance of photographers having a good understanding of DSLR cameras and photography techniques. Overall, Curator offers a comprehensive solution for roaming photography and photo booth experiences. In this conversation, Lap Le, James Trivlis, and Jason discuss the intricacies of roaming photography and the importance of understanding DSLR basics. They highlight the challenges of engaging with guests and the need for photographers to be knowledgeable and engaging. The conversation also explores the advantages of roaming photography with instant branding and the power of instant branding in capturing additional content for social media. The discussion touches on the different types of roaming photography and the use of automated filters in cameras. The conversation concludes with insights into the future of photography and printing, including post-processing and editing options.



Monday Mar 25, 2024
Choose the Limo, Justifying your Prices
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Summary
Lap and Jason discuss the challenges of justifying high prices in the photo booth industry. They share their personal experiences of transitioning from low-priced providers to higher-priced services and the importance of confidence in pricing. They emphasize the need to consider all the costs involved in running a photo booth business and the importance of understanding the value of the services provided. They also discuss the importance of selling on experience, quality, and the emotional value of once-in-a-lifetime events.
Takeaways
Confidence is key when justifying high prices in the photo booth industry.
Consider all the costs involved in running a photo booth business to accurately price your services.
Sell on experience, quality, and the emotional value of once-in-a-lifetime events.
Be honest with clients and help them understand the value of your services.



Friday Mar 15, 2024
Branding with Sammy & Ursula from Photo Booth Marketing
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Summary
In this episode, Lap and Jason welcome guests, Sammy and Ursula from photoboothmarketing.com to discuss the importance of branding for photo booth businesses.
The guests share their experiences and also caution against common branding mistakes, such as using generic logos and focusing on the product rather than the overall brand. The conversation concludes with a discussion on separating personal and business branding on social media. This part of the conversation explores the importance of branding in the photo booth industry. It discusses the balance between showing a personal side in branding and maintaining professionalism. The conversation emphasizes the need to be your brand everywhere and the impact of personal opinions on social media. It also touches on the significance of branded materials and dress code in events.
Takeaways
Branding is the foundation of a successful photo booth business and should be prioritized before marketing.
Rebranding can be a beneficial and necessary step for business growth and differentiation.
Investing in professional branding services can significantly improve a business's image and attract higher-paying clients.
Avoid common branding mistakes, such as using generic logos and focusing on the product rather than the overall brand.
Separate personal and business branding on social media to maintain a professional image. Maintaining professionalism and relevance in branding is crucial in attracting and retaining the right target audience.
Personal opinions, political views, and offensive content should be avoided in branding.
Branded materials and dress code should align with the event and client's brand, while personal branding can be showcased on personal social media platforms.
Rebranding and evolving your brand over time is a natural part of the learning curve in the industry.
Brand guidelines provide important instructions on how to represent a brand accurately and consistently. Dual branding allows businesses to target different audiences effectively.
Recognizing the need for change and evolving is crucial for business growth.
Corporate events offer significant potential for business growth and profitability.
Brand management is essential for establishing a strong foundation for a business.
Surrounding oneself with honest feedback and role models helps in personal and professional growth.



Friday Mar 15, 2024
Publishing Prices
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Summary
The conversation explores the controversy of putting prices on photo booth websites. The hosts discuss their personal experiences and reasons for either displaying or removing prices from their websites. They highlight the benefits and drawbacks of having prices on websites, including higher booking rates and flexibility in pricing. The conversation also delves into the challenges of listing prices, confusion with package differences, and the perception of value without displaying prices. The hosts emphasize the importance of justifying higher prices and explaining the value of their services. The conversation concludes with an invitation to join their Facebook group.
Takeaways
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to putting prices on photo booth websites; it depends on the business model and goals.
Having prices on websites can lead to higher booking rates and allow customers to book instantly, but it may attract price-sensitive customers.
Not displaying prices on websites allows for more personalized conversations with potential clients and the opportunity to explain the value of the services.
Different pricing structures may be suitable for different types of events and business models.
The perception of value can be enhanced when prices are not displayed on websites, positioning the company as more luxurious or high-end.



Friday Mar 15, 2024
Critical Feedback
Friday Mar 15, 2024
Friday Mar 15, 2024
SummaryIn this conversation, Jason and Lap discuss the topic of accepting criticism. They highlight the common tendency to reject constructive criticism and seek only positive reinforcement. They emphasize the importance of differentiating between constructive and negative criticism and the value of listening to feedback for personal and business growth. They share personal experiences of how criticism has helped them improve their skills and attract high-end clientele. They also discuss the benefits of using the search bar to find answers and solutions within online communities. The conversation concludes with a quote emphasizing the need for gentle criticism that nourishes growth without destroying roots.
Takeaways
Accepting constructive criticism is essential for personal and business growth.
Differentiate between constructive criticism and negative criticism meant to insult or hurt.
Listen to feedback from experienced individuals in the industry and apply it to improve your skills and attract high-end clientele.
Utilize the search bar in online communities to find answers and solutions to common questions and challenges.



Friday Mar 08, 2024
What's in Your Bag?
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Jason and Lap discuss equipment, including DSLR booths, iPads, kiosks, 360 booths, and roaming photography. They also touch on camera choices and CRM systems.

Jason Whaley
Jason, owner of Smash Booth Interactive Photo Studios in Las Vegas has been a member of the photo booth community for over 10 years and has won Booth Masters Best Photo Booth Team Award, and was a finalist for Best Wedding.

Lap Le
Lap, owner of LX PIX in the Los Angeles area has been a member of the photo booth community for over 10 years and has been recognized with the Photo Booth Expo Hall of Fame Award, and was a finalist for the Booth Master's Best Wedding award.