Best practices tips, trick getting started

Above all, especially when starting out, give yourself AMPLE TIME to learn the software. Learning or waiting to set up the Software the day before or day of your next event will almost certainly not end well. While we are dedicated to ensuring you have a path forward, our ability to help is greatly compromised if you are starting from scratch while at your first event.

• Assign a dedicated photo booth attendant
  • It is common to think it will make sense to train your entire team to run your photo booth, but it is difficult to build on previous experience when every event is run by a different employee. Instead, you should plan on having one employee specifically dedicated to setting up the photo booth and attending events. This is especially true with setting up the photo booth software. An 'all hands on deck' approach will only prevent any one employee from gaining an absolute understanding of the photo booth. To re-iterate - you need a team member who knows the photo booth and the software inside and out. This person should have familiarity with Windows, PC Hardware and trouble-shooting.
  • Having a dedicated photo booth attendant will also help with Support. By working with a dedicated individual, we can help to grow an individuals knowledge of the HootBooth they are working with. When dealing with multiple people, more time is spent on the same issues repeatedly.
• Additional Hardware
  • Obtain a mifi device, such as a Verizon Jetpack. This will ensure you have the maximum capability of sharing your content. Hotel, Venue and public wifi connections are often slow and/or have restrictions in place that may very well prevent your content from being shared via SMS, email and social media. 
  • Obtain a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). These devices are cheap and work just like a power strip, but they include a battery that will keep your equipment powered up even if power is lost at the outlet (for example a breaker trips, or someone trips over your extension cord). The peak current draw of our models with all accessories running is 5.5 amps. A standard 120 volt outlet is sufficient.
  • You should also consider obtaining a backup printer.
• Printing
  • Before moving your printer, ALWAYS clear the trim pieces from the trim catch tray on the front of the printer. Failing to empty the catch tray will likely lead to trim pieces getting stuck inside the printer. At the very least this will delay your event; worst case you will need to have your printer repaired. Keep in mind that this failure is NOT covered under warranty.
  • Always have extra printer media on hand. You cannot find printer media in retail or big box stores - it can only be obtained online.
• Camera Settings/Lighting
  • Spend some time familiarizing yourself with basic DSLR settings and lighting. Although additional lighting is not typically required, understanding how lighting affects your photos will serve you well. Trial and error is the best approach here - practice with different lighting conditions (dark room/bright room, inside/outside) and camera settings. No need to print - just review the digital photos that are stored to your hard drive as you take practice shots.
• Software Updates
  • Set up and test your Photo Booth Software at least 2 days before your event. This will ensure you have optimum time to work out any issues. Finding and fixing issues during your actual event is a stressful process, and will likely lead to customer satisfaction issues.
  • Generally Software updates will fix known bugs, but sometimes an update will introduce a new bug. For this reason, give yourself time to spare - never update the Software the day of or during an event unless you have a strong suspicion it will fix an issue you are having.
  • Ensure that automatic Windows Updates are disabled in Windows. Windows updates are good, but they can take a long time and often Windows is set to automatically install updates in the evening - the most likely time that your event is taking place. If Microsoft decides to update itself and then restarts, you must wait for the update to finish. This can take some time, so instead, simply disable updates from running automatically and run the updates yourself when you have time. 
• Remote Access
  • All HootBooth models (excluding iPad GIF booths) come with TeamViewer pre-installed for remote access. You may install TeamViewer on your own PC or Mac for free, by selecting 'Personal Use' during installation. This will allow you to remote into your HootBooth so you may support your Attendants in the field, and also gives you a full mouse and keyboard which makes setting up Events and Templates much easier. Note that your HootBooth must be powered on and connected to a wireless network for this to work. 
  • TeamViewer12 may be downloaded here
• Planning
  • Create a checklist for your events, then double and triple check you have packed everything you will need. 
• Support
  • In addition to HootBooth Support, every Software Manufacturer has their own dedicated support team, as well as a Facebook Users Support Group. Keep the Support Team phone number handy, and join the Facebook Users Group relevant to your software. This is done by searching your software on Facebook, example "Photo Booth Upload" and clicking 'join'. You will be admitted into the group shortly.
  • Consult the HootBooth Knowledge Base, which has articles relevant to Software Settings, Hardware Configuration, how-to guides, known issues and recommendations.
  • Our Support is available via email or phone from  9am-5pm CST Monday through Friday. 
    • Email: help@hootboothphotobooth.com
    • Phone: 800-518-4668
      • You may call us outside of these hours and if we are available to assist we will. Otherwise we will call back as soon as we are able.