Fine Art Portrait Booth
So much more than a photo booth
It's an heirloom
We stop taking intentional family portraits after the kids are grown and the keepsakes are created fewer and far between.
Phones are so easy to grab that we choose that over intentional portraits with those we love.
Selfies get lost in a mountain of data, and cheap photobooth strips are thrown in the back of a drawer - we offer an intentional experience with a tangible memory you'll keep forever.
Our Fine Art Portrait Booth is here for weddings, birthdays, retirement parties, family reunions and celebrations of life. These are the only times many of us are gathered with everyone we love. Let's preserve this beautiful moment in time.
Join us for a fine art portraiture experience. Gorgeous backdrops, studio lighting, professional photography, and unlimited digital captures. The best part is your guests get to take home a fine art archival print of their choice.
No rushed poses. No cheesey props. No cheap glossy paper.
An intentional, thoughtful and classy portrait booth experience
Service includes
- A mini portrait session with a professional photographer for each couple or group attending your event
- Thoughtful posing and direction to ensure everyone looks great
- Studio lighting and a signature velvet backdrop to fit in with your beautiful decor
- On-Site Editor to help guests choose their favorite portrait and print it on-site
- A black-and-white, 4x6 fine-art quality print ready to take home and display. It will last a lifetime!
- No tight, restricted hours. We work within your event timeline.
- A digital gallery of every portrait delivered within 72 hours and the option for guests to easily download and order more prints
Starting from $3,000
Custom packages are available based on your event size and needs
Like the idea, but want something more casual ?
FAQ
How many fine art prints do guests receive?
Our professional Canon printer takes about 2 minutes to print each photo. These prints are carefully chosen with our on-site editor and take time to dry before they are placed in our matte black envelopes. As guests enter the studio we let them know that their digital shots are unlimited, and then each couple may choose their favorite to be printed. One print per “couple” (whether that’s partners, friends or family) ensures that everyone goes home with a print. Typically not every guest will participate in the Portrait Booth, and so we’ve found that at events with 150 people or less, everyone that wants a print gets one.
If your event is larger than 150 people, let’s discuss our other options over the phone. See our Contact Page.
What if our guests want more prints from their mini session?
After the event, guests can go to our website and order more prints delivered straight to their home!
What is included in on-site editing?
Our on-site editor will make sure every image has balanced exposures and cropping for the most beautiful images. We do not offer photo retouching (wrinkles, fly-aways, blemishes) but are happy to re-do a session if guests are not fully satisfied. We also offer a touch-up station in line so guests can check their fit and wipe away any sweat from the dance floor.
Do we get to see all the photos taken at our event?
Yes, of course! We will upload the full edited gallery within 72 Hours of your event. Guests can download their images for free, or have more prints made and shipped to their home. They make for great gifts or holiday cards!
How is this different than a typical photobooth?
We truly don’t think they are even comparable. A typical portrait booth has a stretchy polyester backdrop and bright white, fluorescent lighting. They don’t look very beautiful and are actually an eyesore compared to the rest of the event space. Our portrait booth is designed to compliment your event and look eye catching so that guests want to look at it and experience it.
Typical photobooths are often selfie-style, so the photos may be fun, but they aren’t very flattering. Our portrait booths have a professional photographer to interact with guests and pose them to look their best.
Last, the photobooths you’re used to have prints that come out fast and endlessly because they are made by a “dye-sublimation printer” (I know, photo nerd stuff). A dye sublimation printer does not have a dynamic range and uses cheap, glossy paper. We find that these end up on the fridge, or thrown into the back of a drawer, and while they are fun, they don’t mean much to guests in the long run. Our prints are fine-art quality, with rich, gorgeous tones and will literally outlast you or us. These prints are something that can be framed and passed down.
How is Velvet Frame different from other “studio” style booths?
We take the elevated photo booth concept and bring it to another level entirely. Our booth is beautiful and takes time to setup. Our prints are much higher quality than what any other portrait booth offers. Every other portrait booth still prints from a dye-sublimation printer. This means they can print faster but lower quality. Ours take time, but it's worth it.
Can I customize the backdrop for my event?
Absolutely. We offer rich velvet backdrops to create an elegant corner of your event. We currently offer Deep Red or Green Chartreuse. If you have another idea we are happy to work with you.
What space or requirements do you need?
We need a 12x12 foot indoor space with access to (ideally) two power outlets. A WiFi connection is ideal, but not required. All lighting, cameras, backdrop, printing equipment, and photo sleeves are provided. We'll coordinate with your venue and/or event planner to ensure a seamless setup.
What time do you need for setup & breakdown?
We require 2-3 hours for setup and 1 hour for breakdown.
What can I expect when I book with Velvet Frame?
We care deeply about our experiences and the clients that want the same thing! Before booking we will talk over the phone so that we can understand what feeling you want to cultivate and which offering is the best fit. To move forward together we will sign a contract. There is a 50% retainer due for events further than 3 months out. For events within 3 months, 100% of the payment is due at signing.
Do you charge a travel fee?
We are currently based in Nevada City, California. There is no travel fee for events within 75 miles of our location. For events further than 75 miles we charge a travel fee for gas and hotel stipend. We offer discounted travel rates for Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa.