Posts Tagged "tips"

Proms and Graduation Parties are two of the most popular types of high school parties, and are accordingly two fantastic reasons to celebrate all the achievements accomplished during your high school years! Know that this special time in one's life should be a time of celebration and for that reason everything should be done to make sure that this special occasion creates memories that will be carried throughout an entire lifetime.

When it comes time to host a Prom and/or Graduation Party, there are many things to do to make sure that every guest has the best night ever! A date and time need to be set, a budget needs to be in place, a venue needs to be found, food and drinks need to be ordered, a guest list needs to be prepared, a theme needs to be chosen, and the entertainment must be something that everyone is going to enjoy. Remember, although it may be a lot of fun to plan a Prom or Graduation Party, it does require a lot of time and effort to make sure it's done right!

Need a New, Super Fun Party Entertainment Idea?

Sparkbooth is the answer! Since everyone likes their picture to be taken, why not try Sparkbooth at your next Prom or Graduation Party!? It is super fun, super easy, and all you need is the software, a computer webcam, and a printer.

In order to help make your Prom or Graduation Party one that will be easily remembered, know that you can easily include Sparkbooth as part of your entertainment. These photos are special in that you are able to modify them so that you can make them more personal to fit the particular occasion. For example, you can add the text 'Prom Night' or 'Best Friends Forever!' to your photo.

Sparkbooth is a software program that gives party goers the ability to take photos of themselves and then share these photos with their friends, making it a great asset to any party! Similar to the old-style photo booths, you simply pose and click to take your photos! Remember those 4 vertical prints that you probably still have tucked away in a box somewhere from getting you're your picture taken with friends in the old-style photo booths? Welcome to the world of Sparkbooth!

Therefore, Sparkbooth is affordable, easy to use, and can be used over and over again for new parties because taking photos will never go out of style!

Prom Party Ideas and/or Themes

It's your Prom Night! First and foremost, have fun! Next, make sure your Prom Party theme is considered to be a popular one, which will help to ensure that everyone abides by the theme as closely as possible.

A Night at the Oscars

Have everyone dress up as their favorite Oscar winning movie star! Tom Cruise. James Franco. Brad Pitt. Johnny Depp. Wil Smith. Natalie Portman. Meryl Streep. Julia Roberts. Reese Witherspoon.

Famous Couples

Dress up as a famous couple, from long ago or in today's world. Cleopatra and Antony. Romeo and Juliet. President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Eras

Choose a decade to represent your theme. 1950's-Poodle Skirts. Jeans and t-shirts. Slicked back hair. Rock n' Roll. Andy Warhol. 1970's-Peace and Love. Disco. Star Wars.

Place

Choose a city or famous place to represent your them. Paris in the Spring. New York City. India's Taj Mahal.

Graduation Party Ideas and/or Themes

So you've done it! You've graduated from high school, which is a tremendous and wonderful accomplishment. Congratulations!

Careers

Dress as you would to represent your career choice. Doctor? Lawyer? Police Woman/Man? Candy Taster? Pilot? Farmer?

Favorite Career People

Choose a favorite person that currently works in your chosen career field. Journalism-Oprah Winfrey. Chef-Jamie Oliver. Doctor-Dr. Oz.

Post High School Parties

So everyone's already graduated from high school and have moved on to fulfilling their life's hopes and dreams. Great! Whether it's been 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years since your high school class graduated, know that planning for a high school reunion should be just as much fun as the original. And just imagine how much fun it will be to see everyone from your high school days! You can share your post high school achievements as well as reminisce of days gone by.

Endless Possibilities!

When you choose to host a post high school party, you really are open to using any theme that you consider to be relevant to either pre or post high school times.

The Details - How to Use Sparkbooth

Sparkbooth uses a very straightforward platform, which offers lots of fun options.

Setting Up: First, you need to get a computer (with Sparkbooth software already installed), a webcam, and a printer together and then place them in an area that is easy to get to, yet out of the way. Maybe there's an empty wall or a corner space where you can set up a table to put the computer and printer on so that the camera is pointed at a particular background or focal point.

Tips and Suggestions:

• Create a "Photo Booth" Sign. Creating a special sign lets the guests know that you have an actual Photo Booth available where they can take photos of themselves.
• Set up a Theme/Background. Choose one of the preset themes that are already available in Sparkbooth's library or choose to use your own background.
• Customize the Photo Layout Background. Insert a logo and/or a text message in order to personalize the photo. For example, you can type in, "My Prom Party, 2012".

Taking Photos: Stand directly in front of the web camera. Strike a pose. Click. It's really that easy to do! You are able to look at your photo before printing, allowing you to pick and choose which photo's you want to actually print out.

Printing Photos: Print out your photos in a strip of 4, or a 2-by-2 format. Both have the ability for you to add in your own personalized text and/or graphics. You can choose to preview the photo before actually printing to make sure that it is exactly how you want it to be.

Bottom Line

Sparkbooth gives you the ability to add something new and unique to your Prom and/or Graduation Party. A picture is considered to be one of the most treasured items that a person can have, and by choosing to use Sparkbooth you are choosing a way that allows your guests to create and share their very own photos, which will surely be the hit of the party. Know that when you choose to use Sparkbooth at your next Prom or Graduation Party, you are making memories that will last a lifetime!

Every year presents a variety of special occasions that call for hosting a children's party. Birthdays are definitely the most popular reason, with holiday's such as Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, and Christmas coming in at a close second. This means that there are plenty of opportunities throughout the year to host a party for children and accordingly there are plenty of ideas and/or themes out there that can help you create one of the best and most enjoyable children's parties ever!

A New and Exciting Fun Party Idea!

Now, think about all the previous parties you've had for your child. If you happen to notice that all your child's parties so far seem to be the same, know that there is something new for you to try that is sure to be the hit of your next party-Sparkbooth!

If you're currently looking to make your kid's party a truly fun and unique experience, then you must try Sparkbooth. Sparkbooth is a DIY Photo Booth that lets you create your very own customizable photos. You won't have to imagine for very long just how excited your guests will be when they find out that you will be having your very own Photo Booth at your next party,as you'll be able to see it on their faces when they start posing! You can use Sparkbooth as the centerpiece of your party or it can simply be one of the many elements, it's completely up to you!

What Exactly Is Sparkbooth?

Sparkbooth is an exciting way for you to take and share photos. Remember the old-style photobooths? The ones that were so hard to pass up because it was so much fun to get 2 or 3 friends together in order to squeeze in to this compact photo booth, and then printed out those 4 vertical prints that you probably still have tucked away in a box somewhere?

Welcome to Sparkbooth!

Sparkbooth is not only tons of fun, but is also super easy to use, as all you need is the software, a computer webcam, and a printer.

Know that Sparkbooth can be used over and over again, as it is a program that will never get oldbecause there are always new and exciting ways to use the software. This is one of Sparkbooth's best features, as it allows you to customize the photos so that they reflect a particular time and/or party.

Why Use Sparkbooth?

Sparkbooth is a great asset to any party! It is affordable, easy to utilize, and can be used over and over again because taking photos will never go out of style! Sparkbooth simply brings your photo-taking to another whole level by allowing you the versatility to change the photos, truly making them your own by applying your own special twist to them.

How to Use Sparkbooth

Although using Sparkbooth is very simple to do, there are a lot of great options from which to choose from. Below is an overview that will inform you on how to use Sparkbooth so that you are able to fully enjoy all the benefits that it can offer at your next child's party.

Setting Up: Gather together a computer (with Sparkbooth software already installed), webcam,and printer, and set them up somewhere that is easy to access yet out of the way. For example,try to find an empty wall/corner space where you can set up a table for the computer, etc. so that the camera is pointed at the focal point. The focal point should have a background/backdrop that supports your party theme, and if done right, will be the hit of the party!

Suggestions include:

• Creating a "Photo Booth" Sign. Creating a sign lets the guests know that you indeed have a Photo Booth available where they can take photos of themselves. (Watch their faces fill with excitement once they see this!)
• Setting up a Theme/Background. You are able to select from one of the themes that are already available in Sparkbooth's library, or you can choose to use your own background on your computer's desktop and use the Invisible theme to let it show through.
• Customizing the Photo Layout Background. You are able to place a logo or text message on the screen so you can further personalize the photo. For example, if it's Tim's birthday, you can add "Tim's 7th Birthday!". Taking Photos: Stand in front of the web camera, pose and click. It's really that simple! You are able to review before printing, so you are able to pick and choose which photo's you want toprint out.

Printing Photos: Photos are available to print out in a strip of 4 or a 2-by-2 format, both with the ability for you to add in your very own personalized graphics. You are also able to previewbefore printing to make sure they are just right. Know that you can use a USB button in place of a keyboard for simpler operation.

NOTE: Make sure that there is an adult available to supervise the Photo Booth area as although the software is very easy to use, you'll want to make sure that an adult is available to assist with the actual photo-taking.

Some Popular Party Theme Ideas

Party themes are so much fun! Imagine choosing one of the more popular themes of the day,something that all the kids are talking about, and then bringing that theme to your party. Once you choose your theme, know that there are places available that you can rent and/or buy the appropriate theme-related items.

• Pirate. Pirate lovers will have so much fun at a Pirate Party! Just imagine all your guests walking around with parrots on their shoulders... while saying 'argh!' a lot, of course.
• Superheroes. Who doesn't want to pretend they're a superhero for the day? Have your guests dress up as their favorite superhero for your Superhero Party, and you're almost guaranteed to have a party that promises to be filled with fun and adventure!
• Valentine's Day.Valentine's Day is filled with lots of love, and candy! Have your guests dress up in red,white, and/or pink colors for a real valentine feel! Remember, colors show up well in pictures so the more color, the better!
• Easter. Easter parties are quite common and can be either casual or fancy. Imagine how cute the photo's will be of your guests on this special day!
• Halloween. Depending on the age of the child, a Halloween party is made to be fun with some scary elements thrown in. You can even be more specific in your theme and request that your guests all dress up as witches and cats, or as their favorite piece of candy.
• Clowns. Who doesn't like a clown? Guests should wear their funkiest clothes to a Clown Party, and then allow for some face-painting once there. Imagine how fun your guests will have getting their photo taken with their silly faces painted on!
• Christmas. Christmas parties can either be fun and relaxing, or more formal and proper. Either way,Christmas photo's are some of the more popular photo's taken all year and are usually meant to be shared with loved ones. Plan on using lots of printing paper if you plan on hosting a Christmas Party.

Additional Props and Ideas

• Fiesta Party Collection
• Peace and Love
• Fairy/Princess

Bottom Line

Sparkbooth is a great way to add something special to your next children's party. Remember, a photo is one of the most cherished items that we carry with us, so when you choose to hosta party and use Sparkbooth, you are not only creating a super fun party atmosphere, you are creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Offer a table of props for your guests to use in the photo booth. Some great ideas include:

• For funny pictures, use a variety of hats, wigs, nerdy glasses, sunglasses, feather boas, fake mustaches, Hawaiian leis, Mardi Gras beads, viking, roman soldier, biker helmets, stuffed animals toys or sports equipment.
• For holiday parties, use Santa hats and reindeer antlers, and mistletoe as props. The resulting photos make a great holiday card.
• A small chalk board or whiteboard that guest can write messages and photograph with can be used as a guestbook.

When setting up a photo booth at your event, consider:

• Placing the computer, webcam, and keyboard on a table in a well-lighted area. Don't forget a chair or stool.
• Adjust webcam height to eye-level.
• Use a directional lamp to provide enough lighting.
• Turn off instant messaging and other applications on the computer, and run Sparkbooth in full-screen kiosk mode.
• Consider a plain, neutral background like a wall, screen, or curtains.
• Create a sign that says "Photo Booth Entrance" to indicate where the photo booth is located.

Here are some real-world examples of Sparkbooth at events:

• The disLocation Tampa art show reception in Florida used the Tumblr upload to document their event in real-time
• The WaterTower Theatre in Dallas, Texas used the Posterous upload for their 2010 Spotlight Gala fundraiser and Out of the Loop Fringe Festival
• Check out this photo booth setup for the Baylor College Medicine, 15th Annual Charity Ball

Great job everyone!

Here are some useful resources if you are building your own photo booth with Sparkbooth:

• For Windows webcams, hear good things about the Logitech Webcam Pro 9000
• For Mac, I can recommend using the built-in iSight on iMacs and Macbook Pros
• For a USB button that can emulate the keyboard space bar, go to Delcom Products Inc.
• Another cool looking USB Button, the PowerMate by Griffin
• DJ Mikey Mike has a video series on building a photo booth using Sparkbooth and a HP Touch Screen PC at //www.youtube.com/doitfromscratch
• For a step-by-step article on building your own photo booth cabinet, https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Photobooth/

Please email me if you have other recommendations, I will post them up here.

Setting up a photo booth for a Valentine’s Day party? Here are some useful tips.

Check out this great Valentine’s idea using Sparkbooth over at Mommy Mishmash.

Lighting can greatly affect the quality of images produced by your webcam. Here is a great article detailing ways to adjust the lighting of your webcam. Even the cheapest of webcams can still produce good images.

Print out Sparkbooth photos after the event to include in your thank you cards. The photos look great on 4 x 6 photo paper.

Quick tip, remember to run Sparkbooth in fullscreen for a kiosk-like experience. Press the fullscreen button in the lower-right corner, or press F7 on your keyboard to make Sparkbooth fullscreen. This will keep your guest’s attention and focus on the photo booth, and not be distracted by your computer’s desktop. It is more user-friendly, and a better experience.