Don’t DIY Your Memories: The Hidden Headaches of Drop-Off & Mail Order Photo Booths

Drop-off photo booths have become increasingly popular because they promise convenience at a lower price. However, many customers discover that the savings come with hidden frustrations. Mail-order booths such as Kruu and similar services ship equipment to your venue and expect you to handle setup, operation, and return — tasks most event hosts never intended to take on during a busy celebration. What sounds simple on the surface quickly becomes one more stressful responsibility on an already full plate.

 

 

One of the biggest downfalls of these drop-off booths is the lack of quality. The cameras, lighting, and printers used in many mail-order setups often pale in comparison to what professional photo booth companies bring on-site. Poor lighting, washed-out photos, glitchy touchscreens, and slow or inconsistent printing can leave guests disappointed. In fact, using your phone to take selfies often provides nearly the same experience as a drop-off booth — a basic photo without the polished results, energy, or interaction that make a true photo booth so special.

Another major concern is the setup process itself. When you rent a drop-off booth, you become the technician. You’re responsible for assembling the equipment, troubleshooting software, adjusting lighting, staging the backdrop, and making sure everything runs smoothly. Instead of enjoying your own event, you risk spending precious time fixing issues — or worse, watching the booth sit unused because something isn’t working properly.

On top of that, many mail-order booth companies place the responsibility for their equipment squarely on you. If anything is scratched, dented, cracked, or damaged during shipping, setup, or use, you may be liable for costly repair or replacement fees. That’s an enormous risk to place on a host who simply wanted to provide guests with a fun keepsake.

This is why having a professional photo booth with an experienced attendant, high-quality props, a proper background, and friendly guest guidance makes such a difference. A staffed booth ensures everything runs smoothly, photos look amazing, and guests have an interactive, memorable experience — not a frustrating one.

If you want your event to feel polished, fun, and stress-free, contact The DJ Guy for a fully attended professional photo booth experience at www.thedjguy.info or call 517-404-0418 today. Your guests — and your peace of mind — will thank you.

 

The Power of Entertainment:

Elevating Events with Professional Talent

Entertainment plays a critical role in setting the tone and energy of any event. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate gathering, school prom, or private celebration, the right entertainment transforms an ordinary occasion into an unforgettable experience. Music, lighting, emceeing, and interaction with guests are not just background elements—they are the pulse that keeps your event alive and engaging. When done right, entertainment creates lasting memories and brings people together in the best way possible.

Hiring a professional entertainment company ensures that every detail is handled with precision and care. Experienced entertainers know how to read a crowd, adapt to the atmosphere, and maintain smooth transitions throughout the event. They come prepared with quality equipment, customized playlists, and backup plans—so clients can relax and enjoy themselves without worrying about technical glitches or awkward silences. A good entertainment company adds polish and professionalism that sets an event apart from the rest.

Beyond technical expertise, professional entertainers bring a unique ability to engage audiences. DJs, emcees, and performers who genuinely connect with guests help to create a sense of unity and excitement. This is especially valuable for events where people may not know each other well, such as company parties or large weddings. A well-timed song or the right lighting effect can shift the energy of the entire room, breaking the ice and encouraging participation.

Choosing the right entertainment provider also adds value by saving time and reducing stress during the planning process. Trusted companies can offer guidance, suggest timelines, and work seamlessly with other vendors to ensure everything runs smoothly. Instead of juggling multiple responsibilities, hosts can focus on enjoying the moment, knowing their entertainment is in good hands.

If you're planning an event and want to make it truly special, don't leave the entertainment to chance. Let The DJ Guy bring your vision to life with professional sound, lighting, photo booths and unforgettable energy. Contact The DJ Guy today and find out how the right entertainment can take your event to the next level!

The DJ Guy Professional Entertainment Services
517-404-0418   www.thedjguy.info

7 Reasons to Skip the Mirror Booth at Your Event

1. Camera Angle: The worst position for a camera when taking selfies is directly below the face or chin, also known as the "upward angle" or "double chin" angle. This angle can make your face look wider and your features distorted. It can also accentuate any blemishes or imperfections on your skin. Most Mirror booths have their cameras at chest height and point upwards - the exact position you DON’T want!

2. Camera Obstruction: Most Mirror booths have their cameras positioned behind a two way mirror. While you can see through the mirror from the opposite side, the reflective coating can cause a slight tint and may even cause reflections from light to cause glare spots on your photos.

Not all mirrors booths are the same! These unique booths eliminate many issues.

3. Requires More Space: Mirror booths are usually larger and more cumbersome than other types of photo booths. This means that they require more space to set up, which could be an issue if you're working with a smaller venue or limited space.

4. Higher Cost: Mirror booths are usually more expensive than other types of photo booths, which can be a drawback if you're working within a budget. They are larger and typically require a special vehicle to deliver as they do not fit in most cars or SUVs.

5. Backdrops: Some Mirror booths are setup in a manner that does not allow the use of backdrops. If the the Mirror booth is placed against a wall or backed into a corner, a backdrop would not be used as it would have to be placed in an area of the room that would be a hazard.

6. Less Privacy: Mirror booths are designed with a reflective surface, which means that it can be difficult to see the screen and/or maintain privacy while taking photos. This may not be a concern for everyone, but it could be an issue if you're looking for a more private photo experience.

7. Digital Props and Writing: One of the fun things about Mirror booths is the large screen that allows you to add digital props and write messages on your photos. While this is certainly a lot of fun, it adds a LOT of time to each photo session and can create some very long lines. Because of this, Mirror booths generally do not take as many photo sessions per hour.

Much of the information for this article came from
 seminars at the International Photo Booth Expo (PBX).
These seminars are put together by the top entertainment
experts worldwide! The DJ Guy not only attended this expo,
but was also an exhibitor, selling unique and innovative products
to others in the industry, worldwide. Currently, my products are
being used in 7 different countries and 41 states here in the USA.

As an innovator and leader in the field of entertainment, I strive
to provide only the BEST experience for my clients.

If you are looking for entertainment services - DJ, Photo Booth,
Ceremony Sound, Audio Guestbook, Up Lighting, Karaoke and more,
please give us a call or visit us online!

517-404-0418   www.thedjguy.info

2023 - The Year of the Photo Booth

The last few years have been all about improving the DJ side of the business. Lighting, gear, branding, customer relationship management (CRM), social presence and more, have all been upgraded and taken  to their highest.

This year, it's all about the photo booth side of the business, starting with a complete re-branding. Ecobooth (a name that was chosen without a lot of thought put into it) is no more. The website that I put up 9+ years ago is outdated and inefficient. A new website, brand and identity will be unveiled next week!

We now have a new booth (two to choose from) that features all the top tier features you'd want. Share photos, GIFs, Boomerangs and video with text, email, air drop or QR code. We also have a large selection of luxury backdrops to choose from. Additional options include AI background removal with virtual background options, digital props, ring roamer (roaming photo booth), neon signs, branding for corporate events and data capture to create client databases

We also have some new fun add-ons like our inflatable booth.

And lastly, just take a look at one of our recent events and you can see that our guests absolutely love the experience they had...

Give us a call or visit us online for ALL of your entertainment needs!

517-404-0418   www.thedjguy.info

How we bounced back from the pandemic, stronger than ever and the road ahead!

It's been quite a while since our last post here. The 2020 pandemic was a business killer for many of us and I'm happy to report that we weathered the storm, prospered in 2021 and hit new records for 2022. Now that 2023 is upon us, it's time to lead from the front with new and innovative experiences being offered to you and your guests!

In the summer of 2021, I found most of my events wanting to be outdoors. This created a dilemma for our new outdoor backdrops. Being nearly 8 feet tall and 8 feet wide, they make a great sail when setup outdoors, even with the slightest breeze. I realized this before ever doing an event and knew I had to do something to not only provide a good experience for my clients, but also a safe one. I created a support system to attach to the backdrop, that would hold it in place while not damaging the backdrop in the process.

I setup for my first event with the prototype in late June. I didn't think I needed it that day, it was hot and there was no wind, but that changed pretty fast about an hour after the event started. The sky got very dark and the wind picked up. The skies opened up and the rain started. The wind got worse and I had to shut down all my gear and move about 15 further into the tent and cover my DJ gear. The rain was driving in sideways and all the tables had their linens blown off. Some of the tent poles around the outer sides were lifting off the ground and none of us were sure if the tent would hold or blow away!

Throughout the whole storm, the one constant was my backdrop! The weather service reported 37 MPH gusts during that storm and my backdrop didn't budge! It was then, that I knew I had created something special. I shared my story and a photo on a photo booth user group on Facebook and had several offers to buy one. This being a prototype, it wasn't very pretty, light or compact.

I began learning Autocad and 3D printing a few months later and by the end of January 2022, I had my first solid product, BackProp. I filed for a patent and I began selling them by the end of February 2022. I immediately started receiving positive feedback on my invention from everyone that purchased it. By the end of wedding season 2022 (which was a very busy year), I had sold nearly 300 of them!

By November, I created my second product (an add-on) which allows you to add stability to your backdrop stand when you use it indoors against a wall (WallProp).

I found a good friend in the owner of the backdrop company I purchase from, Scott Bryan of PB Backdrops. I made plans to attend the International Photo Booth Expo (PBX) in Las Vegas for February of 2023 and Scott allowed me to setup with him, using one of his backdrops to demo my product on. His team is amazing and just about the nicest family you'll ever meet.

            

While I was at PBX, I went to several seminars to learn and grow my knowledge on not only photo booths, but the DJ side as well (MEX, the Mobile Entertainment Expo was taking place with PBX).

I am pleased to be bringing back new ideas, concepts and experiences to offer my clients. One of which I am offering as of today.

The DJ Guy has just added a new service (also available by itself for a premium), Memories Are Calling Audio Guestbook Services. This provides your guests with another entertainment option and offers the bride and groom a unique way to remember their special day with family, friends and loved ones.

This service is currently available to add to your already booked wedding or as a stand alone option based on availability. Please contact us by email or phone to reserve yours today!

5-star rated services for over 23 years in the lower Michigan area. Hundreds of reviews from past clients on our website and social media. Family owned and operated - know who you're hiring! We provide that personal touch that big companies can't!

www.thedjguy.info

info@thedjguy.info
517-404-0418
www.facebook.com/thedjguy

A new year and a new career - PLUS, weddings in 2019

Things are changing - just a little...

For the last 19 years, I've worked as a professional DJ. The first 10 years were part time and jobs were few and far between. Since then, I've turned this into a full time business, providing DJ, photo booth and lighting services for weddings, corporate events, birthdays, school functions and more.

Now after 19 years, I'm going to be scaling back (just a little) and focusing on my new career as a Physical Therapist Assistant. I'll still be available for events on Friday and Saturday, but events taking place Sunday through Thursday will now be booked only if my associate, DJ Travis, is available for that date. 2019 will be the last year I offer slide show services as it seems to be on a down trend, having only had 3 requests for it in 2018 and the entire process is very time consuming.

I do not have any plans to retire from DJing as of yet, but when I do, it will be a 3 year exit strategy and everyone will be aware of it when I make that decision. I don't foresee this happening until at least 2023 (I have a school loan to pay back) and I enjoy what I do.

Enough about me, let's talk about weddings in 2019...

One of the things I need to address (for newlyweds) is the large amount of amateur DJs out there that put a price tag ahead of anything else. I know cost is a huge factor when you're booking vendors and I know you have a budget. But did you know that entertainment is ALWAYS in the top three most remembered things about a wedding? Take a look at this discussion:
https://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/as-a-guest-what-do-you-remember-most-about-weddings/

Knowing that, do you really want to spend the least amount on the entertainment?

Here's a recent price list of what the average (mid-range, meaning reliable and decent) cost of each wedding vendor is in the USA. https://www.theknot.com/content/average-wedding-vendor-costs?fbclid=IwAR2lEpH-MziXYBSF6k8OEP2tBwRdB9-NuuOgFFc2vlKmCD6B64AdDSODIjk

If you didn't read it, the average cost of a DJ is $1231. That's far more than I charge for my entry level package.

I even found out recently that someone was using MY business name with a dollar amount in front of it to lure in couples who were looking based solely on price (please never do that, you won't be happy). He ended up raising his price (and changing the dollar amount on the name) because you CANNOT run a business for those prices. Shortly after, he stopped showing up for weddings with no warning. NEVER EVER choose a vendor based on a low price because it WILL end up ruining your wedding day.

There's another trend I'm seeing of DJs grouping themselves together (sometimes in different states too) so that they can split inquiries coming in. They generally charge more under this "made up company" to cover their additional expenses. Chances are, you can find those same DJs through their own individual companies for a lower price. Nothing wrong with that, but just be aware that you might be paying more for the same exact service and DJ.

Lastly, today's generation prefers to text. I realize that and I understand it's easier for you. The problem is that today's generation is also very visual. I get that because I'm the same way. I'm always more interested in a product I can see. Texting just doesn't work for this reason. I can send an email that has photos, details, pricing and answers all kinds of questions in just a few minutes, but it's impossible to send all that by text. Over the past two years, I noticed a trend of emails going ignored or ending up in spam folders. I now initially respond with both an email and text stating that I have responded by email. It seems to be working well so far.

One more thing I fogot to mention... I'm putting on the 4th Annual Valentine's Bridal Show at Chemung Hills Golf Club on Sunday, February 10th, 2019 from noon to 3 PM. Admission is free with online registration at www.michiganwedding.info

Don't fall for gimmicks and dishonesty!

We've all seen offers that seem too good to be true.  Well, as the saying goes, it probably IS too good to be true.  Recently, offers are popping up for "free this or that" for your wedding.  A good example is this facebook ad recently pointed out in a forum of photo booth professionals I'm a part of.

Let's be honest... no one is giving away a free photo booth.  How do they get away with saying this? Simple - by raising their DJ pricing and lowering the amenities offered with the photo booth in order to get you to add things in order to bring it back to the original price.

For example: They could cut the hours down, not offer printing, no scrapbook, no graphic design on the photo strips, no props and no digital copy of the images.  This diminishes the "wow factor" of the photo booth.  It's supposed to be fun and enjoyable for your guests, not tacky and cheap.

Another dishonest tactic is... 

Groupon is great for restaurants as they have a lot of room to work with on their pricing (in most cases).  $10 for $20 worth of food at a Mexican restaurant is still a profit for them.  If Taco Bell can do it for $5 and make a profit, so can they.

The big scam on Groupon is when you buy a discount photo booth service and the company doesn't even OWN a photo booth!  That's right, they subcontract EVERYTHING!  You never know who is going to be at your event or if they'll even show up.  This has happened countless times and I've seen a lot of articles about this.  I've even been contacted by some of these people, desperately trying to find someone to fill a date (usually within a week's time) and offering considerably less than what our cost is.  You can't get into a business if you don't understand it and know the costs involved.  On an average four hour booking, we're spending more than they charge!  We have employee costs, travel, media for the printer, insurance and much more.  I've even heard of companies that tried subcontracting for these people and then not getting paid!

How can they possible offer this for $199?  Simple.  Cut corners.  Which ones?  ALL OF THEM!
You'll get a subpar product that won't look good and will leave guests disappointed (if someone even shows up).

DON'T fall for these gimmicks and dishonest marketing!  The DJ Guy is ALWAYS honest about pricing and what's included.  We don't even offer a package that doesn't include basics like: props, custom graphic design, prints and flash drive copy of all images. Why?  Because we believe the experience is important.

Give us a call to book your event today!  517-404-0418 www.thedjguy.info

More than just DJ services...

Fourteen years is a plenty of time to build a business and let people know you're an experienced, professional DJ - BUT... did you know we've been offering Photo Booth services for the last two years?  We've also been doing event lighting for the last 5 years!  How about video services?  Yes, we do that too!

Our photo booth is such a big hit with our customers, that we added a second booth last year and added Red Carpet Photo Station service this year!  There's even an option for our corporate clients to add a custom backdrop to get brand exposure!

  

We'll beat ANYONE when it comes to a side by side comparison of our photo booth services, just take a look at the chart below:

When you think entertainment, think of the DJ Guy!  We'll be happy to provide you with only the best - whether it's DJ, Photo Booth, Lighting, Video or any combination of those!

You can visit our new redesigned Ecobooth Photo Booth website at:
http://photobooth.thedjguy.info

Call us or send us an email:   517-404-0418   ed@thedjguy.info

EcoBooth Photo Booth - Ready To Go!

Looking to add a photo booth to your event?  How about just having the photo booth without a DJ?

NO PROBLEM!  There are three options to choose from, each a little more expensive than the other, but offering quite a bit more with each step up.  You can add a photo booth to your event for as little as $200 or if you just want a stand alone photo booth with the full package... you can take advantage of the LIMITED TIME SPECIAL!