Need Photo Booth Printer Suggestions

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice in preparation for a Pet Photo Booth that I will be setting up at an event next weekend, specifically with regards to printing. Here is what I did last year.

What I would like to do is snap a few pictures of each dog, then pick out my favorite from the back of my camera and print it wirelessly (if possible) to an on-site printer (that does not require power, ideally) and put that picture into a paper frame insert and deliver it to the customer. Pretty standard photo booth operation.

In all likelihood, I will not have power and given the nature of the event, I'd rather not involve my computer in this process if possible. If anyone has any photo booth advice or printing/printer suggestions, I'd appreciate it!

I'm looking at the Epson Picturemate Charm.

Thanks,
Jason

In my experience, the three biggest issues are power, time and cost of materials.

A few words of caution...

Test your setup in advance.

Wireless transmission takes time. In practice sessions, you may not notice it but when there is a line of people waiting you will

Wireless transmission takes power. When I transfer images wirelessly from my camera, I go through batteries.

If you are not plugged in, batteries run down. Even if you don't have a plug right there, do you have a charging solution and enough spares and help to get them recharged? This applies to camera and printer batteries.

How long does it take to print? Again, if you have a line of people, this becomes more of an issue.

How much does it cost per print? Batteries and all ink and paper components of the process.

I'll leave specific gear recommendations to those familiar with the current state of the art in portable printers....

Hey thanks for the help! Those are all definitely important considerations. I've gone ahead and ordered that Epson printer and attempted to coordinate for some power at my booth. I realize it's not worth the headache to go full wireless and powerless. I'll tether my camera to Lightroom and hardwire the printer. Maybe I'll hardwire the camera too if it's convenient enough haha. This printer says it can print an image every 37 seconds, so I should be able to stay on top of things at that rate.

I will be very interested to hear how it goes. Looks like you did a nice job last time. Working with pets is a whole skillet of its own.

Having an assistant, even just once in a while, is a huge benefit in situations like this. A lot of stuff can come up when you add printing to the mix.

I hope you have at least a spare battery. If you start with both charged and start charging the first at the first signs it is going down, you will be way ahead of working from one battery .

Thanks . Yeah, last time I had an assistant to handle money, organizing dogs, signing releases, etc. I'll be doing the same thing again this year. Not sure who will be in charge of the printing though -- may need to recruit a second assistant haha.

I've got a ton of batteries for my camera, but yeah, if I can't get power to my tent for the printer, I'm going to be buying a couple of battery packs I suppose.