UPDATE #5: New Feature: Sound Activated Mode

UPDATE #4: New Rewards

We have three Photoboops available:

• Photoboop Pro Full: Works with most DSLR and prosumer cameras with wired remotes. A fully assembled, working Photoboop ready for use.
• Photoboop Pro Kit: Works with most DSLR and prosumer cameras with wired remotes. Requires outer enclosure assembly (no soldering).
• Photoboop Box Kit: Requires soldering and assembly. Works with Canon cameras with CHDK installed.

Where did this idea come from?

We wanted a photo booth for a wedding, but discovered that they're so expensive to rent, we could just build one for less.  We looked at several DIY photo booths, but were uneasy with the idea of cramming our treasured laptop into a wooden box. So we created a test circuit with an Arduino, a camera, and a button, and it worked! Six months and hundreds of prototypes later, we created photoboop.

Example Shots:

There are more examples of output from testing at various weddings, events, parties, and on the street.

Photoboop Pro

Straps onto the neck of your tripod and works with most Canon and Nikon DSLR and some prosumer level cameras with wired remote ports - see this list of available cables for compatibility.

The photoboop pro is made from laser cut 1/4" birch plywood and is available both fully assembled and as an easy-to-assemble kit.

Every Photoboop Pro come pre-loaded with photoboop software that lets you create photo booths or time lapse movies right away, and includes three helpful printed signs.

For a more detailed look at how to use Photoboop, see this how-to video.

Photoboop Box

Works with Canon Point and Shoot cameras with the CHDK firmware installed. Go to chdk.wikia.com to see if your camera is compatible.

This kit requires soldering and assembly.

Every Photoboop Box Kit come pre-loaded with photoboop software that lets you create photo booths or time lapse movies right away, and includes three helpful printed signs.

For a more detailed look at how to use Photoboop, see this how-to video.

An image of Photoboop Box Kit contents can be found here.

Photoboop Costume Kit

13 black and pink props made from 2mm craft foam and wooden dowels.  Assembles with tape or glue (we recommend hot glue gun).

Open Source:

The photoboop electronics and firmware are based on several open source projects, and are compatible with the Arduino IDE.  If you want your photoboop to behave differently, you can modify the firmware yourself and upload it to photoboop using a standard FTDI cable or adapter.

Manufacturing:

The objective of this Kickstarter is to provide enough capital for us to begin manufacturing Photoboops. 

We live in Chicago and we believe strongly that we should design and manufacture as much of Photoboop as possible right here in Chicago. Local manufacturing has a lot of benefits (like incredibly fast turnaround). We're going to support our local economy and make as much of each Photoboop as possible right here in Chicago and/or the US.

We have our manufacturing partners lined up and expect to start manufacturing the solder-yourself kits shortly after the Kickstarter funds go through. The Photoboop Pros will take a little longer, but we have several working prototypes and the majority of our timeline is sourcing parts and completing manufacturing prototypes.

Who are we?

Sacha De'Angeli, M.S. Chemical Engineering (U.C. Berkeley), is a founding member and former president of the Pumping Station: One makerspace in Chicago, IL, member of the Evanston Mini Maker Faire Organizing Committee, founding member of the Chicago MakerBiz group, an Awesome Foundation award winner, and has been an entrepreneur since the 7th grade.

Simple Switch Labs, LLC is a creative engineering design and consulting company that explores the intersections and interactions between humans, art, science, community, and design.

Photoboop was designed at the Pumping Station: One makerspace, and this project benefited hugely from the facilities, equipment, and community there -thanks everyone.

Photoboop is a project of Simple Switch Labs, LLC.