thomas marlow's *new* photobooths

Thomas Marlow is one cool guy. The self-taught, Chicago-based photographer first picked up a camera at 31, fell in love, nixed his day job, and now makes a living creating drop-dead gorgeous custom photo booths for weddings and other social events. And to think it all began one fateful day when he and his daughter took some pretty awful booth shots at the movie theater... Below, a sampling of Thomas' awesome work, as well as a few tidbits from his conversation with Merci.

How do you develop your designs?

I begin with a consultation with the bride and groom. I ask them questions regarding their personal styles and favorite movies, then show them art+design magazines, art books and fabric patterns to learn about what inspires them. I then consider their overall event design. The booth is fleshed out in a 3D modeling software and goes through a number changes before it is finalized, including lighting design, props, paint, etc. The set is then broken down, transported to the reception site and reassembled there, ready for use. We can ship anywhere in the world.

What is the most fulfilling part of the job?
The design process is a labor of love. It's difficult for clients to accept that they aren't allowed to see their booth until the reception... {Yes, that's right, they aren't allowed to see it, but it works out for all in the long run}. The joyous look in their eyes when they first see their photo booth says it all, and the guests are completely charmed by how fun and entertaining it is!

To date, which photo booth has required the most effort?
That would be Danielle and Bryan's "Baroque" inspired booth with the silk ivy and rose wall {top}. It was about 70 hours of work over a two month period, and that doesn't include the set-up and management at their reception!

What else should we know about your booths?
Each photo booth is entirely enclosed with drapes, which gives people freedom to express themselves without the worry of onlookers. A photographer's challenge is to help people pass through what we call "camera-face." When I get the photo booth images back to the studio, I'm constantly amazed to see how creative and natural looking people look, and I think it's in large part to the draped frame. Additionally, though prints are normally available online, we can also arrange on-site prints, which could be compiled into a hand printed and bound book along with guests' well wishes.

Images courtesy Thomas Marlow.