Tips for Maximizing Photo Booth Fun

July 27th, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

Now that we’ve gotten our YouBooth photo booth out into the world, and we’re seeing it used for all types of events, we’re discovering new ways to maximize its effectiveness.   Like you’ll find at any party, most people need to get warmed up a bit before they start really having fun with the photo booth.  And as any good host knows, there are a number of methods and things you can use – aside from alcohol! – to get things rolling. Read the rest of this entry »

COPE Event Planners Remain Optimistic about Economic Recovery

July 15th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

While the state of the economy is still a concern for all sectors of business, event planners have reported to us that they see glimmers of hope for the year ahead.  We had a chance to speak with a number of planners at an event hosted by the Council of Protocol Executives (COPE) at Bridgewaters, and found optimism – though guarded in some sectors – prevails among most.

When asked about holiday parties, one planner confirmed that her firm (a large technological services company) would be holding holiday parties in their various offices around the country, and that budgets for them had grown from last year.  Planners in the financial sector echoed this optimistic view.  And while other industry sectors took a more cautious view, the overall mood indicated promise for a more robust economic future.

This upbeat mood is certainly reflected in the photos we captured with our YouBoothphoto booth.  COPE graciously allowed us to showcase the YouBooth photo booth at the event, held in the stunning, panoramic Bridgewaters space with superb food by the Glazier Group chefs.  As usual, people had a blast mugging in front of the YouBooth camera and taking fun pictures with their friends.  Just take a look at the smiling faces below – you’ll start to feel optimistic about the future, too!

Tips for a More Effective Headshot

July 6th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

You know the importance of having a great-looking headshot for your website, social media sites, branding and marketing efforts.  If you don’t already have an up-to-date headshot, it’s understandable you may feel a sense of urgency to get “something” out there so you can start using it for all these purposes.  And in the short term, that may be an acceptable compromise.

But don’t fall into the trap of allowing a less-than-fabulous headshot to linger on your LinkedIn profile!  If your headshot isn’t current, doesn’t look professional nor show you at your best, it’s time to change it.

Don’t make the mistake of settling for an up-against-a-white-wall shot that your friend took yesterday.  It may be current, but won’t look professional. Remember, this is a photo that potentially everyone who comes in contact with you will see.  That’s right…all those eyeballs are on YOU.  A professional, flattering, effective headshot is well worth the small investment.

How do ensure you get an effective, professional headshot?

Read the rest of this entry »

Who Knew our YouBooth, Photo Booth is Such a Fun Factory??

June 23rd, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

Last night I attended the second anniversary party for La Venue, a fabulously versatile turn-of-the-century event space in West Chelsea, and was doubly delighted – and doubly surprised.  The first surprising delight was La Venue’s space: the old hardwood floors are gorgeous, and while the space is vast, it allows for sectioning off so smaller intimate spaces can be created.

The second surprise and real delight was seeing our YouBooth in action.  We tested our new photo booth extensively during its development, so I’ve seen what it can do.  We’ve already contracted YouBooth for a number of events, and I’ve seen the photos and videos from those events.  But that’s nothing like witnessing for myself how people interact with YouBooth!  Seeing YouBooth at an actual event really opened my eyes to its entertainment value. Read the rest of this entry »

Pets Steal the Show, and the Event Photographs!

June 14th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

We all know that animals, particularly our pets, are naturally ideal photography subjects.  Under the aegis of a patient professional photographer, animal photos can be particularly striking and evocative.  That’s why we were so excited to cover event photography at the NYC Pet Show on May 22nd and 23rd at the Metropolitan Pavilion.

Organized by CCK Global Events, in partnership with the American Pet Products Association, the NYC Pet Show was created to address the needs and interests of city-dwelling pet owners.  With appearances by the Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan, and other pet-centric celebrities, plus presentations from industry experts on topics such as where to travel with your pet this summer, the show featured products and services to help enhance owner/pet relationships.

Because this was the first year for the NYC Pet Show, CCK Global Events, a full-service event sales, production and marketing company, decided it was important to document the presentations, exhibitors and attendees with event photography.  5th Avenue Digital photographers were on hand both days to capture all the unpredictable antics that animals create – especially pets with their fanatical owners. Read the rest of this entry »

Maximum Impact for Photo Booth Portraits

May 25th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

5th Avenue Digital recently had the good fortune to introduce the versatility of our new photo booth, called YouBooth, to a premier event planning company in New York.  They wanted portraits taken and printed onsite at an event they were producing for an area hospital’s gala event.  They also wanted the portraits projected on large screens for everyone at the event to see.

When they heard about YouBooth, they knew it was perfect for the gala.  The event was held at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn, on the third and fourth floors with to-die-for views of the city skyline.  They wanted a YouBooth unit on each floor, to give everyone an opportunity to get in on the photo fun.

Read the rest of this entry »

Results from the Ultimate Engagement

April 8th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

On March 14th, I co-produced an event called the Ultimate Engagement, at Manhattan’s Gotham Hall.  Frequent readers of this blog will know that I created this bridal event with my industry colleague, Maya Kalman, as a way for us to showcase our wedding businesses in a more personalized and targeted format.

Our concept was to give brides a chance to have one-on-one appointments with the masters of the wedding industry.  We put together an impressive group of wedding purveyors, presented in a luxurious venue, along with champagne and hors d’ouevres, informative sessions by wedding industry experts, and trunk shows with high end designers.  It was truly a bridal event like no other.

And I’m happy to report the concept worked!

In addition to being a sponsor of the event, 5th Avenue Digital provided photography coverage – you’ll find a link to the photos below.  We also provided an opportunity to try our new photobooth, complete with bouquet props, courtesy of Diana Gould.  (You can see these photos in our online link as well.)   Plus, we gave brides a chance to meet and see work from two of our top photographers, Julie Skarrett and Robert Evans.

Read the rest of this entry »

Maximize Your Event Photos for Future PR and Marketing Needs

March 26th, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

We often talk to event planners who want quality photography for their events, but have trouble justifying the expense to their client or board.  Instead of investing in a professional photographer, they assume that assigning an associate to point-and-shoot will give them decent photos and save them money.  In some cases, this might be true.  But many planners haven’t recognized that professional event photos can serve more than one purpose, and can actually save the client money in the long run.

This point was proven yet again with an event we photographed recently for the National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR).   Their savvy Director of Marketing and Communications, Erin Chen, called me about photography for their event at the New York Hilton, saying she wanted more than the typical “stand and smile” photos they usually get.  She was looking for artistic, emotionally evocative images they’d be able to use for marketing.

Erin explained that they’d wanted to use last year’s event photos on their website and in their printed materials, but the photos they’d gotten “were just too boring.”  She was looking for something more: shots of the room décor and guests engaging with each other, but incorporating interesting angles, close-ups of faces and expressions. Read the rest of this entry »

A New Year for 5th Avenue Digital

March 1st, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

This year marks a new path for us.  Last year was more about…what do we want to be when we grow up?  We did a lot of soul searching, deciding where we fit as a stand-alone company.  In 2010 we are acting on what we learned and rolling out our plans.

This is our first newsletter letting you know all that we’re doing at 5^th Avenue Digital and our sister companies.  Please let us know what you think!  We are always looking for new ideas and ways to improve, and we welcome your input.

5^th Avenue Digital started as an innovator in digital technology, at a time when the world was still using film.  We have taken that spirit of innovation and brought it into our mission, addressing our clients’ changing needs for our products and our services.  This month we are launching our deconstructed photo booth. Read the rest of this entry »

Fashionistas Love Green Screen Photography

February 23rd, 2010 by Beth Baynum | Share Blog

It’s only natural, when you think about it, that the fashion industry has so quickly adopted the internet and all its permutations.  After all, fashion is a visual industry that relies on consumers picking up new trends.  What better way to make that happen than with fashion blogs and websites?

Fashion websites are popping up all over, almost daily, spawning a thriving new genre of the fashion industry.  Some sites provide a visual venue for fashion-hungry hipsters who like showing off their outfits, while others feature fashion bloggers.  For all these websites, photography is a vital component.

Read the rest of this entry »