Why Every Nonprofit Fundraiser Needs a Photo Booth
Every nonprofit fundraiser needs a photo booth or photo area for many beneficial reasons. In this blog, fundraising experts at Murad Auctions and professional photographer Misty Hoyt share ideas on creating an irresistible, memorable photo booth and why it’s a great marketing tool for nonprofits.
A photo booth isn’t just about pictures. It’s about connection. It’s a powerful tool that brings people together, creates buzz, and leaves everyone with wonderful memories. It brings fun, laughter, and unforgettable moments to your fundraiser. When guests share photos of these memories on social media, this helps spread your message and raise awareness beyond your reach. It also inspires people who may not know about your organization to support your cause.
Why a Photo Booth is a Fundraising Must-Have
People love documenting their experiences. A printed picture from a photo booth is something guests keep. It doesn’t get lost in a phone gallery or buried under countless selfies. It ends up on desks, fridge doors, and corkboards—a constant reminder of an incredible event.
Here are reasons why they are game-changers at nonprofit fundraisers:
- Branding Opportunity
- Every photo taken in front of it automatically promotes your organization when shared online
- Professional-Looking Photos
- Instantly elevates the look and feel of your event
- Gives guests a reason to dress up and take pictures
- Attracts Social Sharing
- People love to post photos that look polished and branded
- Banner photo backdrop becomes the official photo spot, which boosts the chances that guests will share on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or other social platforms.
- Social Media Gold
- The instant gratification of sharing fun pics online keeps your event trending while it’s still happening. Hashtag those moments and get your fundraiser seen.
- Sponsor Value
- If you’re offering sponsorship packages, this is a major perk!
- Logos featured on the banner give your organization exposure in every photo
- Sponsors love it when their brand gets posted by your guests
- Sponsorship Opportunity
- Offer value to your sponsors by featuring their logo on the photo prints, digital gallery, or photo booth backdrop.
- Guest Engagement
- A fun, interactive photo booth draws people in repeatedly throughout the night. It brings together friend groups, spouses, and even strangers. It becomes a hub of laughter and energy.
- Immediate Memories
- People walk away with a print in hand, a keepsake that makes the event memorable.
- Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) Factor
- When people see photos from your event online, they wish they had been there. That fear of missing out helps boost attendance for next year.
- Marketing Content
- Every snapshot is content you can use to wrap up this year’s fundraiser and promote the next.
- Thank You Cards
- Include photo booth images in post-event thank-you notes. It adds a personal touch that guests will love.
Types Of Photo Opportunities
The following are ways you can capture photo memories at your fundraiser:
Photo Booth Or Photo Area Related To Fundraiser Theme
Create a designated photo area that is related to your fundraiser theme. Include props for guests to use for photos. You can also ask guests to dress in outfits related to your fundraiser theme. Here are some examples of photo booths/photo areas related to fundraiser themes:
Beatles British Invasion Fundraiser
Day At The Races Fundraiser Theme
A Day At The Races Fundraiser Theme
Butterfly Theme Fundraiser
Butterfly backdrops and photo booths add beauty, texture, and a fun and whimsical feel to fundraisers. They are perfect for spring events or galas.
Fairytale/Storybook
Allow your guests to return to childhood for an evening and dress as their favorite fairytale or storybook characters.
Country Western
Photos with farm animals and country western activities will get a lot of attention at your fundraising event.
Country Western Theme Fundraiser
Country Western Fundraiser Theme Ideas
Dream World/Imagination
A Dream World or Imagination fundraiser theme gives your guests a chance to briefly live in the world of a beloved toy from their childhood and share photos with family and friends.
Travel
Your fundraiser guests will enjoy escaping to a dream destination with a travel-related fundraiser theme photo booth. They’ll have a blast posting their photos on social media.
Japanese Theme Fundraiser
Entertainment
Your guests will love clowning around in a circus-themed photo booth at your fundraiser.
Games
There will be lots of fun and games as guests remember playing nostalgic games as they pose for photos in a game fundraiser theme photo booth.
Classic TV Show
Guests will be transported back in time to the enjoyment of watching their favorite classic TV shows in a fun photo booth related to TV shows from yesteryear.
Welcome To Bedrock Fundraiser Theme
Check out our fundraiser theme blogs to see more photo booth examples.
Balloon Backdrop
Flower Backdrops And Props
Black & White Elegance
Keep it classy with a black-and-white filter for timeless prints.
Custom Chalkboard Wall
Let guests write messages, doodle, or sign their names.
Neon Signs
Add a little glow with trendy phrases like “Good Vibes Only” or your event hashtag.
Interactive Green Screen
Change the background digitally to match different settings.
Polaroid-Style Frames
Oversized frames that make every shot look like an instant classic.
DIY Craft Booth
Let guests make signs or props before snapping pics.
Rustic Barn Theme
Wooden crates, fairy lights, and country charm.
Glow Booth
UV lights, glowing props, and fun for after-dark parties.
Vintage Frame Wall
Hang antique frames and let guests peek through for artsy portraits.
Banner Photo Backdrop
A promotional banner photo backdrop is a great way to get visibility for your organization and your cause. Create a large banner backdrop like the one you see behind celebrities at red carpet events, media launches, and press conferences. It’s typically a large vinyl or fabric backdrop that includes your nonprofit’s logo, sponsor logos, event name, hashtag, brief mission statement, and website. Place this information strategically so that it repeats several times on the banner. Hire a professional photographer or include lighting or a ring light for pro-looking shots.
Place it near the venue entrance or near your photo booth with good lighting. Encourage guests to pose for photos in front of the banner. Include a sign with instructions such as “Tag us @YourOrg and use a hashtag like #HopeGala2025.
Photo Trailer
Photo provided by Photography By Misty
Photo provided by Photography By Misty
Having a photo trailer at your event will enhance the fun, especially if it’s an outdoor event. A photo trailer can be used with or without a professional photographer. It can be decorated to correspond with your fundraiser theme for an additional cost. Depending on the package you select, this photo option can include:
- Instant and unlimited prints
- Instant digital sharing
- Custom-themed and/or branded print template
- With a booth attendant
- With themed props
- Ring light and phone mount
- Themed props
- The trailer can be decorated for additional and custom cost
360 Video Booth
Another option is a 360 video booth. This will take memory sharing to the next level. Videos garner attention, and your guests will love sharing these unforgettable moments via video.
Depending on the package you select, a 360 video booth can include:
- Instant sharing
- Interactive props
- Custom and/or branded video overlay
- Choice of music for videos
- LED Enclosure
- Booth attendant
Include A Photo Printing Station At Your Event
Including a photo printing station at your event has many benefits your guests will love. It will give you the ability to:
- Give photos to guests during the event
- Have instant and unlimited prints
- Provide instant digital sharing
- Choose backdrop
- Have a themed and/or branded print template
Other Tips
Hire a professional photographer.
Email or text photos to guests. This will help capture their contact information for your database.
Misty suggests that you avoid charging guests to use photo booths.
How to Get Guests to Share and Tag Your Organization
The secret sauce to turning a photo booth into a marketing machine is to make it easy and fun for guests to post and tag you on social media. Here’s how:
Event Hashtag
Create a short, catchy hashtag for your event and display it everywhere—on signs, the booth, photo prints, and digital screens.
On-Site Sharing Station
Offer tablets or screens where guests can instantly post their pics to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Tagging Instructions
Include a small sign at the booth with your organization’s social handles and simple instructions like Tag us @YourOrg and use hashtags such as #FundraiserFun2025!
Follow-Up Email
After the event, send a thank-you email with a link to the full photo gallery and a reminder to tag your organization when they post.
Branded Prints
Make sure the photo print includes your event name, logo, and hashtag to showcase your nonprofit even after the event is over.
Live Photo Stream
Show a live stream of tagged photos at the event. People will want to see their shots on the big screen.
So, if you’re planning a fundraiser and want to take it to the next level, don’t forget the photo booth. If you need more tips, help with ideas, or resources to create a photo booth/photo area, contact Murad Auctions. You can also schedule a free consultation.