Frequently Asked Questions
All the answers for all your questions.
Are you an insured company?
Absolutely! We protect the guest and our equipment with a $2,000,000 liability policy, so you have nothing to worry about. We are not in this as a hobby; we are full-service professionals who do not cut corners in bringing you the best in event entertainment! You and your guests are protected. We provide your venue with our Certificate of Insurance upon request.
What types of events have photo booths?
You name it. We cater to weddings, proms, fund-raisers, bar/bat mitzvahs, corporate events, customer appreciation days, grand openings, birthday parties, awards banquets, anniversaries, and more! Contact us to tell us what you have planned and find out about our packages. We can tailor something for any type of event.
How much time is suggested for photo booth rentals?
We recommend at least 3 hours as the minimum time for weddings and private parties to get full enjoyment from the booth. If your guest count is over 185, you may want to add additional time. Typically folks host the booth longer to keep the fun going till the end of the night. The photo booth will be a fun and huge hit at your event, and as soon as one guest walks around with a photo strip in their hand, other guests will quickly start lining up at the booth. Make sure your DJ or event spokesperson announces you have a photo booth on-site and where it is located. For business and corporate events, this often is based not only on the size of your event but also the type and other activities. We will tailor something perfect for you!
How many people can fit in a photo booth?
Our styles of photo booths accommodate small and large groups. From a single person flashing a smile to groups of 18 or more can squeeze into the shot. We are always up to breaking the record for the number of people in a photo. No one will be left out!
Is there a photo booth attendant at the event?
Yes, our company prides itself on encouraging your guests to join in on the photo booth fun. A Professionally dressed, friendly attendant(s) will be present during the entire photo booth experience period to ensure you and your guests maximize and enjoy your photo booth experience. We call them Booth Concierges, as they assure your guests fun and enjoyment!
What happens if a guest takes an inappropriate photo?
We review all of your pictures before posting them to the web gallery (if you choose to have an online gallery). However, if we miss something that you do not want online, we can quickly remove it. However – our booth attendants are trained in making certain no one gets vulgar or performs offensive acts that may spoil the event.
What happens if I need to change the date of my photo booth rental?
Any change is subject to availability. If your new date is available and made 15 days or more from your original event date, there will be no charge for the change. Cancellations made 15 days or earlier of the event date will be charged a $50 change fee. Change requests must be made via telephone or email to ensure availability.
What is your tipping policy and should I tip the photo booth attendant?
Never expected, aways appreciated.
We realize how important it is to show appreciation for excellent service, especially when folks strive to go above and beyond to make your event extraordinary. While tipping is not mandatory and is always within your discretion, many clients have asked how much they should tip the photo booth staff at their event.
We stress that tipping should be within your comfort level and discretion. If you decide to tip, it is customary to tip photo booth staff anywhere between $20 and $100.
Can I design my own photo strip overlay?
Absolutely. If you are graphic design empowered, we can provide the specs for the photo strip for you to make the design truly yours.
More Frequently Asked Questions
We thought we would add even more to keep you infomed
General Information
1. What is Shining Star Photo Booth?
Shining Star Photo Booth is an award-winning photo booth rental company serving Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland since 2014. They specialize in providing elegant, stylish photo booth experiences for weddings, parties, corporate events, and other celebrations.
2. Where is Shining Star Photo Booth located?
The company is based in Dover, PA (1812 Red Wing Lane, Dover, PA 17315) and serves the Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland region.
3. What areas does Shining Star Photo Booth service?
They serve York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Gettysburg, Mount Joy, Hershey, Elizabethtown, Carlisle, Lititz, Mechanicsburg (Pennsylvania), Westminster (Maryland), and Hanover, along with surrounding areas in Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland.
4. How can I contact Shining Star Photo Booth?
You can reach them by phone at 717-435-7682 or by email at smile@shiningstarphotobooth.com.
5. Is Shining Star Photo Booth insured?
Yes, absolutely. They protect guests and equipment with a $2,000,000 liability policy. They are full-service professionals who provide venues with a Certificate of Insurance upon request.
Booth Styles & Pricing
6. What types of photo booths does Shining Star offer?
They offer four unique photo booth styles: the Enchanted Photo Gazebo, VIP Open Style with Backdrop, Enchanted Mirror Photo Booth, and Allure Digital Photo Kiosk.
7. How much does the Enchanted Photo Gazebo cost?
The Enchanted Photo Gazebo starts at $795 (discounted from $895) for an all-inclusive package. This is their most popular style.
8. What makes the Enchanted Photo Gazebo special?
It is an 8-foot round structure draped in elegant white crushed taffeta curtains with a backdrop of crushed rosettes or sequins. It can fit up to 22 people in one photo and is exclusive to Shining Star Photo Booth.
9. How much does the VIP Open Style Photo Booth cost?
The VIP Open Style with Backdrop starts at $695 (discounted from $795) for an all-inclusive package with up to 4 hours of photo fun.
10. What is unique about the VIP Open Style Photo Booth?
It features an open atmosphere that lets everyone see and experience the fun, creating a Hollywood VIP photo party feel. It can fit up to 24 people in one photo and offers optional custom printed backdrops for monograms, logos, or sponsorships.
11. How much does the Enchanted Mirror Photo Booth cost?
The Enchanted Mirror Photo Booth starts at $1,150 (discounted from $1,295) for an all-inclusive package with up to 4 hours of photo fun.
12. What makes the Mirror Photo Booth different?
It is a full-length touch-screen mirror that provides an interactive selfie experience and produces larger 4×6 frame-ready photo keepsakes instead of standard photo strips. It can fit 10-14 people in one photo.
13. How much does the Allure Digital Photo Kiosk cost?
The Allure Digital Photo Kiosk is only $495 for your entire event (all day/night).
14. What is the Allure Digital Photo Kiosk?
It is a self-running digital kiosk with a sleek design that offers digital photos, video bursts, boomerang videos, and virtual reality digital props similar to Snapchat filters. Photos can be texted, emailed, or posted to social media. This option does not include physical prints.
15. Which photo booth style is most popular?
The Enchanted Photo Gazebo is their most popular style, offering elegance and exclusivity.
Booking & Reservations
16. How do I book a photo booth?
You can contact them by phone at 717-435-7682 or email at smile@shiningstarphotobooth.com to get a quote and reserve your date.
17. What happens if I need to change the date of my photo booth rental?
While the website indicates they have a policy for date changes, specific details would need to be discussed directly with the company when booking.
18. How far in advance should I book?
As an award-winning company serving a large region, it is recommended to book as early as possible, especially for popular dates like wedding season weekends.
19. Is a deposit required?
Deposit and payment terms would be discussed during the booking process. Contact them directly for specific payment policies.
20. Can I reserve multiple booth styles for one event?
Yes, you can inquire about renting multiple booth styles for larger events or to provide variety for your guests.
Event Logistics
21. How does the photo booth work?
Guests stroll up and hop into the photo booth. The host guides them through a countdown to pose, and once done, prints are ready to be picked up in less than 15 seconds.
22. Is there a photo booth attendant at the event?
Yes, all packages include a super fun host/attendant to help ensure everyone has a great time and everything runs smoothly.
23. How much time is suggested for photo booth rentals?
Standard packages typically offer up to 4 hours of photo fun, with additional time available upon request. The Digital Kiosk can be booked for the entire event.
24. When does setup occur?
They set up before your guests arrive to ensure everything looks impeccable. They start the fun at the time you designate, with no charge for idle wait time between setup and start.
25. Can the photo booth time be split during my event?
Yes, absolutely. If you would like the booth open during cocktail hour, paused during dinner, then reopened after dinner, they make it happen with no charge for the paused idle time.
26. How much space is needed for a photo booth?
The Enchanted Gazebo is an 8-foot round structure. The VIP Open Style and Mirror Booth require space for the backdrop and equipment. Specific space requirements should be discussed when booking based on your chosen style.
27. Does the photo booth work outdoors?
While not explicitly stated on the website, this would be a good question to ask when booking, as weather and power requirements may be factors.
28. What power requirements are needed?
Specific electrical requirements should be confirmed when booking, but standard photo booths typically require access to a standard electrical outlet.
Features & Customization
29. What comes included with the photo booth rental?
All packages include custom-designed photo strips or prints, top-quality props, professional host, early setup, lab-quality prints, online gallery access, uplighting (for applicable styles), and safety/sanitization measures.
30. Can I customize the photo strip design?
Yes, they offer custom-designed photo strips that match your theme and colors. They can even match your invitation design right down to the same font.
31. Can I design my own photo strip overlay?
Yes, they work with you to create a custom design that is uniquely yours, matching your event theme, colors, and style.
32. What kind of props are provided?
They provide a collection of top-quality pose props. They do not use cardboard or paper products, only high-quality items that guests will appreciate.
33. What backdrop options are available?
They offer gorgeous textured backdrop choices in dozens of colors, including crushed rosette textures. Optional luxe sequin styles are also available as enhancements.
34. Can I get a custom printed backdrop?
Yes, the VIP Open Style offers optional custom printed backdrops, perfect for featuring your bridal monogram, company logo, or charity sponsorships.
35. Is uplighting included?
Yes, for the Enchanted Gazebo and VIP Open Style booths, uplighting of the booth space is included to create a color theme matching your event scheme.
36. What are the drapery options?
The Enchanted Gazebo features fashionable white crushed taffeta drapery with elegant tiebacks. The VIP Open Style includes white crushed taffeta drapery backdrop end caps to complete the upscale look.
Photo Quality & Delivery
37. What type of prints are provided?
They use lab-quality full-color prints from a dye sublimation photo printer, providing professional-quality prints in seconds. The standard booths provide photo strips, while the Mirror Booth provides 4×6 frame-ready prints.
38. How quickly are prints ready?
Prints are ready to be picked up in less than 15 seconds after taking the photo.
39. Does everyone in the photo get a copy?
Yes, everyone in the picture gets a copy of the photo strip or print as a keepsake.
40. Are photos available online?
Yes, all images are hosted in an online gallery where you and your guests can view and download full-size images, share on social media, email, and more.
41. Can guests share photos on social media?
Yes, guests can share photos from the online gallery on social media. The Digital Kiosk also allows direct posting to social media, as well as texting or emailing photos.
42. Do I receive a photo album or guestbook?
Based on customer testimonials, they offer incredible photo album/guestbook options. This would be something to discuss when booking your package.
Technical & Operational
43. How many people can fit in a photo booth?
The Enchanted Gazebo can fit up to 22 people, the VIP Open Style can fit up to 24 people, and the Mirror Booth can fit 10-14 people (more if they squeeze together).
44. Are the photo booths wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all booth styles are ADA compliant and Handicap/Wheelchair Accessible to ensure no one is excluded. Elderly and handicapped guests will appreciate this consideration.
45. What safety and sanitization measures are in place?
All equipment, booths, pose props, backdrops, and items are treated in an ozone chamber to ensure thorough sanitization before every event. Props are also treated with 24-hour Microban coating for guest safety. Sanitization wipes are available for guests to use as they wish.
46. What happens if equipment malfunctions during my event?
As full-service professionals with award-winning service since 2014, they maintain their equipment to professional standards. Specific backup plans should be discussed when booking.
Event-Specific Questions
47. What types of events are photo booths suitable for?
Photo booths are perfect for weddings and anniversaries, parties and birthdays, proms and school/college events, corporate and company functions, and Bar/Bat Mitzvah parties.
48. Are photo booths good for corporate events?
Yes, they are excellent for corporate events, holiday parties, and company functions. The custom backdrop option is perfect for featuring company logos or sponsor recognition.
49. What makes photo booths great for weddings?
Photo booths provide entertainment for guests, create lasting memories, offer personalized keepsakes, can match wedding themes and colors, and provide a photo album/guestbook option. The elegant styles complement wedding venues beautifully.
Policies & Procedures
50. What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is not mandatory and is always within your discretion. However, if you decide to tip for excellent service, it is customary to tip photo booth staff anywhere between $20 and $100.
51. What happens if a guest takes an inappropriate photo?
The attendant monitors the booth activity and can address any inappropriate behavior. Specific policies would be discussed during booking to ensure a family-friendly experience.
Why Photo Booths Are Great for Weddings & Events
52. Why should I rent a photo booth for my wedding?
A photo booth provides interactive entertainment for guests during cocktail hour and reception, creates lasting memories with personalized keepsakes, captures candid moments that professional photographers might miss, and gives guests something fun to do while mingling. The custom photo strips serve as unique wedding favors that guests will actually keep.
53. How does a photo booth keep guests entertained?
Photo booths provide interactive fun that gets guests laughing and socializing. The props encourage creativity and silliness, breaking the ice between guests who may not know each other. The instant gratification of receiving prints in under 15 seconds keeps the energy high, and watching others pose creates contagious excitement throughout the event.
54. Do photo booths work well for all age groups?
Yes, photo booths appeal to all ages from children to grandparents. Kids love the props and instant photos, teens enjoy the social media sharing aspect, adults appreciate the nostalgia and fun, and elderly guests can participate comfortably thanks to ADA-compliant accessibility. It's one of the few entertainment options that truly brings all generations together.
55. What makes photo booth photos special compared to regular event photography?
Photo booth photos capture genuine, candid moments of guests having fun and being themselves. Unlike posed formal photos, booth pictures show authentic emotions, laughter, and personality. Guests control when and how they're photographed, leading to more creative and memorable images. Plus, everyone gets instant prints to take home as keepsakes.
56. Can a photo booth help with my wedding guestbook?
Absolutely! Photo booth guestbooks are incredibly popular. Guests take their photos, receive two copies - one to keep and one to place in your guestbook album alongside a personal message. This creates a much more engaging and memorable guestbook than traditional signature books, filled with fun photos and heartfelt notes.
57. How does a photo booth add to the wedding decor?
Unlike traditional boxy photo booths, Shining Star's elegant styles like the Enchanted Gazebo with crushed taffeta drapery and the Mirror Booth actually enhance your venue's aesthetic. The uplighting can match your wedding colors, custom backdrops can feature your monogram or theme, and the overall design becomes a beautiful focal point rather than an eyesore in the corner.
58. What return on investment does a photo booth provide?
A photo booth provides exceptional value by serving multiple purposes: entertainment for 4+ hours, wedding favors for every guest, guestbook creation, hundreds of professional-quality photos, online gallery access, and lasting memories. When you consider the cost per guest and the multiple benefits, it's one of the most cost-effective wedding investments.
59. Will a photo booth work during different parts of my event?
Yes, photo booths are versatile and can be scheduled for any part of your event. They're popular during cocktail hour to entertain guests while the wedding party takes photos, during the reception for maximum participation, or split between both with a pause during dinner. The flexibility ensures you get the most value and guest participation.
60. How do photo booths encourage guest interaction?
Photo booths naturally bring people together. Guests who might not otherwise interact will join groups for photos, families gather for multi-generational shots, and the props provide conversation starters. The open-air styles let everyone see the fun happening, creating FOMO that draws more guests to participate and mingle.
61. Are photo booth memories better than other wedding favors?
Photo booth prints are among the most cherished wedding favors because they're personalized, meaningful, and actually used. Unlike generic favors that often get left behind or thrown away, guests treasure their photo strips, displaying them on refrigerators, desks, or in frames. They're a constant reminder of the fun they had at your celebration.
62. How does a photo booth create lasting memories?
Photo booths capture the joy, laughter, and spontaneous moments that make events special. Years later, you'll look through your online gallery and guestbook to see genuine smiles, silly poses, and the happiness of your loved ones. These candid memories complement formal photography and often become the most-viewed and shared photos from the event.