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Photo booth fun:

5 Questions with local photographer Dimitri Kalachnikoff

Photo booths have changed since the days you piled into one with your friends at the mall.
Local photographer Dimitri Kalachnikoff discusses Ottawa Photo Booth, which opened last year, in this edited interview.

Q. How did you come up with the idea for Ottawa Photo Booth?

I’m Russian and I came to Canada about 20 years ago. I’m a professional photographer and I do mostly weddings in Montreal, Ottawa and Hull.
When the wedding business was slowing down I noticed the photo booth business was becoming more popular.
I started to think it was a good idea to add the photo booth as an option. It’s an open-air booth like a tower.

Q. For what kind of events do people rent the photo booth?

It’s not only weddings. I’ve booked so far Christmas parties, conventions and shows.
People think it’s a good promotional option for them because it’s good exposure for a show. They can bring their own props. It can be used for any kind of an event.

Q. What do clients say about the photo booth experience?

Customers have very good comments. They say it’s lots of fun. They get instant preview shots and instant prints.
There are other photo booths in Ottawa, but I have wireless big screens so I can set up different projectors far away from the booth and show slideshows on the wall.
You could have a screen next to the dance floor.

Q. What’s the price range to rent the photo booth?

I charge $500 for three hours and that includes all the prints.

Q. Why do people enjoy the photo booth more than traditional photography?

I think because people are sometimes shy in front of a photographer. Sometimes it takes 10 or 15 minutes for a person to relax in front of a photographer.
But when people go into the photo booth they are relaxed and have fun and even get a little crazy.

Source: The Ottawa Sun