Category Archives: Getting started

Using Breeze Booth for iPad (beta) Build 25

Update June 2020:The beta program was closed once Breeze Booth for iPad was released. Getting started with Breeze Booth for iPad

You will need an account with at least one active subscription or voucher to use Breeze Booth for iPad for unlimited photos. You can run Breeze Booth or iPad without signing in to an account but it will be limited to ten photos or GIFs per day before a watermark is added to the output. There is no charge to open the account.  Use it to buy subscriptions and redeem vouchers to sign in your iPads.

Please see Creating an Account and Logging into the Web App for more information.

Download Breeze Booth for iPad from the App Store

The remainder of this post is just for those still using the old beta release of the App

What can I do with Breeze Booth for iPad?

New in build 25 …

  • Simpler copying and cloning of events
  • Ability to set event tokens on the iPad
  • Update all events button on the iPad
  • Refresh list of events button on the iPad
  • Control App with external buttons, motion sensors, USB HIB etc using keyboard shortcuts
  • Improved display quality for survey screens and keyboards
  • Ability to include tokens in update server URL/Dropbox path
  • Improvements to profiles: set up both initial and default profiles for an event, load profiles from menu 1 or menu 2

Build 20 added …

  • Support for printing directly from the iPad using AirPrint
  • Menu screens to select styles, mirroring, virtual props etc.
  • Support for up to 10 different virtual props
  • Ability to add logos and resize, rotate and position them in the print layout
  • Updated sample events and assets
Virtual Props (Breeze Booth for iPad)

Your invitation

When you are accepted onto the program you will receive an invitation email from Apple TestFlight

Invitation email for Breeze Booth for iPad

Getting started

Your iPad needs to be running iOS 12.

Installation

Download TestFlight from the Apple App Store. You may need to  click on Redeem (1) to show the apps you’re able to beta test. Select Breeze Booth for iPad and (2) INSTALL.

Note: Only check Redeem the first time you download the Breeze Booth for iPad beta. If you have previously downloaded an earlier build, just check  UPDATE.

 

Installing Breeze Booth for iPad Build 20 on an iPad

Once you have installed the App, you can open it:

TestFlight screen showing Breeze Booth for iPad icon
TestFlight screen displaying the B icon for Breeze Booth for iPad

Running Breeze Booth for iPad for the first time

Start the App

Tap the Breeze icon to start the App, then Events

Breeze Booth for iPad Build 25 home screen before events defined

Download the list of events from a server

The first time you run Breeze Booth for iPad the event list will be empty. You need to download events from a server to get started. We have set up a server with several demonstration events for you to download and try out. Tap Update all events in the lower right corner to download all the events from Breeze Systems server. (This may take several minutes. Get yourself a coffee instead of watching a YouTube video on the iPad during the download – if you leave the App the download will fail!)

 

Breeze Booth for iPad Events list is empty the first time the App is run

 

All the events have been downloaded to the iPad

After downloading the event list tap Close to return to the events screen. You should see a list of events:

The first event is called Designer and showcases many of the features included with Breeze Booth for iPad build 25. You are welcome to use this design at your own events, and customize it to meet your needs.

Please note: Designer sends emails via Breeze Hub. Emails from other sample events can be sent directly from the iPad. Portrait with survey and sharing will send emails either via Breeze Hub or direct from the iPad.

The remaining 8 events are much simpler designs intended to help you create your own designs.

Running an event

Now swipe right to left on any event and tap “Run” to run the event.

Tap Run to start the booth for an event.

Sample Events

Sample ready screen Breeze Booth for iPad (beta)

Take your first photos and explore the other events we have set up for you to try. (You will need to Exit the event and return to the Events screen to run other events)

Capturing guest data using Breeze Booth for iPad (beta)

 

Use radio buttons to offer a fixed list of choices

 

Prints can include data collected from each guest. NB In this example the @ email icon on a blue background sends emails using Breeze Hub. The @ email icon on a white background emails directly from the iPad.

 

Restrict access to individual events with a password

Adjust camera settings

The new camera controls and digital zoom can be accessed from the home page or within an event:

Breeze Booth for iPAd beta 14 Camera Settings screen
Zoom, adjust exposure compensation, white balance, and tint images

Printing and transferring images to a Windows PC

Summary

Join the beta test program for Breeze Booth for iPad

You will be able to install Breeze Booth for iPad when you receive an email invitation to the email address for your Apple ID.

Breeze Booth for iPad events are defined in a powerful Windows based program called Breeze Booth Event Editor. This post uses a set of predefined ‘events’ that we have set up for you.

We have seen how to sync your iPad with a server containing sample events. First you download a list of events from the server, then all the detailed information you need to run an event.

Once you have taken some photos and animated GIFs on your iPad, download the Breeze Hub to a Windows PC so that you can synch your images to print and share them.

View and share the folders stored on the iPad

The iOS 12 Files app can be used to view the files used by Breeze Booth for iPad.  You can share events and their associated photos by copying them to an iCloud or DropBox folder.

Tap the Files App icon to see the Breeze Booth for iPad folders

Tap  Browse in the Files app, then On my iPad . You should see a folder named Breeze Booth.

x

Tap on the folder to open it and there will be two folders: assets which is where the event configuration is stored and photos where photos, animated GIFs and MP4 movies captured by Breeze Booth are stored.

Breeze Booth folders viewed in Files App

Viewing images from an event on the iPad

By default Breeze Booth for iPad stores images in folders named by date.

iPad Files App showing photos taken and sub folders for animated GIFs and Print layouts on 2018-05-30

Your feedback matters!

Please let us know what you think. You can either use the TestFlight feedback link below or ping an email to techsupport@breezesys.com

TestFlight feedback link

New beta versions

When a new beta is available you should receive a notification email and can install it by running TestFlight, selecting Breeze Booth for iPad and tapping “update”.

Breeze Booth Event Editor1.1

To customize and brand the app you also need

  1. A PC/laptop running Windows 10, Windows 8 or Windows 7
  2. A copy of the Breeze Booth Event Editor software
    Download and install Breeze Booth Event Editor v1.1, Breeze Hub and sample events.

Breeze Booth for iPad has been developed by Chris Breeze, famous worldwide for his flexible, robust and powerful photo booth software.
Breeze plans to introduce many more new and exciting features over time. We welcome your feedback about potential features and any issues you experience. Please email your feedback to techsupport@breezesys.com

Each beta copy of Breeze Booth for iPad is a time limited version which will run for up to 90 days after it is issued. There is no charge to use this beta version of the program. You are welcome to use the app at events, but do so at your own risk

Thank you!

Chris and I  are overwhelmed by your enthusiasm and appreciate the time loads of you are willing to spend testing this new product.  We hope you will enjoy using it for many years.

Sue

© 2019 Breeze Systems Limited

 

 

DSLR Remote Pro Photobooth Setup Wizard

This post explains how to set up your booth with the Photobooth Setup Wizard in  DSLR Remote Pro.

Note: This post was updated in November 2018 and shows DSLR Remote Pro 3.12

We recommend everyone from beginner to expert uses the Photobooth Setup Wizard as a start point for setting up a booth. The wizard also helps generate  profiles quickly. This is a simple, speedy and safe way to generate a working system.

 A more detailed description of the wizard can be found in the program help files.

This video shows how easy it is to prepare your system using the default settings:

Create a GIF/Photo booth in less than a minute

Now let’s run through how to customize your own booth using just the wizard.

The 3 Step Wizard in more detail

Select Photobooth Setup Wizard (1). First you will be prompted to save your current settings

Saving your current settings before running the Photobooth Setup Wizard DSLR Remote Pro 3.12

Step 1

Step 1 simply asks you to name the folder (2) where your photo booth images will be stored. These ‘images’ are the set of screen designs and layout images you will use. (This is usually a subfolder for your PhotoBoothImages folder.) Press Next (3) to move on to Step 1.

Shows Step 1 of the Photobooth Setup Wizard in DSLR Remote Pro 3.9.1
Step 1 of the Photobooth Setup Wizard DSLR Remote Pro 3.12

Step 2

The second step is to define the screens used by guests to interact with the booth. Adjust the default settings to meet your needs.

Dropdown list to give guests choices (Photos/Boomerang GIF, Photos only, Boomerang GIFs only, Photo or video, Video only)

This drop down list is a super-fast way to set up the booth to offer guests choice (DSLR Remote Pro 3.12 Photobooth Setup Wizard Step 2)

Single ready screen to choose from Photos or Animated GIFs

Check this box for single ready screen (DSLR Remote Pro 3.12 Photobooth Setup Wizard Step 2)

Choose Photos or Boomerang GIFs and check Single ready screen so that guests start the booth and choose between still photos and boomerang GIFs from a single screen (as in the video above)

Dropdown list to choose a predefined theme

Selecting a predefined theme to use with DLSR Remote Pro 3.12 at Step 2 of the Photobooth Setup Wizard

You can create, load and save DSLR Remote Pro themes containing screen background, touchscreen button, and caption sets, or buy them from third parties.

Your themes may include localized sets of captions in a variety of languages. DSLR Remote Pro 3.12 is shipped with English, German, Polish, Italian and Romanian captions.

Button placement

Button placement using the Photobooth Setup Wizard in DSLR Remote Pro 3.9.1
Buttons can be placed down the side or across the bottom of the screen by the wizard. (DSLR Remote Pro 3.12 Wizard Step 2)

Dropdown list to adjust live view

Live view drop down list – choose from normal, square, full screen, 4:3 and disabled (DSLR Remote Pro 3.12 Photobooth Setup Wizard Step 2)

Changing the live view in the Wizard will automatically adjust the shape of images in both animated GIFs and prints created by DSLR Remote Pro 3.12.

Color of the background screens and text

Defining colors of the background screens and fonts (including custom colors) with the Photobooth Setup Wizard in DSLR Remote Pro 3.12

Editing individual captions

Import complete captions sets using themes as above. Change (or remove) the text for individual captions using Edit captions:

Showing individual caption edit in the Photobooth Setup Wizard DSLR Remote Pro 3.9.1
Editing individual captions in the Photobooth Setup Wizard DSLR Remote Pro 3.12

Additional checkboxes

Checkboxes in the Photobooth Setup Wizard Step 2 DSLR Remote Pro 3.12

The first 5 check boxes highlighted in green tell the Wizard whether you are using a touchscreen, whether guests can choose between color and B&W prints, whether to display a preview of each photo after it is taken and the maximum number of prints allowed.

Sharing checkboxes in the Photobooth Setup Wizard Step 2 DSLR Remote Pro 3.12

The next five check boxes tell the wizard whether a sharing screen (after the photos are taken) should offer uploads to guests Twitter* accounts, share photos by email or MMS/SMS, or offer optional printing.

Hint: some operators prefer to offer browsing and sharing from a kiosk separate to the booth. You can use Breeze Kiosk for this. To share and print photos away from the booth leave these boxes unchecked.

*Facebook No Longer Available

Please note: On 1st August 2018 Facebook withdrew the permissions required to upload photos from a desktop app in response to the Cambridge Analytica scandal. This means that it is no longer be possible to upload photos to Facebook directly from DSLR Remote Pro. Photos can be shared on Facebook by emailing or texting them to users where they will be able to share them using the Facebook app running on their own device. Alternatively upload the photos to a website or microsite and provide sharing links to allow users to share the photos on Facebook when they view the page on their device.

Inactivity timeout & use default settings

DSLR Remote Pro 3.9.1 wizard Step 2 highlighting inactivity timeout and 'Use default setting' button
Inactivity timeout and ‘Use default setting’ button DSLR Remote Pro 3.12 wizard

The inactivity timeout is useful if the photo booth is not in continuous use because it disables the live view display and puts the booth into standby mode. Disabling live view will allow the camera’s sensor to cool down to avoid possible overheating problems. The booth can be  reactivated by touching the screen. To use the inactivity timeout, just set the number of seconds after which you want to put the booth into standby.

Select Use Default Settings  to restore the default settings for the photo booth.

Next takes you to the third and final step (unless you chose only GIFs or video, in which case you skip Step 3).

Step 3

Showing DSLR Remote Pro 3.9.1 Photobooth Setup Wizard Step 3
At Step 3 you choose the print layout and adjust your printer settings if necessary( DSLR Remote Pro 3.12 Photobooth Setup Wizard)

The wizard offers a choice of 8 popular layouts; if you want something different choose whichever is closest to your design (you will be able to change this using the Print Layout Editor later).

Running a GIF booth with animated GIFs and no printing is increasingly popular. The DSLR Remote Pro Wizard no longer asks you to select a printer when you offer only Boomerang GIFs or Video.

 

How to create your own Breeze themes

Customise your screens      Customise your prints

Buy DSLR Remote Pro

Copyright Breeze Systems 2018

How to import print templates into Breeze DSLR Remote Pro

This post explains how to import readymade templates into Breeze DSLR Remote Pro 3.9.1. Webcam Photobooth 2.4 works in a smilar way.

I have used one of the free templates kindly provided by SMOVE as an example. Import your own templates in the same way.

There are two main ways to import layouts into DSLR Remote Pro.

  • Drag and drop the template directly into DSLR Remote Pro (best for single templates).
  • Copy the templates into your template folder, then import each template into DSLR Remote Pro using the Print Layout Editor when you need it (more effective for collections of templates).

First set up your printer

If necessary, download and install the printer drivers to your computer.

This example will import a 6” x 4” (15cm x 10cm) print layout. Before you start you need to load the printer with 6” by 4“media and set it to 300dpi.

Put the print template(s) into an accessible folder

Whether you download print layouts from a third-party website or copy them from another computer they need to be kept in folder(s) accessible to your booth computer.

In this post I will copy the template into the template folder on my PC. You may prefer to store templates in Dropbox or another cloud-based system accessible to multiple booths.

Download the photo booth layout  and open zipped files

In this example I am using a 6” x4” template with a 1 +3 layout.

To copy this example  on your own computer, download this template from the Breeze website at http://www.breezesys.com/Photobooth/templates6x4.php

Copy the templates to your templates folder

Copy the zipped file to another folder to unzip it. I have copied the file to my templates folder Sue Photobooth Print Templates which is in the same directory as my PhotoboothImages Folder.

Start DSLR Remote Pro and run the Photobooth Setup Wizard

At Step 3

1. Check the printer is set correctly.

2. Choose the print layout closest to the template you are using

3. Click on <Finish>

If you look at the Print Layout Editor now you will see the default 1 + 3 print layout. (Cancel to leave the Layout Editor).

Drag and drop into DSLR Remote Pro

DSLR Remote Pro allows you to drag and drop a print layout into the main screen or into the Print Layout Editor

Shows dragging and dropping a print template into Breeze DSLR Remote Pro 3.9.1
Drag and drop a print layout template into Breeze DSLR Remote Pro 3.9.1 main screen

Shows dragging and dropping a print template into DSLR Remote Pro 3.9.1
Drag and drop a print layout template into Breeze DSLR Remote Pro 3.9.1 Print Layout Editor (also works for Webcam Photbooth 2.4)

You will be asked to confirm whether you want to import the template:

Shows Print Template import confirmation window DSLR Remote Pro 3.9.1
Print Template import confirmation window DSLR Remote Pro 3.9.1

Select Yes and the Print Layout Editor will display the template you imported.

Customize and save the revised template

First save a backup copy of the original layout using Export Layout, then customize the layout to meet your needs. This post does not explain how to use the Print Layout Editor; you can find detailed instructions here. In this example I will change the caption.

Editing a caption in the Print Layout Editor DSLR Remote Pro 3.9.1
Editing a caption in the Print Layout Editor DSLR Remote Pro 3.9.1

The changes are shown immediately in the Print Layout Editor.

When you have finished customising the print layout, export the template to save it.

Alternative:  Use the Print Layout Editor to import templates

There is an alternative to dragging and dropping templates into DSLR Remote Pro. You can copy templates into a folder accessible to your booth, then import the template you need  using the Import Layout (1) button in the Print Layout Editor.

Importing a layout into the Print Layout Editor DSLR Remote Pro 391
Importing a layout into the Print Layout Editor DSLR Remote Pro 3.9.1 (also works with Webcam Photobooth 2.4)

(2) Select the folder containing your layout(s), and then the layout you want to import. (3) Click on  OK to import the layout into the Print Layout Editor. You can edit and save the customized template as before.

Notes

Webcam Photobooth users need to select the “DSLR template compatibility” option at Step 3 of the Photobooth Setup Wizard to use templates designed for DSLR Remote Pro.

Selecting DSLR template compatiblity mode Webcam Photobooth 2.4
Selecting DSLR template compatiblity mode using the Setup Wizard in Webcam Photobooth 2.4 S

Zipped files: many templates are downloaded or copied as zipped (compressed) files, which need to be unzipped before they can be used. The example here uses a zipped file downloaded from the Breeze website.

Printer drivers: you may need to download and install drivers for your printer to the computer you are using.

Using a second computer to edit print layouts. You do not need to create and edit print layouts on the booth computer. Keep a copy of DSLR Remote Pro on an office computer to design, customize and edit your print layouts; export them from the program and either store them somewhere accessible to your booths, or copy the complete layouts to each booth computer.

Download DSLR Remote Pro and try this for yourself

Copyright Breeze Systems Ltd 2018

 

 

 

 

Free print templates for DSLR Remote Pro and Webcam Photobooth

A big thank you to Tomasz Klusczyk of SMOVE, who has generously shared a set of print layouts for Breeze owners to use with DSLR Remote Pro, Hotfolder and Webcam Photobooth.

Download SMOVE 6”x4” (15cm x 10cm) print templates

Download SMOVE 6”x8” (15cm x 20cm) print templates

Note: Webcam Photobooth users need to select the “DSLR template compatibility” option at Step 3 of the Photobooth Setup Wizard to use these templates:

Selecting DSLR template compatiblity mode Webcam Photobooth 2.4
Selecting DSLR template compatiblity mode using the Setup Wizard in Webcam Photobooth 2.4 S

Find out more

Download DSLR Remote Pro, Hotfolder and Webcam Photobooth

SMOVE logo

SMOVE is a Polish photo booth vendor who design and sell photo booths powered by DSLR Remote Pro thoughout Europe.

Copyright Breeze Systems Ltd 2018. Breeze Systems is not responsible for the content of external sites

7 Steps to Simple Booth Operation

How to make life easier for your booth attendants, and protect the  settings you don’t want changed in 7 simple steps.

  1. Start the booth as soon as DSLR Remote Pro is started
  2. Hide the camera controls on the main screen
  3. Hide or reveal the large Photobooth Shortcut buttons
  4. Choose which Photobooth Shortcut buttons are shown on the main screen
  5. Change the wording of the Photobooth shortcut buttons
  6. Password protect or lockdown the Advanced Settings and Photobooth Setup Wizard
  7. Create your own shortcut buttons to run specific profiles

This post has been written for DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1.

Start the booth when DSLR Remote Pro is started and the camera connected

To start the Photobooth running as soon as DSLR Remote Pro is started and the camera connected and switched on, select Advanced Settings then check the box Start full screen photobooth automatically ….

Advanced settings screen showing how to start the booth automatically DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1
Starting the photobooth when the camera is connected DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1

Hide the camera controls on the main screen

DSLR Remote Pro allows you to control the camera from your PC. You can find these settings on the left of the main screen (highlighted in green below).

Shows DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1 main screen with camera settings highlighted
DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1 main screen with camera settings highlighted

To hide these settings select View then uncheck Show Camera Controls:

How to hide the camera controls in DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1
To hide the camera controls at the left of the screen select View then uncheck Show Camera Controls (DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1)

The main screen will no longer show the camera settings:

Shows main screen of DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1 with camera controls hidden
Main screen DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1 with camera controls hidden

Hide or reveal the large Photobooth Shortcut buttons

The large buttons at the top of the main screen (highlighted in green below) are called Photobooth Shortcut buttons. They are quick ways to control your booth.

Showing Photobooth Shortcut buttons DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1 main screen
Default Photobooth Shortcut buttons DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1

To hide or reveal these buttons select View then check or uncheck Photobooth Shortcuts

Shows how to hide or reveal Photobooth Shortcut buttons DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1
To hide or show the Photobooth Shortcut buttons at the top of the screen select View then (un)check Photobooth Shortcuts (DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1)

Shows DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1 main screen with Photobooth Shortcut buttons and camera controls hidden
Main screen with both Photobooth Shortcut buttons and camera controls hidden DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1

Choose which Photobooth Shortcut buttons are shown on the main screen

If necessary show the Photobooth Shortcut buttons as above.

Select View then Photobooth Shortcuts Settings to see the Photobooth Shortcut Setp Screen

Shows the Photobooth Shortcut Setting window DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1
Photobooth Shortcut Setting window DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1

The standard buttons are highlighted in green above. Check or uncheck any of these buttons to change the Shortcut buttons on the main screen. In this example the operator will only see buttons to start the booth and access the Print Layout Editor (which lets them make changes to the Print Layout)

Shows DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1 main screen with 2 Photobooth Shortcut buttons
Photobooth Shortcut buttons limited to 2 choices DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1

You can display any combination of the following standard Shortcut buttons in DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1

  • Printer Setup
  • Edit QR code
  • Photobooth Setup Wizard
  • Print Layout
  • Advanced Settings
  • Event Info
  • Videobooth Settings
  • Reprint Photobooth Photo
  • Start Photobooth
  • Take Test Photo
  • Camera Settings

The default set of five buttons are shown in red in this list.

Change the wording of the Photobooth Shortcut buttons (great for localization)

Select View then Photobooth Shortcuts Settings to see the Photobooth Shortcut Setp Screen.

Shows the DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1 Photobooth Shortcut Buttons scree
Photobooth Shortcut Buttons screen DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1. Shows where to change the text and size of buttons.

1. Edit the text of any button; here Start Photobooth has been changed to Go!

2. You can also change the size of the buttons

3. Press OK to save the new settings before leaving this screen.

DLSR Remote Pro 3.8.1 main screen with customized Shortcut Buttons.
Main screen with customized Shortcut Buttons. Start Photobooth has been changed to Go! DLSR Remote Pro 3.8.1

Password protect or lockdown the settings

You can prevent unauthorized access to the Advanced Settings and Photobooth Setup Wizard using Lockdown.

Select view then Lockdown mode..

Shows how to access Lockdown mode in DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1
Setting Lockdown mode in DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1

Enter a password and press OK to save it.

Entering password to protect Lockdown mode DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1
Lockdown mode is protected with a password

Lockdown prevents unauthorised access to the Advanced Settings and Photobooth Setup Wizard. Operators will still be able to alter the print layout if necessary during an event.

Note: The lockdown password can be reset if necessary. Contact support@breezesys.com for details.

Create your own Shortcut buttons to run specific profiles

Profiles are a powerful tool in Breeze software; they are often used to offer guests choices. You can also use profiles to give the operator a menu of common ways to set the booth up, which are tailored to your business model. Profile 1 might be a basic booth with simple prints; Profile 2 a choice of prints or animated GIFs, Profile 3 prints and GIFs with social sharing. See this post for an introduction to profiles

This section explains how to link profiles you have already created to Shortcut buttons. It does not explain how to create profiles.

Select View then Photobooth Shortcuts Settings to return to the Photobooth Shortcut Setup Screen

Shows DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1 Photobooth Shortcut Buttons Setup screen showing profiles with profiles highlighted
Photobooth Shortcut Buttons Setup screen showing profiles. DSLR Remote Pro 3.8.1

Check the buttons for each profile you want to use (1), and customise the text for each button (2).

When you have finished, press OK (3) to return to the main screen.

The new buttons for each profile are shown highlighted in green.

Download DSLR Remote Pro to try for yourself.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you found it helpful; please share the post with others.

Copyright Breeze Systems Ltd 2018.

 

Slideshow GIFs from photo booth strips: DSLR Remote Pro

Slideshow and Boomerang animated GIFs

You can make two kinds of animated GIFs using DSLR Remote Pro 3.8 and Webcam Photobooth 2.4 : slideshow and boomerang. Slideshow GIFs contain still photos taken during normal photobooth operation. You can set up your booth to print the strips (or other layout) and share the same photos in an animated GIF – which looks much more interesting than viewing a strip on a phone.

Boomerang aka Burst GIFs are captured with a short video clip. Both types of GIF can be shared via MMS/SMS, emailed and uploaded to social media.

How to create slideshow GIFs

This blog post explains how to create  slideshow GIFs with animated overlays using the Photo Booth Setup Wizard in DSLR Remote Pro 3.8. Photos are printed in the usual way; guests can share the same images as an animated GIF. You can customize your GIFs using the advanced settings.

Start DSLR Remote Pro and run the Photobooth Setup Wizard. This example uses a strip of 4 photos. Choose whether to share via Twitter, MMS/SMS or email at Step 3. (Leave these boxes unchecked if you are using a separate sharing station.) This  example creates a 4 photo strip; guests can share their GIFs using MMS/SMS.

Shows DSLR Remote Pro 3.8 Setup Wizard Step 2
Photobooth Setup Wizard Step 3: sharing MMS/SMS DSLR Remote Pro 3.8

Next tell the program to create a slideshow GIF:

Showing Slideshow GIF settings DSLR Remote Pro 3.8 for blog post
Slideshow GIF settings DSLR Remote Pro 3.8

1. Select Advanced Settings

2. Choose Settings on the Photobooth Settings screen

3. Check Share animated GIFs so that guests can share their GIF from the booth.  (Leave this box unchecked if you are using a separate sharing station.)

4. Check Create an animated GIF from the photos

5. Then choose the Animated GIF settings to display the Animated GIF settings screen:

Shows Animated GIF settings screen DSLR Remote Pro 3.8
Animated GIF settings screen DSLR Remote Pro 3.8

6. A photo width of 600 pixels is a good start point. Use the settings in the image above to create an animated GIF from the whole photo (landscape orientation) without any border. Check the final box if you want to make an MP4 copy of each GIF.

7. When you have chosen the settings you need click OK (here and  the other pop up windows until you return to the main screen).

Adding an animated overlay to a slideshow GIF

You can create an animated overlay from a set of transparent png images. The falling snow effect here uses 12 images to create the animation. The snow flakes are in a different position on each  image. (3 snowflake overlays are shown over each of the 4 photos.) You can download the snowflake overlays here .

To add an animated overlay return to the Animated GIF Settings screen (Repeat 1 to 5 above, selecting Advanced Settings, then Settings, then Animated GIF Settings.)

Change the number of overlays per photo to 3 and click OK (here and  the other pop up windows until you return to the main screen).

Shows Animated GIF settings for animated overlay
Animated GIF settings for animated overlay (here 3 overlays per photo)

Now copy the overlay images you downloaded into the PhotoBoothImages folder containing your screens (A). The overlays must be named GIF_overlay_1.png through to GIF_overlay_12.png (B).

Showing PhotoBoothImages folder containing screen layouts and overlay png files
PhotoBoothImages folder containing screen layouts and overlay png files

Run the booth and you will create both a strip of four photos and a slideshow GIF with the animated overlay here:

Christmas slideshow GIF with animated overlay DSLR Remote Pro 3.8

Learn how to create animated GIFs with a border and/or title.

Create boomerang GIFs with an animated overlay.

If you found this post useful please share it with others. You are welcome to use these snowflake overlays in your own booth with DSLR Remote Pro.

Happy Christmas!

Getting Started DSLR Remote Pro (1): Photobooth Setup Wizard

This is the first of a series of posts explaining how to setup your photo booth using the DSLR Remote Pro 3.7.3 Photobooth Setup Wizard.

Getting Started with DSLR Remote Pro (2) will explain how to customize your prints. Getting Started with DSLR Remote Pro (3) will explain how to customize your screens.

Downloading the program

First download DSLR Remote Pro from our website; and install the program on your computer. You can run the program as a free trial for up to two weeks from the day you download it.

Screen shot downloading DSLR Remote Pro 3.7.3
Downloading DSLR Remote Pro 3.7.3 from http://breezesys.com/downloads.htm#dslr

Start the program. If you are running a trial version of the program you will see the registration window each time you start. Click on Evaluate.

DSLR Remote Pro 3.7.3 registration dialog

There are five buttons at the top of the main screen. They are shortcuts to the most used parts of the program.

DSLR Remote Pro 3.7.3 Photobooth Shortcut buttons

  • Printer Setup
  • Photobooth Setup Wizard
  • Print Layout
  • Advanced Settings
  • Start Photobooth

First connect your printer to the computer and switch it on. You can also connect and switch on your camera now; or use the ‘simulated camera’ at this stage.

Select Printer Setup to tell DSLR Remote Pro about about the printer you intend to use. Choose prints in Portrait or Landscape orientation.

Hint: Portrait is used for narrow strips of 3 or 4 photos, unless you have a DNP printer.

DSLR Remote Pro 3.7.3 Printer Setup screen showing Landscape oriented 6″ x 4″ print layout (non DNP printers)

Hint: For DNP printers using 6″ by 4″ media portrait and landscape orientation are swapped.

DSLR Remote Pro 3.7.3 Printer Setup screen showing Landscape oriented 6″ x 4″ print layout ( DNP printers only select ‘Portrait’ instead of ‘Landscape’)

Finish by clicking on OK.

Now start the Photobooth Setup Wizard. The program will prompt you to save any existing settings before the wizard overwrites them

DSLR Remote Pro 3.7.3 check at start of Photobooth Setup Wizard

At Step 1 you choose the photo layout you need. The wizard offers a choice of 8 popular layouts; if you want something different choose whichever is closest to your design (you will be able to change this later).

DSLR Remote Pro 3.7.3 Photobooth Setup wizard step 1. Landscape layout with 1 large and 3 small photos

Next Step 2. Tell the program which folder to save the photo booth photos you are going to shoot.

DSLR Remote Pro 3.7.3 Photobooth Setup Wizard Step 2

Finally choose the options you want to offer your guests.

  • The first 5 check boxes tell the Wizard whether you are using a touchscreen, whether guests can choose between color and B&W prints, whether to display a preview of each photo after it is taken and the maximum number of prints allowed.
  • The next five check boxes tell the wizard whether a sharing screen (after the photos are taken) should offer uploads to guest’s Facebook and/or Twitter account, share photos by email or MMS/SMS, or offer optional printing. Hint: some operators prefer to offer browsing and sharing from a kiosk separate to the booth. You can use Breeze Kiosk for this. To share and print photos away from the booth leave these boxes unchecked.
  • Beginners should leave  ‘Add a background.jpeg’ blank at this stage. Print layouts can be branded/customised later.
  • To offer ‘boomerang’ animated GIFs check ‘Enable videobooth..’ and  ‘Capture Boomerang GIFs..’.
  • To offer video booth check ‘Enable videobooth..’

Click on <Finished> and you will see a final screen reminding you where the screen and print layouts created by the wizard have been stored; and where photos taken today will be stored.

DSLR Remote Pro 3.7.3 Photobooth Setup Wizard completed

Close this window, connect your camera and switch it on before selecting ‘Start Photobooth’. That’s it!

DSLR Remote Pro 3.7.3 default photo booth screen created by the Photobooth Setup Wizard

Customise your screens  Customise your prints

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Copyright Breeze Systems 2017

 

Boomerang basics – animated GIFs with one extra click

Do you want to offer your guests something new with very little effort? You can add animated GIFs to your booth with just one extra click using the  Photo Booth Setup Wizard in DSLR Remote Pro.

DSLR Remote Pro and Webcam Photobooth include two kinds of animated GIFs: boomerang and slideshow. Boomerang GIFs are captured with a short video clip, and usually shared using social media or by email. Slideshow GIFs contain still photos taken during normal photobooth operation. These GIFs can also be shared. The same photos can be printed in a strip or other layouts.

This blog post explains how to create  simple boomerang GIFs using the Photo Booth Setup Wizard in DSLR Remote Pro. Webcam Photobooth works in a very similar way. You can customize your GIFs using the advanced settings.

You need DSLR Remote Pro 3.7, Webcam Photobooth 2.4 or a more recent release; a touchscreen, and your camera must support video. Customers with DSLR Remote Pro licenses issued before 22 February, 2016 also need to buy a DSLR Remote Pro upgrade license. Customers with Webcam Photobooth licenses issued before 17th May 2016 need to buy a Webcam Photobooth upgrade license.

1. Start DSLR Remote Pro. Select the Photobooth Setup Wizard.

DSLR Remote Pro 3.8 main screen showing Photobooth Setup Wizard button
DSLR Remote Pro 3.8 main screen showing Photobooth Setup Wizard button

 

2. At Step 3: Select the sharing and other options you need (B), then check the box to capture animated GIFs (C) . Choose any other options you need before clicking on <Finish> (D).

 

3. The next screen confirms that you have completed running the Setup Wizard. Close this to return to the main screen.

4. Connect your camera and switch it on before selecting ‘Start Photobooth’. That’s it!

DSLR Remote Pro 3.8 main screen showing Start Photobooth button

 

5. This is the default photo booth screen created by the Photo Booth Setup Wizard in DSLR Remote Pro 3.7.3 . Guests  switch between boomerang GIFs and still photos using the button in the top right corner.

6. You can choose whether guests share GIFs directly from the booth as shown here, or take time to browse and share them away from the booth with Breeze Kiosk (purchased separately).

7. The dinosaur chase at the top of this page shows what you can achieve just using the photobooth setup wizard.

You can modify the default settings to change the video length and playback speed;  add overlays and a title page to brand GIFs for each event. This example shows the same GIF overlaid with a simple border. The capture rate and image interval have also been altered to give a smoother result. Find out how to customize your own Boomerang GIFs .

7 December 2018: This post has been updated to show the new Photobooth Setup Screens in in DSLR Remote Pro 3.8

Copyright Breeze Systems Ltd 2017