As a Photo Booth Upload user you have a lot of options to give your guests. Animated GIFs are still one of the best ways to capture movement and excitement in the event. They’re also a great tool to generate multimedia outputs in the days where everyone is “doing it for the gram.” Mastering the multi-frame gif and the boomerang can set you ahead of the competition. Check out our latest blog post to learn how to do all the cool things whether or not you pronounce it “GIF” or “GIF” (it’s “GIF,” BTW).
GIF Basics
A GIF, short for Graphics Interchange Format, is a type of image file that supports both static and animated images. Unlike traditional image formats such as JPEG or PNG, which display a single frame, GIFs can contain multiple frames that are played in sequence to create the illusion of motion.
GIFs are popular on the internet for their ability to convey short, looping animations, making them ideal for sharing humorous moments, reactions, or snippets of video content in an easily shareable format. They have become ubiquitous on social media platforms, messaging apps, and websites, adding an extra layer of expressiveness and entertainment to online communication.
In the context of a photo booth, GIFs are often created by capturing a series of photos in quick succession and then stitching them together into a seamless animation. This allows users to capture and share moments in a more dynamic and engaging way than traditional still photos.
Playback: Animation vs. Boomerang
Both GIF animations and boomerangs are popular forms of short, looping videos commonly used in digital communication and social media. While they share similarities, there are distinct differences between the two:
GIF Animations
Typically, GIF animations are comprised of a series of shots, usually 3-5, that are then stitched together to create a repeating image animation. These are great for guests who want to show off a series of poses in one output, or for activations where there is a narrative aspect to the GIF, such as a dinosaur coming into frame. PBU even let’s you take the images from a photostrip and automatically generate a GIF (to outputs for the price of one!)
The first shot can be the guests acting calmly, the second is them noticing the dinosaur, and the third is them being eaten as the dino overlay comes into frame. When stitched together, these would create a fun narrative GIF of your guests about to be eaten by a dinosaur.
Here’s a classic standard Animated GIF example:
You can also create a rapid stream of photos to create a more fluid animation, like a video. These play best at a higher frame rate (10-15 fps). Here’s an example of a Burst GIF:
You can also just make a single photo GIF and have an image animation on top of your image, as well. In this instance, the guest only takes one photo and PBU applies the single image to an image sequence.
The Boomerang Effect
Boomerang is a feature in PBU that makes Burst GIFs play forwards and backwards seamlessly. This creates a “boomerang” effect, where the action appears to repeat seamlessly.
Boomerangs were once all the rage on Instagram when they first came out. They can still be a great way to get guests moving and upping their energy, while also providing a short video format they can upload to stories or TikTok.
Now, let’s dive in on how to make a GIF using Photo Booth Upload.
Getting Started:
- Accessing GIF Feature: Launch PBU and click “S” for settings. Then head to the GIF tab to start making magic.
- Creating a New GIF: Click on “Make New GIF” and give your creation a catchy name.Then you’ll need to set the Number of Pictures and Frames Per Second.
- Frame Configuration: Under the title field, you’ll see an option that says “Number of pictures.” This is where you’ll decide how many frames you want in your GIF and fine-tune the settings for each. From green screen options to photo-taking preferences, every detail is customizable. You’ll see the “Frame Number” column build as you increase the amount of frames. When you select each frame, you can choose if that frame:
- Takes a photo.
- Doesn’t take a photo.
- Repeats a photo from another frame.
You can also select a Green Screen design from the Green Screen column. This column pulls the graphics from your Green Screen tab and applies them to the GIF.
Pro Tip: If you have multiple frames doing the same action or using the same Green Screen design, you can hold the SHIFT key when selecting your frames to apply the same action to all of your selected frames.
- Playback Speed: Next to this frame configuration is “Frames per second” (or FPS). Adjust the frames per second to control the speed of your GIF’s playback. Whether you prefer a leisurely pace or a rapid-fire sequence, the choice is yours. Note: When creating a burst GIF, you may want to have a higher number in this field. The standard frame per second for videos in PBU is 30 fps, however we usually suggest people keep burst GIFs between 10-15 fps with a burst delay of 100ms to match the real pace of action.
- Thumbnail Frame: This is the frame that will be visible when viewed on your sharing kiosk or in your output folder. If you add an overlay that covers the first frame of your GIF, it may be best to choose a frame from your animation that shows the guest so they can more easily find their photos at the kiosk.
- Printing GIFs: You can also allow guests to print their GIFs! Just check the, “Print Full Size” box and select which frame from the GIF you want to be printed from each GIF.
- Choose GIF Style: The default style for GIFs in PBU is the classic GIF, which takes multiple individual photos. PBU will take an individual photo correlating to the number of GIF frames you’ve entered in “Number of Pictures.” If you decide you want to make a burst GIF, check the “Enable burst mode” box in the bottom menu of the screen.
Note: For Burst Mode, it’s best to have a strong source of constant light on your guest. An LED mounted on top of your booth is plenty strong enough to illuminate your guest.
Perfecting Photo Placement:
- Green Screen Tab: Want to take your GIFs to the next level? Navigate to the Green Screen tab to fine-tune photo placement within each frame.
- Editing Frames: Double-click on individual frames to open the edit window. Here, you can adjust the photo holder position, rotation, and size to achieve the perfect look.
- Filter Effects: Automatically apply PBU’s extensive filter library on your GIF, including our retro Glitch Filter (which you’ll find under “Temporal Filter” dropdown).
- Burst Delay: This area is used to set the duration of time taken between images when you’ve enabled “Burst Mode.” The lower the number, the quicker the time period between each photo taken.
- Frame Message: If you want to guide your guests through the process of each frame, you can enter a message between each frame taken using the “Frame Message” field. Simply select the frame from “Frame Number” column and enter the message that appears before that photo is taken.
Putting It All Together:
- GIF Format: You can save Animated GIFs as a .gif or video file. Video files are best when users want to share their work on social media. When configuring your GIF to save as a video, you’ll also have the option to add an audio track, as well!
- Guest Options: Once you’re satisfied with your creation, click OK to save your GIF. Choose your preferred GIF mode (Auto Apply or User Select) and get ready to start capturing those memorable moments. Auto Apply is best used when you have only one option available for guests. If you have multiple GIF options for guests to choose between, the User Select mode allows guests to decide which design they get to create.
The Power of the Animated GIF
In the competitive landscape of event planning and photography, staying ahead of the curve is paramount. At LA Photo Party, we understand the power of animated GIFs as a key activation tool. By harnessing the creative potential of GIFs and ensuring they stand out, we not only elevate the experience for our clients and their guests but also position ourselves as innovators in the industry. With attention-grabbing GIFs that capture the essence of each event, we have the opportunity to make a lasting impression and ignite viral buzz. In a world where every moment is shared and celebrated online, mastering the art of GIF creation is what sets us apart and ensures that our events leave a lasting impact on all who attend.
Need some More help?
Struggling to get the perfect GIF? Support has your back with our animated GIF help center article:




