How To Create Photo Ops

From a simple backdrop to an elaborate scene, people of all ages love taking a memorable photo… and sharing that photo! Everyone has a phone and is ready to snap a quick pic at a moment's notice and Christmas is no exception. While families and friends are out shopping and socializing during the season, it’s easy to step in front of a majestic tree or sit in Santa’s throne to create an Instagrammable moment.

Not all photo ops are created equal and more goes into a successful selfie station than one would think. A creative and unique scene or simple décor element will ensure guests and patrons have fun taking photos and making memories but, more importantly, they will want to share the fun and excitement with friends and family by posting to social media thus increasing your brand and marketing message. With everyone embracing the “selfie” how can you create magical selfie stations of your own for the holiday season?

Where you place the photo op can be more important than the actual scene itself and you will have to evaluate your goals. Are you trying to capitalize on a main entrance that 99% of visitors pass through, trying to utilize a blank wall, or driving traffic to an area less frequented? Whatever your goals, make sure that there is plenty of space as people will most likely gather around the area while waiting for their turn. Also consider whether the station is a 360-degree set up, or maybe something that is double sided with a clear background. Whatever you decide, the best location is one where people can easily see it and it’s not in the way of traffic or other items like storefronts and other décor.

Over the years we’ve learned that the staging and base is second in importance to the location. You want the display to noticeably stand out and feel inviting for people walking by. For interiors we love using red carpet which screams holiday and is a great way to hide electrical wires. For exterior use, we custom build bases to house the electrical and counter balancing for a finished professional look.

It could be as simple as a logo or as powerful as a catchy hashtag, but make sure your company or holiday messaging is front and center as it will appear in every single photo taken! For the holiday season, Dekra-Lite frequently prints gift tags that can be attached to large fiberglass and inflatable pieces to predominately display property logos and sponsorships. Printed graphics are a great, economical way to offset the cost of customization. We typically print on a PVC material called Sintra that lasts the season, either inside or out, and can be discarded at the end and reprinted the following year. It’s a great way to change up your commercial Christmas decor look from year to year and for cohesive marketing efforts.

If you invest in a photo op, show it off and get people excited for it! Consider displaying all the social media posts with your hashtag elsewhere on the property or throughout your social media. You could also consider holding a contest based on likes and retweets and, of course, displaying a QR code for easy, built-in sharing ensures guests will share their photo with friends and families as well as their entire network.

Some of the most successful stations are actually quite simple. Selfie scenes don’t need to cost a lot or be elaborate – just play off what people love! At Dekra-Lite we frequently use our oversized items like an oversized illuminated jingle bell or giant fiberglass candy canes. No need to worry about props, people will jump right in and make it their own! We love using our metal or fiberglass sleighs and thrones, too, as they give people a natural location and seat to gravitate toward. Whatever the design, make it easy to use.

Since we just spoke about keeping it simple, some people will shy away from technology but it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Plus, if you invest in the right kind, the technology can reach far beyond the season and give your marketing teams something to utilize during other events. Augmented Reality has been around for a while, but recently burst onto the Christmas scene. Patrons download an app to view your décor and take pictures through to experience additional content like a dancing gingerbread man or being involved in a snowball fight against Santa’s elves! 

So what are the key takeaways for developing creative and unique displays? 

Fun and simple wins every time and if you need ideas, Dekra-Lite can lend expert help. We have plenty of designs that can be customized for your color palette, demographic, and Christmas theme!