A QR code photo booth is exactly what it sounds like: a QR code that guests scan to upload their photos to a shared gallery. Unlike a traditional photo booth (which requires expensive rental equipment), a QR code photo booth works with phones guests already have. Setup takes five minutes. Equipment cost: zero.
What you need
A PartyLab account (free), a printed QR code, and somewhere to display it. That's it. The 'booth' is conceptual — it's a designated spot where guests know to go to share their photos.
Step 1: Create your event
Sign up at partylab.app and create an event with your party name and date. You'll immediately get a unique URL and a QR code. The QR code links directly to your event's upload page.
Step 2: Print your QR code
Download the QR code from your event dashboard. You can print it at home on a standard printer — a 10x10cm square is readable from arm's length. For a nicer presentation, take the PDF to a print shop and print it A4 or A3 size, or have it mounted on foam board.
If you have a sign or banner made for your event, ask the designer to include the QR code. Most will add it for free if you supply the image.
Step 3: Set up your display
The most effective placement is eye level at a dedicated spot — a table guests will naturally walk past, near the food, or by the bar. Add a small sign: 'Scan to share your photos.' This framing works better than 'Upload photos' because it focuses on the social aspect.
For larger events, put QR codes at multiple points. Table cards, photo frames with the QR printed inside, or a simple A4 sheet in a clip frame all work well.
Step 4: Run the slideshow on a screen
If you have a TV or projector at your venue, open your event's slideshow on a laptop and connect it. As guests upload photos, they appear on screen within seconds. This creates a powerful feedback loop — guests see their photo appear on the big screen and immediately tell their friends.
This feature alone typically doubles upload rates at events with a screen.
Step 5: Announce it once
The single most effective thing you can do: mention the QR code once from a microphone, or ask your MC to. 'We've set up a photo sharing link — scan the QR code at the bar (or on your table) to add your photos.' One announcement. That's it. You don't need to explain more — people will figure it out.
After the event
Once the party's over, log into your dashboard and download all the photos as a ZIP file. You can also scroll through the gallery online and favourite your best shots. With a PAID event, guests can also download the full gallery — so everyone leaves with every photo, not just their own.
Ideas for making it more fun
Add a caption prompt: 'Best caption wins a prize'. Guests love a reason to be creative with their upload message.
Create a display with a simple backdrop — fairy lights, a sign with your event name, or a bunch of balloons. Guests will naturally take photos there and upload them.
For birthday parties, ask guests to include a memory or wish in their caption. You'll end up with a digital guestbook that writes itself during the party.