By Lilian Museka
They say a picture speaks a thousand words, things which can never be expressed in words, emotions which cannot be explained that easily. This means a picture can portray more information than words.
A photograph may depict emotion, enabling the viewer to perceive the essence of the story without a word being written or spoken.
Photography has since then evolved to the digital era where today in Kenya; it has been made easy by use of smartphones.
However, a new trend of taking photographs during events is taking shape in Kenya, with the introduction of Picha Booth. This is a photo booth that allows you to capture photos in a fun and exciting way. It is hired out to clients for events such as weddings, birthday parties, showers, office parties and corporate events.
Picha Booth is a relatively new concept in Kenya that was founded by one Nyambura Kinyori, a communications and marketing graduate who took a bold step to venture into this risky area..
However, the now Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Picha Booth Company, which began in 2015 has soldiered on, without looking back.
The booth consists of a light, camera, computer (housing the photo booth software) and a printer all seamlessly integrated. The photo booth functions as a portable studio, but the main difference is the playful aspect that props and the instant prints bring to the experience. To take a photo, one needs only grab their prop of choice, press start and stand in front of the camera. The booth can take between one to four photos, with a three second timer between each shot.
Asked how different it is from other cameras, she says “each person gets a printed image for a keepsake. Often, attaining a photo from an event is near impossible, but with Picha booth, everyone leaves with a piece of the memory.
The company has a tagline: ‘Capture your memories,’ which means is creating a fun experience for family, friends, and workmates.
“Picha Booth’s contribution to society is helping individuals and groups put aside their troubles and enjoy the moment in front of the booth. The laughter and high spirits among family and friends, for however long, is Picha booth’s way of making the world a better place. It’s, therefore, not just a business; it is a way of allowing people to unwind, let loose and be happy at the moment with the people around them.” She adds.
Picha Booth targets both male and females of between ages of 24-35 years who live in urban areas, mostly in the middle and upper class.
The company relies heavily on online marketing, via the website, blog, and social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, WhatsApp and Public Relations
But how do they charge their clients? “We offer hourly billing. For 1-2 hours Silver package, it is Ksh.16, 000, for the 3-5 hours Gold package its Ksh. 14,500 and the Platinum package of more than 5 hours it costs Ksh.12, 000 per hour. With every package the client gets unlimited photos and prints with social media integration giving the clients the option to either print or upload directly to their social channels.,: Nyambura says, adding that “ The packages also include a variety of props that can be tailored to event theme. Clients can customize their packages by adding a photo booth enclosure, custom branding on print, a USB or photo book, all at extra cost if not already included in the selected package.”
“In 2015 we did 13 events in 2016 , 17 events and 2017, 24 events. This 2018, we have done almost 40 events. They are at 40 events with target to hit the 50 mark. “This is a major milestone for our company as it acts as a major milestone for the Kenyan appetite for booth services,” says Nyambura.
How the service/product works
The machine is about 5 feet 8 inches. It’s open air in design, and includes 5 steps to get started:
1. Grab a prop
2. Stand in front of the machine
3. Press Start on the screen
4. Strike a Pose (there can be up to 4 poses)
5. Get you instant print
Nyambura explains that the set up takes about 40 minutes. This would include assembling the machine, laying out the props table and putting up the backdrop. When fully functioning, the photo booth is placed on one side and backdrop on the other. The machine is fully automated; all it’s components are seamlessly integrated meaning one only needs to press the Start button for the photo taking process to begin.
The photo booth comes with a variety of props such as emojis, hats, funny signs, glasses and a variety of backdrops. It also has props suited to different event themes; wedding, baby shower, corporate events etc. Custom-made props and signs with words specific to the event can be arranged. There are two print-out options, a two by six inch strip or a four by six inch.
The company relies heavily on online marketing, via the website, blog, and social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. We ran Facebook and Instagram ads and promote /boost posts to increase our reach and push traffic to our website. Word of mouth has proven to be successful, with former clients making Picha Booth referrals within their networks.
Asked about challenges in the industry, Nyambura says they have to keep marketing themselves as the industry is yet to be fully acceptable in the marketing, considering other easier, quick and cheaper was to take photos.
She adds that” there is need to adapt the changes in the environment by keeping abreast with trends in the industry to remain relevant through product innovation. It also requires consumer research to finding out what their needs are and customizing our offering to suit them. Listening to and implementing customer feedback so we know where to improve on service delivery.”
Nyambura concludes that Picha booth will actively double down and be consistent on its marketing efforts to always ensure top-of-mind awareness where customers know us as the go-to brand. That requires continually delivering stellar customer experience to promote higher customer retention and referral.
.
