Nikon D300s DSLR Camera This is the main camera we use on our Photobooth set up. The reason we use an older D300s is because this used to be our main wedding camera years ago and also because it has the 8 pin remote jack in the front. This jack is important if you want to use Pocket Wizards as your remote instead of the Infrared trigger. It's also nice not putting your most expensive camera on a tripod near the photobooth just incase something were to happen (insure your gear).
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Nikon 18-105mm f3.5-5.6G Kit lens Believe it or not, Lee Morris uses a kit lens on his photobooth. If you shoot at small apertures like f8 or higher, the difference in quality between a cheap lens and a pro lens becomes indistinguishable. Also, in that rare instance where someone knocks the tripod over you don't want an expensive lens on your camera (we've had it happen before). While this lens won't work well in low light, it is perfect for situations like the photobooth.
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Lastolite Hilite The Hilite is the most expensive item on this list but we actually own 3 of them. These are the best light source/background for high key lighting because with just one speedlight/strobe you can evenly blowout the background. It's amazing how small these fold up and how easy it is to light them with just one light. Get the largest one they make so you can fit as many people into your photobooth as possible.
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Manfrotto Air Cushioned Stands I used to think light stands were just light stands but once you buy a bunch and they break you realize they can be a real liability. Lee and Patrick are both big fans of the Manfrotto Air Cushioned stands because they are built really well and they won't fall and smash your fingers or worse, break your equipment. We recommend either the 3 pack of 7.75' stands or the 12' riser ones for the most versatility. For a good photobooth, you will probably need at least two of these.
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Eye-Fi X2 Wireless SD Card Hopefully if you are a reader of FS then you saw how to tether your ipad to your camera. The Eye-Fi X2 card is the perfect companion for any SD capable camera (and some CF cameras can use this adapter). When paired up with Shuttersnitch, you can easily stream every photobooth photo over to your ipad which is a big hit at weddings.
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Apple iPad (4th Generation) 32 GB Almost every photographer these days is on the go, and the ipad is the perfect travel companion. The battery life is simply awesome for all your multimedia needs when traveling, and the ipad has become our favorite digital portfolio. Also the iPad allows a photographer to easily tether to a camera for on site review which is really cool. When paired with the photobooth it's an instant hit. Word of advice, you might want a cheaper, older generation ipad for your photobooth since it will be handed out to guests.
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PocketWizard Plus III We use at least 3 of these for the Photobooth set up. One to remotely trigger the camera, and two others to trigger the lights. You may actually need more of these depending on how elaborate you design your lighting. You can never have too many Pocket Wizards, ever!
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PocketWizard N90M3-P Pre-Trigger Motor Cord This is the cord you will need to turn a Pocket Wizard into a remote for your camera. This cord only works for the Nikon Pro bodies that have a 10pin remote jack on the front. We have bought cheaper knock off ones on ebay (without the box) and have found that they let us down at the worst possible times. These are expensive for what they are but having two in your photobooth box is important so your remotes always work.
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Photek SoftLighter This is the main key light for the photobooth. Usually off to camera left, this umbrella is quick and easy, while also keeping light spill to a minimum. Keep in mind, you may decide on a completely different lighting setup so don't discount softboxes, ring flashes, or hard light when picking a key light.
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Profoto D1 Air 1000 W/S 2 Monolight Studio Kit Recently the photobooth was upgraded to include Profoto D1 Airs. As explained in the tutorial, the Airs allow fast recycle times, tons of power for smaller apertures, and even include their own wireless remote system. Of course you can use any studio light you wish but this is our preferred system currently.
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The Einstein™ E640 Flash Unit If you are on a budget or simply want to build up a more elaborate lighting scheme, the Einstein is a great choice. These are much cheaper than the Profotos and might even be more powerful. Patrick prefers using Einsteins when shooting on the beach or other "high liability" locations. Lots of value here. [Paul C Buff]
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ShutterSnitch iPad App Shuttersnitch is the software that allows you to import your images into your iPad. Check out the Eye-fi tethering video to see how it all works.
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ViewSonic PJD5133 Projector It really does not matter which projector you purchase but one thing to consider is how bright it can project an image. If you have to set up a photobooth outside or in a brightly lit room, more lumens will help. Keep in mind, projectors are really inefficient so you might opt to display your images some other way altogether like a monitor, ipad, or TV.
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Miscellaneous Items You'll Also Need
Sandbags
Power Strip
Extension Cord
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Thinking about moving into the photobooth business. My question is if Patrick and Lee would print images at the wedding or did anything like the traditional photobooth strip. Or did you just deliver the images to the client after the event. Thanks!