Why Custom Photo Booths Work For Product Launches Every Time: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan x Tim Hortons Dream Cookies

When it comes to the grand unveiling of a new product, a launch event is the pinnacle of excitement and anticipation. But in today's competitive marketing landscape, simply posting your product online is no longer enough. To truly make an impact, you need to create an immersive brand experience that resonates with your audience on a personal level.

Close-up of a hand holding four photo strips from a Tim Hortons branded photo booth, with blurred event attendees in the background.

Strategic activations turn your product launch into an event that leaves an impression built to last. Brand activations allow consumers to directly interact with your products, services, or messaging, building brand awareness, fostering brand loyalty, and driving engagement.

But with so many marketing activation options, how can you begin narrowing down your choices?

The answer lies in finding an activation that not only engages your audience but also aligns seamlessly with your event or brand's unique identity. Custom photo activations offer a tailor-made solution that captures the essence of your event or brand while delivering all the benefits of a personalized photo experience.

There are a variety of photo activation options, from classic print photo booths to dynamic mosaic photo walls. The choice depends on your event's unique goals, target audience, and desired level of engagement and entertainment. So, if you were a beloved Canadian multinational coffeehouse and restaurant chain promoting your newest line of gourmet cookies, for example, a custom photo booth for your launch event would be a great idea. And that’s exactly what we did for the launch of Tim Horton’s Dream Cookies.

A movie clapperboard with 'Dream Cookies' written on it, surrounded by red and white balloons and treats at a Tim Hortons event.

Partnering with Netflix’s Never Have I Ever star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, the restaurant chain hosted a tasting event at the Tim Hortons Test Kitchen in Toronto, where a variety of local influencers were invited to try out the new Dream Cookie flavours.

The tasting event was a prime opportunity for photos galore, and we were buzzing to work our photo booth magic when Tim Hortons’ PR agency reached out to us. They wanted a quick, easy booth setup where guests could take pictures with Ramakrishnan and required two unique customizations: Tim Horton’s branding throughout and a setup that wouldn’t take up too much room.

It was an intimate event in the home office’s tasting kitchen, meaning we didn’t have the space of a dedicated event venue. We decided on a deconstructed photo booth concept to make it work. Instead of a photo booth enclosure, our roaming photographer snapped shots against a branded backdrop at the front of the room. We placed a selection screen and printer at the back of the room, away from all the action. Guests could pose for their photos in one place and print them in another, keeping the line moving steadily throughout the event and offering more freedom for other activities.

Once done, attendees could select their photos at the printing station for instant email or printing. With everything from the computer screen graphics to the photo strip overlay customized with Tim Horton’s branding, the photo booth provided guests with the ultimate branded experience.

Two women posing with peace signs in a Tim Hortons photo booth with red branding balloons and Dream Cookies signage in the background.

In today's digital age, photo booths have become a social media magnet, generating instant online buzz. A photo booth’s interactive nature turns passive attendees into enthusiastic participants. Guests leave with physical prints or digital copies of their memories, instantly cherishing their experience. As a result, your guests share their captured memories on social platforms, effectively becoming brand ambassadors and organically extending your event's reach.

But perhaps the greatest allure is its uniqueness. In a sea of typical event offerings, a custom photo experience sets yours apart, leaving an indelible mark on attendees and making your event truly unforgettable.

In an age where visuals dominate social media, photo booths are a powerful response. They transform the act of capturing memories into an engaging brand activation tool. By providing influencers, attendees, and guests with an interactive, visually captivating experience, you're not just presenting your product—you're making it an integral part of a memorable event.