Case Study: How Ben Hawes Elevated Force Brands’ 80s Party with a Themed Photo Booth Experience
Ben Hawes is the creator of the Rent My Booth photo booth experience in New York City. Based in the East Village, Ben has built a reputation for bringing high energy and a personal touch to corporate events, making him a sought-after vendor for companies looking to elevate their gatherings.
When East Village-based company Force Brands was planning their 2025 kickoff party at Gutter, a popular bowling alley, they searched for a photo booth service nearby. After discovering Rent My Booth, they were immediately drawn to Ben’s dynamic personality, showcased in a video on his website. His enthusiasm and attention to detail made it clear that he would be the perfect fit for their event.
Crafting an 80s Fantasy Photo Booth Experience
Once contacted, Ben quickly responded with thoughtful questions about the party’s theme and size. When he learned that the event was 80s-themed, he was thrilled. The opportunity to design a fully immersive 80s photo booth experience was something he was eager to take on.
Ben immediately started brainstorming the visual elements that would bring the theme to life. He proposed a shimmering tinsel backdrop in shades of pink, silver, and purple, along with an assortment of 80s-inspired props. These included vinyl records, inflatable guitars, oversized sunglasses, and a signature red 80s-style cell phone. More than just creating an aesthetic, Ben worked closely with Force Brands’ event organizer, Rachel, to ensure that the booth’s design aligned with the company’s vision.
A key feature of Ben’s premier package is customizable printouts, allowing guests to receive both digital and physical copies of their photos branded with company logos and event details. This feature resonated with Rachel, who was excited about incorporating Force Brands’ logo into the experience.
Rachel ultimately chose Ben for the event because of his enthusiasm, responsiveness, and commitment to ensuring the theme was executed flawlessly. She had spoken to other photo booth companies but found their responses generic and uninspired. In contrast, Ben’s hands-on approach and ability to personalize the experience made him stand out.
More Than Just a Photo Booth—An Engagement Tool
With a background in HR and employee engagement, Ben understands the importance of fostering connections at corporate events. Force Brands operates as a fully remote company, meaning many employees had never met in person. Ben’s presence at the event helped break the ice, encouraging colleagues to step out of their shells and create shared memories through photos.
The printouts were a hit, with attendees walking away with multiple keepsakes to decorate their desks, refrigerators, and walls. Beyond the traditional booth experience, Ben also captured candid behind-the-scenes moments with his professional camera, further adding to the night’s collection of memories.
A Standout Moment: The 80s Headshot Trend
One of the most memorable moments of the night involved a guest wearing a voluminous blonde wig reminiscent of an 80s makeup mogul. She jokingly suggested taking a professional-style headshot for her Slack profile picture. The idea quickly caught on, and soon, many attendees were lining up to get their own 80s-inspired headshots. The unexpected trend became a party highlight, adding a fun, nostalgic twist to the evening.
The Final Outcome
The event was a resounding success. Ben didn’t just provide a photo booth; he brought energy, engagement, and an immersive experience that blended seamlessly with the theme. Rachel was beyond satisfied with the results, praising Ben’s ability to integrate with the event and elevate the atmosphere.
For companies looking to host a themed event, Ben’s services go beyond taking pictures—he creates an experience. His ability to merge corporate event goals with entertainment ensures that attendees leave not just with photos, but with meaningful connections and lasting memories.
This case study serves as proof that Rent My Booth is more than a standard photo booth service. Whether it’s an 80s party, a corporate merger celebration, or a brand launch, Ben Hawes brings an unmatched level of enthusiasm, creativity, and expertise to every event he touches.
