Case Study: Bevel Photo Booth Experience at Essence Fest

MIPBCO
Jun 4
2 min read

Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop & Black Grooming Culture

Guest engaging with the Bevel-branded photo booth at Essence Fest.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We were approached to help bring Bevel’s vision to life during Essence Festival. A celebration of Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary. The result was the Bevel Photo Booth Experience, a branded activation that honored Black barbershop culture through a sleek, editorial-style setup designed to feel elevated, intentional, and culturally resonant.

The vision was to blend Bevel’s mission of elevating grooming experiences for Black men with the energy and nostalgia of Hip Hop’s legacy.

A couple posing in a barbershop chair and sharing a kiss during Bevel’s Essence Fest booth

EVENT GOALS

The goal was to spark authentic conversations around style, culture, and self-expression. All while driving real-time visibility for the brand throughout the festival weekend. Participants were encouraged to strike a pose and share their photos online using #BevelEssenceFest and tagging @bevel for a chance to be featured across Bevel’s digital platforms.

Guest holding a smartphone showing branded Bevel photo booth image from Essence Fest activation — Phone displaying an online gallery image from the photo booth, celebrating 50 years of hip-hop and showcasing the event's branding.

EVENT SOLUTION

We curated a minimal-yet-striking set design centered around a real barbershop chair. We paired this aesthetic with our signature photo booth technology, designed to capture high-quality stills and branded GIFs. Each guest image included a custom Bevel overlay and was delivered through a fully branded digital microsite, where users could download, save, and instantly share their photos on social media. These personalized captures became instant social content, naturally boosting Bevel’s visibility across platforms.

Group of attendees striking a pose in Bevel’s branded photo booth at Essence Fest

THE EXECUTION

The booth was active all three days of Essence Fest, located in a high-traffic area that invited exploration. Our team managed the setup, flow, and guest engagement, encouraging participation with energy, direction, and real-time social sharing.

Each capture was delivered instantly via text or email, allowing guests to post in real time using branded hashtags that increased event visibility. We also provided on-site printing, so attendees could walk away with physical keepsakes from the experience.

Branded Bevel photo gallery displayed on a laptop for guests to download their images

With the interactive nature of the activation, guests needed no prompting to post their branded photos. Our fully automated booths made sharing effortless, while delivering a high-end experience that exceeded client expectations.

THE RESULTS

THE TAKEAWAY

This activation proved that when great branding meets intentional design and interactive technology, guests will not only show up, they’ll engage, share, and remember.

The Bevel Barbershop Experience became a standout moment at Essence Fest, honoring culture while introducing a new generation to Bevel’s mission.