Case Study: Bevel Photo Booth Experience at Essence Fest

Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop & Black Grooming Culture

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.