> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.simplebooth.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.simplebooth.com/running-your-event/preparing-for-events/camera-and-screen-settings.md).

# Camera & Screen Settings

Mission Control's **Attract**, **Light**, and **Composition** tabs let you fine-tune the booth on-site: the start screen's appearance, camera exposure and white balance, exposure monitoring tools, and framing and layout controls.

{% hint style="info" %}

## Use a Light Source

A well-lit environment is essential for high-quality photos. We strongly recommend using a dedicated light source regardless of your setup.

Explore lighting options:

* [Professional Lighting Solutions](http://buy.simplebooth.com/)
* [DIY Lighting Ideas](https://www.simplebooth.com/blog/best-diy-photo-booths/)
  {% endhint %}

***

### Accessing Camera & Screen Settings <a href="#h_908534276f" id="h_908534276f"></a>

All adjustments are made from the Mission Control page, accessible after launching your booth while on the "Tap to Start" screen. These settings cannot be adjusted from the online dashboard.

#### Access Instructions

Mission Control is designed to be hard to access accidentally. It might take some time to get the hang of this pinch gesture.

1. Place two fingers side-by-side on the **Tap to Start** screen.
2. Slowly pinch outward (slide your fingers apart).
3. Mission Control opens on the Status tab by default.
4. Use the tabs at the bottom of the screen to move to **Attract**, **Light**, or **Composition**.

<figure><img src="https://877021714-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fh7r3HaEn7hCAufF9Bg7E%2Fuploads%2FUrL7KTsiINTMuf9pFEM0%2FCamera%20Screen%20Settings.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=aae15861-e541-4581-b319-fa1e2876f991" alt="Pinch-out gesture opening Mission Control"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Attract

The Attract tab controls what guests see on the start screen between sessions.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Start Screen Transparency" %}
Adjust how visible the "Tap to Start" screen is by changing its opacity. Set it to fully opaque, fully transparent, or anywhere in between.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Gallery Preview" %}
Once your gallery has a few [public photos](https://app.gitbook.com/s/gkBJjut3zmQfG3bS9iDb/basic-gallery-settings/gallery-privacy-options), a live preview appears on the start screen when no faces are detected for a short time.

This live preview is enabled by default but can be disabled here if you prefer.

* The preview disappears once a face is detected or the screen is tapped, so the Tap to Start language is displayed.
* It is automatically disabled for private galleries and when you have a custom start screen file uploaded.
  {% endtab %}
  {% endtabs %}

***

### Light

The Light tab is where you dial in exposure and check your lighting before guests arrive.

In addition to the settings below, consider adjusting the booth's location or your lighting setup if you're dealing with harsh overhead lights, nearby windows, or other lighting challenges.

#### Camera

Camera adjustments are controlled with sliders.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Exposure" %}
Exposure controls how bright or dark your photos appear. Adjust this in tandem with your lighting to find the ideal balance.

**Locking Exposure**

* Keep exposure unlocked in most scenarios to allow for natural lighting shifts.
* Lock exposure only when lighting is guaranteed to stay consistent throughout the event.

If lighting at your event will change over time (e.g., daylight turning into evening), check exposure periodically to ensure consistency.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="White Balance" %}
White balance adjusts the color temperature—how cool (blue) or warm (yellow) your images look. [Learn more](https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/what-is-white-balance-definition/).

By default, white balance adjusts automatically based on your lighting conditions. If photos appear overly warm or cool, enable Manual Mode and use the white balance slider to correct it.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

#### Monitors

Monitors overlay exposure readouts on the live camera preview so you can light the booth for better photo quality. Only you, the host, see them, and only while Mission Control is open—they never appear to guests during capture.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Zebra Stripes" %}
Hatched stripes cover any area so bright it has lost all detail. If they land on faces, bring the light down.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Histogram" %}
Graphs how much of the shot is dark, mid-range, or bright. A pile against either edge means detail is being lost in the shadows or the highlights.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="False Color" %}
Recolors the preview by brightness so you can read exposure at a glance. Aim for green on skin—red is too bright, and blue is too dark.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Waveform" %}
Plots brightness across the frame from left to right, so you can spot one side of the booth being lit hotter than the other.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

***

### Composition

The Composition tab controls how the shot is framed during capture.

#### Layout

Tap a layout to preview what guests will see during capture. Every layout enabled on the preset is available here, so you can toggle between them and preview each one.

#### Guides

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Rule of Thirds" %}
Overlay a grid on the layout to help you frame your subjects.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Level" %}
Open the level tool to check that your iPad isn't tilted. The indicator turns green when it's perfectly level (red means it's still off).
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

#### Zoom

Digital zoom helps frame your shots when physical booth placement is limited. Use it to center your subjects and fine-tune the layout.

Zoom levels vary based on the iPad's camera capabilities. The available range may differ between models—and even between the front and back camera on the same device. The app lets you zoom in or out within the limits supported by that specific camera.

{% hint style="info" %}
To get the best results, make all camera adjustments on-site during setup—not from your home or office.
{% endhint %}


---

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