Meet Charles Guinto & Leo Cabal of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles Guinto & Leo Cabal.

Hi Charles & Leo, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Charles and I met through our shared work in wedding and fashion photography. Before launching The Lounge Booth, we were both freelance photographers in different niches. Charles had experience in automotive and fashion, while I focused more on wedding photography. Our freelance work taught us to be flexible and adaptable, which helped us develop a creative edge when styling and photographing events.

The idea for The Lounge Booth was born when a friend suggested applying the high-end approach of fashion photography to a traditional photo booth setup, something we felt was often stale and uninspired. We saw a unique opportunity to elevate this concept by transforming the typical photo booth experience into a memorable, editorial-style photoshoot for guests. This vision led to the creation of The Lounge Booth, where we blend editorial photography with an interactive and engaging guest experience.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building The Lounge Booth hasn’t been without its challenges. Early on, like many start-ups, we faced the hurdle of getting our name out there and establishing credibility in a competitive market. We did a lot of marketing partnerships and unpaid collaborations to build exposure, essentially, hustling to get our concept in front of people. These initial efforts were a necessary investment, and while it wasn’t easy, they laid the foundation for the brand’s growth. Over time, the value we delivered through our unique photo activations spoke for itself. Word-of-mouth referrals and increased exposure led to bigger projects and opportunities. Our persistence paid off as we refined our approach, consistently delivering memorable experiences for our clients and their guests.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What truly sets The Lounge Booth apart is our unique blend of a human-centered approach, editorial photography, and cutting-edge technology. We don’t just capture photos, we create an experience. With our backgrounds in wedding and fashion photography, we excel at putting guests at ease and directing them in a way that brings out their confidence, resulting in elevated, high-quality portraits.

Our process is also designed to be both efficient and enjoyable. In just a quick 20–30 second shoot, we capture up to 15 portraits, which are then instantly transferred to each guest’s phone via digital delivery. This real-time access means guests can immediately view and share their favourite shots, and they do.

Nearly every guest ends up sharing their portraits because they’re genuinely excited to see themselves in a new light. Our photographers guide each person with personalized, creative direction that really brings out their best. Guests usually walk away with a variety of shots to choose from, some perfect for social, others great as a new professional headshot. It’s amazing how often we hear, ‘I’m using this for LinkedIn!’ right after their session.

Our streamlined system allows us to handle high-volume events with ease while maintaining editorial-level quality, making us the perfect fit for everything from intimate celebrations to large-scale brand activations and weddings.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The photo activation and event photography industry is evolving rapidly, with a significant shift towards more immersive and personalized experiences. Over the next 5-10 years, we foresee a move away from traditional event photography and static photo booths, toward high-end, interactive setups that blend fashion, set design, and technology. There’s also an increasing demand for real-time engagement. Guests want instant access to their photos and a seamless sharing experience. We’re thrilled to be at the forefront of this trend and are committed to continuing our innovation in this space.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theloungebooth.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheLoungeBooth/

Image Credits
The Lounge Booth