A big lens, a flash on top, and loads of nostalgia – with this printable retro camera prop, your photo booth guests get to snap right back. Color it, cut it out, and attach it to a stick. This free photo booth prop is a highlight at any Hollywood party and red carpet event.
Why This Retro Camera Is So Fun
A camera in the photo booth taking its own picture – that little wink makes everyone smile. With its big lens and flash, it's a nod to the photographers who used to snap movie stars on the red carpet. On a stick, you hold it up to your face as if you're pressing the shutter yourself. For kids 9 and up, teens, and adults, it's a prop full of retro charm.
The camera's eye-catcher.
For that star moment.
Hold it up and snap away.
Part of our Hollywood Photo Booth set.
✂️ Craft Instructions: Turn the Template into a Mask
🧰 What You Need
- Printer + heavier paper or cardstock (65–110 lb)
- Colored pencils or markers
- Scissors
- Wooden dowel, craft stick or paper straw
- Tape or hot glue (hot glue: adults only)
Print the template on thick paper or cardstock.
Color the prop boldly – strong colors pop best in photos.
Cut along the outer line; you can keep the drawn stick or cut it off.
Tape a wooden dowel or paper straw to the back (blunt end up).
Hold the prop up to your face and head to the photo booth!
⚠️ Safety: eye holes, craft knives and hot glue are grown-up jobs. Don’t run or play rough while wearing a mask that limits your view – and never put elastic around the neck.
📦 Included in These Craft Sets
This mask also comes as part of a bundle – one free PDF with a cover page, craft instructions and every mask in the set:
Ideas for Your Hollywood Photo Booth
Two guests play red carpet photographers with retro cameras while a third poses as the movie star. Aim the paper camera right back at the photo booth camera for a double shot. Have everyone point their cameras at the star of the night for a flash frenzy. Then pose for a press photo with cameras, popcorn, and a clapperboard.
Fun Facts About Cameras
The oldest surviving photograph was taken around 1826, and the exposure took many hours. But the idea behind the camera is much older: the camera obscura, a dark room with a tiny hole that projects an image onto the wall, was known long before. Old-fashioned flashbulbs lit up brightly for a single photo and then had to be replaced. Photographers used to tell kids to watch the birdie so they'd look at the camera. Today, tiny cameras are built into every phone.
Color Ideas for Your Retro Camera
Classic, shiny, or bright:
Black with a silver lens.
Brown like an old leather camera.
Gold with a black lens.
Pastel colors for a cheerful look.
Great Times for the Retro Camera
This retro camera brings star moments to:
Perfect for red carpet photographers.
A playful prop for any party.
A fun prop for weddings and anniversaries.
A kickoff for learning about cameras.
Camera Facts at a Glance
Snappy facts to share:
The oldest surviving photo.
How long the exposure took.
An ancient camera idea.
An old photographer's trick.
More Hollywood Props
Clapperboard, popcorn, and microphone props are ready too – see all our Hollywood props.
🎭 More masks from this group:
Your Benefits at PureSketchy:
- A Real Craft Template: Face-size mask with eye holes and marks for elastic, a stick or glue tabs.
- Free to Print: Every mask and craft set as a PDF or image, no sign-up required.
- Print-Ready A4: Clean vector lines that print crisp on any home printer.
- Kid-Friendly Designs: Cheerful characters, nothing too scary, no brand logos – perfect for home, preschool and school.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What age is this mask suitable for?
The retro camera prop is designed for ages 9 and up, teens, and adults. Older kids color and cut out the prop themselves, and an adult helps attach it to the stick – for example with a hot glue gun.
Will the mask fit a child’s face?
Yes – printed at actual size (100 %) on A4 or US Letter, the mask is roughly the size of a child’s face. For adults, scale it up to 110–115 % or print on A3/Tabloid.
What paper works best?
We recommend cardstock of at least 200 gsm (about 110 lb) so the prop doesn't bend on its stick. Wooden dowels, craft sticks, or paper straws make great handles.
Is the download free?
Yes, all masks and coloring pages on PureSketchy are 100% free for personal use, preschools, and schools.
Is there a German version?
Yes! You can find the German version at Retro-Kamera Fotorequisit.