Appnetis
All work

SelfieBooth

SelfieBooth — a multi-platform photo booth system

One connected system across backend, web, iPad, and pro-camera desktop — so guests capture and share in seconds.

Services

  • Custom Software Development
  • Web & Mobile App Development

Platforms

  • Backend
  • Web portal
  • iPad app
  • Desktop app

Stack

  • Django
  • Python
  • React
  • Swift
  • iOS
  • C++
  • Qt
  • REST API
  • Docker

The challenge

The problem we set out to solve

  • Setting up a photo booth was complicated and time-consuming for event organizers.
  • Guests wanted to take photos and share them instantly, but the process was often slow or confusing.
  • Managing photos, users, and event settings across different devices was difficult.

Our approach

How we solved it

We designed SelfieBooth as four parts that each do one job well and talk to each other securely over a central API — so information is always up to date wherever it's needed.

An API-first, modular design means new features can be added to one part without breaking the others, and each platform can play to its strengths.

Architecture

How it fits together

Backend

The brain

Django · Python

  • Handles user logins and permissions
  • Stores event details, photos, and users securely
  • Central API for the web, iPad, and desktop apps
  • Email notifications and admin tooling

Web portal

The control center

React.js

  • Create and customize events, manage users
  • Gallery of all event photos and media
  • Easy sharing and downloading
  • Secure login and analytics

iPad app

The guest experience

Swift · iOS

  • Photos, GIFs, boomerangs, effects and overlays
  • Live preview before the shot
  • Instant upload to the backend
  • Works offline, syncs when back online

Desktop app

The technical expert

C++ · Qt

  • Connects to professional cameras
  • Green screen and custom layouts
  • Syncs photos and event data with the backend
  • Tolerates unstable internet, uploads when it can

How we built it

The development process

  1. 01

    Listening first

    We talked to event organizers and users to understand their real needs and pain points before building.

  2. 02

    Designing for everyone

    We made the system modular and API-first, so every part can talk to the others and new features are easy to add.

  3. 03

    Building in parallel

    Separate teams built the backend, web, iPad, and desktop apps at the same time against shared standards.

  4. 04

    Testing thoroughly

    We tested each part on its own and all of them together, against real-world event conditions.

  5. 05

    Easy to deploy

    Backend and web portal ship in containers for quick setup anywhere; the iPad app via the App Store and the desktop app via simple installers.

Impact

What it delivers

  • Fast setup — organizers can stand up a new event in minutes, not hours.
  • Happy guests — people love taking and sharing photos instantly.
  • Reliable — keeps working even with spotty internet, so no memories are lost.
  • Flexible — fits small parties and large corporate events, and supports new features as needed.

What we learned

Lessons that carry forward

  • A central backend and clear APIs made it easy to add features and fix issues quickly.
  • Modular design kept the system easy to maintain and improve.
  • Listening to real users made the product better with every update.

Let's build software worth trusting.

Tell us what you're building. You'll talk directly with the founders — expert engineers who'll be accountable for the work.

Book a callinfo@appnetis.com