In the fast-paced world of photography and event production, two Filipino innovators, Charles Guinto and Leo Cabal, are making significant waves through their business, The Lounge Booth. Their unique approach to photo activations has redefined the multi-billion-dollar event industry by transforming traditional photo booths into interactive, high-end, editorial-style experiences. With clients like Netflix, Disney, and Universal Pictures, The Lounge Booth showcases Filipino creativity and resilience in the US market.
Both Charles and Leo came from modest backgrounds before they established themselves in the industry. Charles, who immigrated from Guam, recalls growing up in a home shared with ten family members. Despite the challenges, these experiences shaped his work ethic and creative drive. Leo’s journey was no different, as both started their careers in wedding and fashion photography, a field where they honed their craft while freelancing and taking on various gigs.
In an exclusive interview with The Global Filipino Magazine, Charles and Leo shared how their journey began.
“We initially met through our shared work as wedding and fashion photographers. Both of us were used to freelancing and taking on various gigs, which helped us develop a flexible and creative approach to photography,” they explained.
Their path took a significant turn when a friend suggested combining their wedding photography skills with the concept of a high-end photo booth. This sparked the idea for The Lounge Booth, and it became their gateway into the event production scene.
Pivoting during the pandemic
Like many in the events industry, Charles and Leo faced tremendous challenges during the pandemic. With weddings and events paused indefinitely, the duo had to quickly pivot and adapt to the new reality. “The pandemic hit us hard, as it did for many in the wedding and events industry,” they recalled. “During this downtime, we explored various side gigs and even experimented with new concepts.”
Their first breakthrough came during YouTuber Albert Posis’s wedding. It was their chance to test their unique concept, and the results were beyond what they had imagined. “Albert Posis’ wedding was a defining moment for us. It was our first big opportunity to test our concept, and we went all in to create an experience that felt more like a high-end editorial shoot than a typical photo booth,” they shared. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, which fueled the momentum they needed to gain more clients through word-of-mouth.
Collaborating with big names
The Lounge Booth’s portfolio now boasts collaborations with high-profile brands like Universal Pictures, Netflix, and Disney, among others. One of their most memorable projects was working with Universal Pictures for the Violent Night influencer event. “It was both exciting and challenging,” they said. “The project allowed us to showcase our creativity by designing a custom set that complemented the event theme.”
This ability to deliver quality while ensuring guest satisfaction has made The Lounge Booth stand out in a highly competitive market. They explained that their approach differs because they bring their background in fashion and wedding photography to the table. “Unlike many competitors who are solely operators, we started as photographers and are deeply passionate about the art of photography,” they emphasized.
Both Charles and Leo credit much of their success to their Filipino heritage. “Our Filipino heritage deeply influences how we approach our business,” they said. For them, the idea of community is central. “We’re passionate about creating a sense of community and making people feel seen and celebrated—values that are rooted in our culture.”
Their work extends beyond just delivering high-quality photos. They are actively involved in projects that promote diversity and representation, particularly within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Through strategic partnerships and charitable efforts, they aim to use their platform to elevate underrepresented voices and showcase authentic stories from their heritage.
Advice to aspiring photographers
For young aspiring photographers and entrepreneurs, Charles and Leo have valuable advice: “Start by saying ‘yes’ to every opportunity, especially when you’re starting out. Don’t be afraid to experiment and take on different types of gigs—it’s all valuable experience.”
They emphasized the importance of relationships in the industry, noting that building connections opens doors. “The industry is more about people than just taking photos,” they explained. Additionally, they encourage newcomers not to be discouraged by competition. “When we started, we didn’t even research competitors; we just focused on what made us unique. Passion and authenticity will always set you apart.”
As for what’s next for The Lounge Booth, Charles and Leo are excited to expand their offerings and continue elevating their brand. “We’re currently exploring new creative concepts to expand The Lounge Booth’s offerings beyond just photo activations,” they revealed. One of their long-term goals is to deepen their presence in the Filipino and Asian American communities through strategic partnerships and charitable projects.
Ultimately, Charles and Leo are determined to continue their mission of creating memorable experiences for guests while leaving a lasting impression on both brands and individuals alike.
“We don’t just capture moments; we create experiences that resonate,” they said.
Below are the previous work they’ve done, featuring a mix of influencers, celebrities, and guests:
