About · Owner-operated · Bend, Oregon
Meet Kyle —
the guy behind the booth.
Bend Booth is owner-operated by Kyle Nelson, a Bend-based entrepreneur. When you book, you're not getting a contractor or a franchise — you're getting the owner, every time.
The Story
A business rebuilt by the entire photo booth industry.
In the summer of 2016, Kyle bought a photo booth business in Paradise, California. It was already a fixture across Chico and the surrounding North State — weddings every weekend, corporate events filling the calendar. For two and a half years, it was the kind of small business most entrepreneurs dream about.
Then, on November 8, 2018, the Camp Fire tore through Paradise. Kyle lost his home and every piece of equipment the business owned in a single morning. Cameras, printers, props, backdrops, vehicles — all of it.
What happened next still doesn't feel real. Photobooth Supply Co. launched a nationwide crowdfund. Hundreds of photo booth owners — competitors, technically — pitched in cash, gift cards, props, and gear from their own studios. PBSCo themselves gifted Kyle the exact booth he still operates today.
In May of 2020, Kyle relocated to Bend, Oregon and started over. Six years later, Bend Booth runs as a deliberate side business alongside his other ventures — which means every event still gets the owner's full attention.
Bend Booth is part of Nelson Collective, Central Oregon's premier event media company founded by Kyle Nelson. While Bend Booth focuses exclusively on photo booth experiences, Nelson Collective offers a full suite of event services — including event photography, commercial photography, red carpet activation, and headshot bars — for clients who need more than a booth.
The Timeline
Eight years.
One booth that survived it all.
Bought the booth in Paradise, CA
Kyle acquired a thriving photo booth business serving the Chico, California area — weddings, corporate galas, and everything in between. The business grew fast.
The Camp Fire
Kyle lost his home and every business asset in the Camp Fire that destroyed Paradise. Cameras, printers, props, backdrops — gone in a single morning.
An industry rallies
Photobooth Supply Co. organized a nationwide crowdfund. Hundreds of photo booth owners across the U.S. pitched in cash, gift cards, props, and equipment. PBSCo themselves gifted Kyle the booth he still runs to this day.
A new chapter in Bend
Kyle relocated to Bend, Oregon and rebuilt — booking weddings across Central Oregon while quietly growing two other ventures on the side.
Still showing up
Bend Booth runs as a passion project alongside Kyle's other companies. Every event is personally owner-operated — no franchises, no contractors.
Also by Kyle
Building things in Central Oregon.
Bend Booth is one of three companies Kyle runs from Bend. The others —
Work with the owner