Interactive Infrared Camera Photo Booth*

Thermal imaging, rooted in the detection of infrared radiation, helps visualize the temperature of various objects. The “picture” created is a heat signature. This technology has many practical applications. In pursuit of enhancing understanding and engagement with the physics of thermal imaging, we have created an interactive infrared (IR) photo booth. This project is a scientific take on the conventional photo booth experience, integrating thermal imaging technology to serve entertaining educational purposes. We have used the FLIR Lepton 3.5 Thermal Imaging Camera, complemented by other FLIR products and Raspberry Pi software. In this interactive photo booth, participants are offered a unique opportunity to capture their own heat signatures, thereby gaining insights into the capabilities of a thermal camera. Serving as a bridge between the scientific community and the general population, users can achieve this by participating in various activities, such as using different background materials and moving around to create different thermal images that would not be noticeable in regular cameras. This photo booth can be a traveling exhibit, to local schools, science fairs, and conferences to provide learning experiences for scientists of any level.