For our Explore issue, we’re looking at how one Central New Jersey business turns a photo booth into a way to explore connection, creativity and celebration.
Walk into a corporate gala, community fundraiser or holiday celebration where Flirt With Light Photography is present and one thing becomes immediately clear: People gather. They laugh. Strangers become fast friends. That is where the magic happens.
Flirt With Light Photography, founded by best friends Kellie Larsen and Leslie LaCosta, transforms events with highly customized photo booth experiences that blend entertainment and memory-making. Based in Central New Jersey, Larsen and LaCosta serve the tri-state area and beyond, traveling nationwide and internationally for weddings, corporate events and celebrations.
“We’re incredibly proud of our local roots,” Larsen says. “But we love when a client calls and asks if we’ll travel. The answer is almost always yes.”
What sets their work apart is not just the technology or the destinations, but the philosophy behind it. “Our job isn’t just to take photos,” Larsen says. “Our job is to leave every person we encounter better than we found them.”
That mindset shapes every interaction, from the first planning meeting to the final photo delivered after an event.
Friendship, Creativity and a Shared Vision
Flirt With Light Photography was born from a 20-year friendship. Before launching the business, Larsen and LaCosta held executive leadership roles. They shared a passion for creativity, connection and designing experiences that bring people together.
“We wanted to build something joyful,” LaCosta says. “Something that helps people celebrate life’s moments while also connecting with each other.”
What began as a creative idea quickly evolved into a thriving business built on collaboration and trust.
A Modern Take on the Photo Booth
Flirt With Light creates immersive experiences that become part of the event itself. Guests step into a curated space featuring professional lighting and custom backdrops. Within seconds, they capture high-quality photos, slow-motion videos, GIFs, boomerangs and 360-degree video experiences. Images are delivered instantly to guests’ phones, making it easy to share in real time.
Each experience is tailored to the event. A corporate gala may feature branded overlays and a sleek backdrop. A nonprofit fundraiser might include a red-carpet setup with custom lighting.
“No two events are the same,” Larsen says. “We build every experience around the people who will be there.”
The company also stays current with emerging trends in event entertainment, regularly updating offerings and technology to create fresh experiences for returning clients. From luxury weddings to large-scale conferences, the team focuses on making every activation feel polished, interactive and personal. Attention to detail plays a major role in the company’s success, whether that means matching a corporate brand aesthetic or helping guests feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Creating Connection at Corporate Events
While the company works with weddings and private celebrations, a significant portion of its business now focuses on corporate events and brand activations. From conferences to employee celebrations and holiday parties, the goal is to create energetic interactions.
“At corporate events, people often arrive a little reserved,” LaCosta says. “But once someone steps in front of the camera, it changes the energy of the room.”
Guests loosen up and laugh together while executives pose alongside interns.
“People remember how an event made them feel,” Larsen says. “When coworkers are laughing together and creating memories, it helps build stronger connections.”
The Headshot Lab
A growing offering is the company’s Headshot Lab, which has become popular at conferences, trade shows and leadership events. Guests step into a studio-quality setup with professional lighting, guided posing and instant delivery, leaving with ready-to-use headshots.
“For many people, a great headshot has been on their to-do list for years,” Larsen says. “We love giving them that confidence boost.”
Rooted in Community
Larsen and LaCosta remain deeply connected to the communities they serve. Flirt With Light partners with nonprofits, fundraisers and local organizations, bringing the same care and creativity to community events as corporate activations.
“Whether it’s a charity gala, a festival or a corporate celebration, our goal is the same,” LaCosta says. “We want people to walk away smiling.”
Designing Moments That Matter
The company runs a close-knit team that scales for larger events, with multiple attendants and photographers ensuring a seamless guest experience.
“When someone invites us into their event, we take that responsibility seriously,” Larsen says.
“At the end of the day, the photo is just the reminder,” Larsen says. “The real gift is the moment people shared.”
When the team has done its job well, guests leave with more than images. They leave with memories, connections and experiences that stay with them long after the event ends.
To learn more or view the full gallery of services, visit flirtwithlight.com.
“Our job isn’t just to take photos, Our job is to leave every person we encounter better than we found them.”—Kellie Larsen
“At the end of the day, the photo is just the reminder, the real gift is the moment people shared.”—Kellie Larsen