Hey there! Andrew here, your event expert with 20+ years in the industry, and owner of Extraordinary. We’ve brought the fun to thousands of events yearly, from weddings and parties to big names like Facebook, Microsoft, HBO, Under Armour, and BET.
I’ve seen firsthand how a photo booth can transform any celebration from ordinary to unforgettable, creating lasting memories and keeping guests entertained. In this guide, I’ll share my insider expertise on renting a photo booth, covering everything from choosing the right type to maximizing the fun factor. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive in!
Setting Your Photo Booth Budget
Before you dive headfirst into the exciting world of photo booth rentals, it’s crucial to establish a clear budget. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure you find a photo booth that aligns with both your financial and event-specific needs.
Photo booth rental costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on various factors:
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Type of Booth: Open-air booths generally start lower, while enclosed booths, magic mirrors, and 360 booths tend to be more expensive.
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Rental Company: Different companies have different pricing structures, so it’s essential to shop around and compare quotes.
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Rental Duration: The longer you need the photo booth, the higher the cost will be.
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Location: Prices can vary depending on the event’s location and if the company charges travel fees.
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Event Type: Parties often have lower photo booth costs compared to weddings or corporate events, which may require more customization and professional services.
To give you a general idea:
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DIY booths (shipped to you): Start as low as $299
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Basic open-air booths: $500 – $1,500
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Enclosed booths: $600 – $1,500
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Magic mirrors: $600 – $1,500
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360 booths: $500 – $3,000
Remember, these are just estimates across the country. Prices can vary significantly depending on the company and specific features included. It’s always best to contact companies directly for personalized quotes based on your needs.
Types of Photo Booths
In today’s competitive marketplace, you’ll find an expansive range of both photo and video booth rental options for events.
While the variety is exhilarating, the decision-making process can also be challenging.
Whether you’re drawn to the cutting-edge GlamBot and 360 booths or considering the enchanting Magic Mirror and open-air style setups, we will help you navigate these choices to secure the best photo booth for your specific event needs.
The Classic Enclosed Photo Booth: A Timeless Icon
Ah, the classic enclosed photo booth! This vintage gem is the OG of photo booth fun, the one that started it all. Remember those booths tucked away in malls and arcades? That’s where the magic happens.
Step inside, draw the curtain, and strike a pose! These traditional booths are equipped with everything you need for instant memories: a built-in camera, a user-friendly touchscreen, and a printer that delivers your photo strips right on the spot. There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the enclosed booth experience, and its popularity endures even with the rise of modern alternatives.
While many people adore the classic enclosed booth, finding companies that offer them for events can be a bit tricky. Their rarity is mainly due to the logistical challenges they present. These booths are substantial and require extra effort to transport, making them less common in today’s rental market.
Open-Air Photo Booths: Modern and Versatile
Open-air photo booths are a fresh take on the classic enclosed booth, offering a more spacious and inclusive experience. Perfect for venues where space is limited, these booths typically only need an 8×8-foot area and can comfortably fit larger groups in a single photo. Plus, they come with a wide array of backdrop options to match your event’s theme.
Open-air booths have quickly become a favorite for those who want to make photos a central part of their event. Not only do they provide instant prints, but most companies also offer the ability to share photos via text or email, making it easy for guests to spread the fun.
Their versatility makes them a popular choice for everything from mitzvahs and weddings to birthday parties and corporate gatherings. If you’re looking for a modern and adaptable photo booth option, the open-air booth might be just the ticket!
Glam Booths: Capture Timeless Elegance
Inspired by the iconic style of Kim Kardashian, the Glam Booth offers a unique and sophisticated take on photo booth entertainment. This specialized booth captures stunning black and white images with a distinct aesthetic, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to parties and weddings.
Some companies offer dedicated Glam Booth rentals, while others provide it as an add-on to their photo-based booth packages. So, if you’re looking to create timeless and glamorous memories at your event, the Glam Booth might be the perfect choice!
Green Screen Photo Booths: Transport Your Guests
Imagine transporting your guests to a tropical paradise, a bustling city, or even outer space – all without leaving the photo booth! That’s the magic of green screen technology.
Green screen photo booths use chroma keying to replace a solid-colored background (usually green) with any image you desire. This opens up a world of possibilities for customizing your photo booth experience to match your event’s theme. Hosting a beach-themed party? Choose a sunny coastal backdrop. Planning a sports event? Go for a vibrant stadium setting. The options are limitless!
While there are dedicated green screen photo booths available, some premium vendors offer this feature as an add-on to their standard setups, whether it’s an enclosed booth, open-air model, magic mirror, or 360 photo booth.
A word of caution: avoid wearing green when using a green screen booth! Your attire might blend with the chosen backdrop, creating some unexpected (and potentially hilarious) results.
While green screen booths remain a popular choice, the emergence of AI in the photo booth market has introduced even more creative possibilities and exciting imagery.
Digital Photo Booths: User-Friendly Fun
Digital photo booths bring a new level of versatility to the photo-taking experience. Typically operated through user-friendly devices like iPads or Surface Pros, these booths empower guests to capture not just photos, but also GIFs, boomerangs, and videos. And the best part? These can be instantly shared via text or email for immediate social media bragging rights.
While the media quality might not reach the same level as DSLR-based booths, advancements in camera technology have significantly boosted the output of digital booths in recent years.
Digital booths are a particularly scalable solution for businesses and brands. They can be deployed simultaneously across multiple locations, all while centralizing galleries, analytics, and more. Plus, they unlock additional features like custom surveys, prize giveaways, and other interactive elements.
Magic Mirror Photo Booths: Strike a Pose and Say Cheese
The Magic Mirror photo booth is a real showstopper, captivating guests at all kinds of events, from birthday parties and weddings to mitzvahs. Its unique presentation draws people in, making it a guaranteed hit.
This innovative booth features a large touchscreen that doubles as a mirror, allowing guests to see themselves while interacting with on-screen prompts and animations. It’s a fun and engaging experience that adds a touch of glamour to any occasion.
However, keep in mind that magic mirror booths are best suited for indoor settings. Direct sunlight can make the touchscreen difficult to see, hindering the interactive experience.
Magic mirrors offer both printouts and digital media sharing, typically allowing users to capture photos, GIFs, and Boomerangs. And don’t forget the logistics! If your event is on an upper floor, ensure elevator access, as these booths can be quite heavy.
VIrtual Photo Booth
The virtual photo booth emerged as a game-changer during the pandemic, reimagining the photo experience for digital events. Accessible through smartphones, tablets, or desktop computers, this innovative solution is perfect for virtual and hybrid gatherings, connecting people across the globe.
With a simple link or QR code, guests can instantly access the virtual booth and join the fun. They can even use AI background removal to simulate those cool green screen effects we talked about earlier.
Virtual booths are packed with features, including online galleries, survey capabilities, contest giveaways, and much more. They’re a fantastic way to inject some fun into any virtual session and bring together companies, no matter where their employees or attendees are located.
Roaming Photo Booths: Capture the Candid Moments
Roaming photo booths, sometimes called “Roamers” in the event industry, are gaining popularity for their unmatched versatility and mobility. These booths bring the fun directly to your guests, capturing candid moments throughout your event.
Equipped with an iPad or Surface Pro and a ring light, Roamers excel at capturing high-quality photos, GIFs, and boomerangs on the spot. Guests receive their digital memories instantly via text or email, allowing them to share the fun in real-time.
Roaming photo booths are perfect for various settings, including cocktail hours, dinners, concerts, and trade shows. Their unique advantage lies in the ability of attendants to engage directly with guests, encouraging participation and enhancing the overall event experience. Plus, they require no dedicated space or backdrop, making them a flexible option for events with limited room.
AI Photo Booths: The Future of Fun
AI photo booths exploded onto the scene in 2023, riding the wave of advancements in AI technology. While early versions had some reliability hiccups, the technology has come a long way since then. AI opens up a whole new world of photo and video experiences, allowing for incredible customization and creativity.
Imagine transforming your guests into astronauts exploring space, medieval knights battling dragons, or celebrities walking the red carpet. AI can change not only the scene and environment of the capture but also adjust the subjects themselves. It can alter facial features, change ages, apply virtual outfits, and much more.
The best part? AI functionality can be added to most existing photo booths, including enclosed booths, open-air booths, digital booths, and magic mirrors. This means you can enhance your chosen photo booth experience with the power of AI, creating truly unique and unforgettable memories.
Bullet Time / Multi-Camera Array Booths: Hollywood Magic
Ever wanted to recreate that iconic scene from “The Matrix” where Neo dodges bullets in slow motion? Well, now you can bring that cinematic magic to your event with a multi-camera array photo booth!
These booths use multiple cameras (typically 7-11, but can range from three to over a hundred for a full-circle setup) to capture a sequence of images simultaneously. The result? A visually stunning 3D effect that creates captivating, shareable boomerangs your guests will love.
While these booths come with a higher price tag, the unique and impressive experience they offer is well worth the investment, especially for corporate events and brand activations aiming to wow attendees. Some vendors even provide printouts from the central camera, giving guests a tangible keepsake of their moment.
Just a heads up: these booths require more space than a standard photo booth, so ensure you have enough room to accommodate the setup.
360 Photo Booths: Spin into the Spotlight
While not a photo booth in the traditional sense, the 360 photo booth (originally designed by OrcaVue) has become a staple in the event world. It’s currently one of the most popular options, captivating guests with its unique and dynamic output.
The original 360 booth design features a platform (typically 33″ to 48″ in diameter) that accommodates 2-5 guests. As the camera orbits around the platform, it captures slow-motion videos (generally 16 seconds in length) that can be further enhanced with custom graphics, animations, and music.
In recent years, newer 360 booths have emerged, employing overhead cameras to accommodate larger groups and provide ADA accessibility. These typically require a bit more setup time due to the overhead structure. If you opt for this type of booth, make sure to confirm there’s enough overhead clearance in your event space.
Keep in mind that 360 booths generally need a floor space of 10×10 to 12×12 feet to operate comfortably, and it’s crucial to ensure ample space around the booth to prevent accidents, as the spinning arm can pose a hazard to guests walking by. Trust me, we’ve seen it happen!
Slow Motion Booths: Capture the Moment in Style
The slow-motion booth is a true crowd-pleaser that has stood the test of time. Bursting onto the scene a decade ago, it continues to be a popular choice for events of all kinds.
This unique booth allows guests to capture their most memorable moments in mesmerizing slow-motion video. And the best part? Guests can instantly download their videos directly to their smartphones, making it easy to share their experiences on social media.
Want to take it up a notch? Incorporate elements like confetti, cash, or other tossable items to create even more dynamic and engaging videos. Just be prepared for a little bit of clean-up afterward!
GlamBot: Red Carpet Glamour
The GlamBot is revolutionizing video booth technology, bringing the glitz and glamour of Hollywood red carpets to your event. Popularized by Cole Walliser, this cutting-edge booth captures cinematic action shots that were once reserved for movies and high-end productions.
Equipped with a high-speed robotic arm and a high-frame-rate slow-motion camera, the GlamBot delivers stunning, shareable videos that will wow your guests. As a premium offering in the event industry, it’s a frequent showstopper at upscale weddings, corporate galas, and brand activations.
Guests can instantly share their epic slow-motion videos, complete with custom branding and graphics, extending your event’s reach and impact.
Keep in mind that the GlamBot often requires specialized logistics, including ample power and more space than a traditional photo booth. Be sure to consult with your rental provider for specific requirements.
As lower-cost, portable GlamBot rental options become more widely available, you can expect to see them gracing events of all kinds.
Photo Mosaics: A Collaborative Masterpiece
While not a photo booth itself, the photo mosaic is a fantastic add-on that elevates the photo booth experience to a whole new level. It’s a popular choice for weddings, mitzvahs, and corporate events like brand activations and tradeshows, creating a unique and engaging activity that captures the spirit of the event.
Here’s how it works:
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Capturing the Moments: Photos are captured throughout the event, either through a photo booth or by gathering images from a designated hashtag on social media platforms like Instagram.
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Building the Mosaic: These photos are fed into a “hot folder” that monitors and organizes the images.
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Printing the Tiles: A specialized printer produces small, stickable tiles (usually 2×2″) with individual photos and corresponding numbers.
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Creating the Mural: Guests then place these numbered tiles onto a grid, gradually building a large photo mosaic mural over the course of the event.
The final result is a stunning collaborative artwork made up of hundreds or even thousands of individual photos, capturing the memories and energy of the event. It’s a fantastic keepsake for guests and a unique way to boost brand awareness.
Factors to Consider When Renting a Photo Booth
Choosing the right photo booth for your event involves more than just picking a style. Here’s a breakdown of key factors to consider before you book:
Event Type and Size
The type of event you’re hosting plays a significant role in determining the most suitable photo booth. A small, intimate wedding might call for a classic enclosed booth or a roaming photo booth to capture candid moments. A large corporate event, on the other hand, might benefit from an open-air setup or a 360 photo booth to accommodate larger groups and encourage interaction
Guest Experience
The type of event you’re hosting plays a crucial role in determining the ideal photo booth experience. Here’s a breakdown to guide your decision:
Traditional Celebrations
For traditional celebrations like parties, mitzvahs, or weddings, consider options that encourage interaction and create lasting memories. Popular choices include:
- Open-air photo booths: These modern booths offer a spacious and inclusive setting, perfect for capturing group photos and creating a lively atmosphere.
- Magic mirror photo booths: Their unique and captivating presentation draws guests in, making them a fun and engaging addition to any celebration.
- 360 photo booths: These booths capture dynamic slow-motion videos, providing a unique and shareable experience that guests will love.
Brand Activations and Trade Shows
For brand activations and trade shows, prioritize photo booths that leave a lasting impression and generate social buzz. Consider these options:
- Multi-camera array booths: These booths create captivating 3D slow-motion videos, perfect for impressing attendees and producing extraordinary content.
- Glambots: This cutting-edge technology captures cinematic action shots, adding a touch of glamour and excitement to your event.
- Photo mosaics: This interactive experience encourages audience participation and creates a stunning visual piece that showcases your brand or event theme.
Photo or Video and Features
Pay attention to the photo/video quality and features offered by the rental company. Consider the print quality, image size, and whether you want digital copies, GIFs, boomerangs or other special effects.
Is Your Event Indoors or Outdoors?
Indoor Events: For indoor events, the primary logistical concern is space allocation. Photo booths often attract lines of eager guests, so ensure you have enough room for the booth to operate comfortably. If the booth is too close to the backdrop, it can compromise the shot composition and limit posing space. For traditional photo booth setups, expect your vendor to require around 8×8 feet of space, and up to 12×12 feet for larger booths like the 360 booth or GlamBot.
Outdoor Events: When setting up a photo booth outdoors, weather is a crucial factor. Sudden downpours or strong winds can disrupt operations, so most vendors require a form of cover, such as a pop-up tent, awning, or permanent shelter. Positioning is also key to avoid direct sunlight, which can overheat the equipment and create harsh lighting conditions. Choose a location that is protected from the elements and offers optimal lighting for high-quality photos.
Number of Guests
The number of guests attending your event will influence the number of photo booths you need. A single photo booth typically accommodates around 30-45 sessions per hour. For smaller gatherings, one booth might suffice, but for larger events with hundreds or thousands of attendees, consider multiple booths to ensure everyone has a chance to participate. Many companies offer discounts for multiple booth rentals, so be sure to inquire.
How to Choose the Right Photo Booth Rental Company
With hundreds, if not thousands, of photo booth rental options available nationwide, choosing the right provider can be a daunting task.
Options range from full-scale entertainment companies to solo operators, Facebook Marketplace listings, and even mail-order photo booths. For peace of mind and a high-quality experience, we strongly recommend opting for a professional photo booth company.
These established providers are less likely to cancel at the last minute, usually offer a superior experience, and come equipped with backup gear and insurance policies. To simplify this process, consider these key factors
Availability
Once you’ve determined your preferred photo booth style, the next crucial step is checking availability. Keep in mind that photo booth rentals often experience a surge in demand during peak seasons, typically from April to June and again in September, October, and December. These months coincide with many events, including weddings, parties, and mitzvahs.
To secure your ideal booth, it’s advisable to book well in advance—generally, 6 months to a year before your event date is recommended for the best availability.
Back Up Equipment
In the world of technology, glitches can happen when you least expect them. Even the most reputable photo booth companies can encounter technical hiccups – it’s simply the nature of electronics. A computer crash, printer malfunction, or electrical issue can disrupt your event and put a damper on the photo booth fun. That’s why it’s essential to confirm that the company you choose has backup equipment readily available. This ensures that any unexpected technical glitches can be resolved quickly, minimizing downtime and keeping the party going.
Insurance
Accidents can happen at any event, and it’s crucial to be prepared. A guest could experience an injury due to equipment malfunctions, negligence, or even an intoxicated photo booth attendant. That’s why it’s essential to verify that the photo booth rental company you choose has adequate liability insurance. Most event venues also require vendors to carry liability insurance and provide a certificate of insurance. Confirming insurance coverage protects both you and your guests in case of unexpected incidents.
Online Reviews
When choosing a photo booth rental company, don’t rely solely on pricing and availability. It’s essential to delve into online reviews and check references to get a comprehensive understanding of the company’s performance and reliability. Here’s how to conduct your research:
- Browse online reviews: Explore customer feedback on reputable platforms like Google, Yelp, WeddingWire, and The Knot. Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews to get a balanced perspective.
- Look for recurring themes: Identify any recurring complaints or praise in the reviews. This can highlight potential red flags or strengths of the company.
- Request references: Don’t hesitate to ask the company for references from previous clients. Reach out to these clients and inquire about their experiences with the company’s service, professionalism, and photo booth quality.
Understanding Booking, Cancellation, and Satisfaction Policies
Before signing any contracts, thoroughly review the terms related to booking, cancellations, and customer satisfaction. Most providers require a non-refundable deposit to secure your event date, booth, and time slot. It’s essential to understand their policies in case you or the company needs to cancel. We often receive last-minute requests from clients whose vendors bailed on them, highlighting the importance of choosing established companies over individual providers. Established companies are less likely to cancel to take on higher-paying gigs.
Additionally, clarify the contingency plan for outdoor events in case of rain. Carefully reviewing these details and scrutinizing your contract beforehand can save you significant headaches down the road.
Evaluating Presentation and Quality
When choosing a photo booth company, pay close attention to the aesthetic and technical quality of both their website and the photo booth’s output.
- Website: Does their online presence exude professionalism? Is it easy to navigate and find the information you need? A well-designed website reflects the company’s attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Photo Booth Output: Are the sample photos showcased on their website of the quality you’d expect for your event? Ensure the photos are well-exposed, in focus, and visually appealing. Not every photo booth provider is adept at capturing high-quality images or videos.
- Overall Aesthetic: The photo booth’s design, backdrop, and even the attendant’s attire should complement your event’s overall aesthetic. Avoid unsightly booths or poorly executed visuals that can disrupt the atmosphere of your wedding or corporate function.
Remember, the photo booth experience should enhance your event, not detract from it. By carefully evaluating the presentation and quality of the company and their photo booths, you can ensure a seamless and visually appealing addition to your celebration.
Frequently asked questions about photo and video booth rentals
Below you will find some of the most popular questions in regard to renting a photo booth with answers.
How much does it cost to rent a photo booth?
Photo booth rental prices vary based on several factors, including the type of booth, rental duration, location, additional features, and the specific company. Costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. It’s always best to contact companies directly for personalized quotes tailored to your needs.
How long does it take to set up a photo booth?
Setup time varies depending on the complexity of the photo booth. While most setups average around an hour, more elaborate options like the 360 booth, GlamBot, or multi-camera array can sometimes take closer to two hours. The good news is that rental companies include setup time in their packages, so you don’t need to worry about it cutting into your event time.
Do props come with the photo and video booths?
Most photo booth rental companies still provide props, but the selection might vary. Due to hygiene concerns, some companies have shifted away from offering dress-up items like hats, glasses, and boas, focusing instead on PVC-based prop signs. It’s always best to check with the rental company to see what they provide.
Can I customize the photo or video overlay?
Yes, most photo booth rental companies offer customization options for photo and video overlays. You can usually design your own or have the company’s graphic designers create a personalized overlay for you.
Will I get digital copies of the photos and videos?
Yes, all photo booth rental companies should provide you with digital copies of all the photos and videos captured during your event within a few business days.
Can I share the photos or videos on social media?
Yes, you can share your photo booth photos on social media. While some companies previously offered direct uploads to social media platforms, this feature is less common now. However, you can still easily share your photos by downloading them to your phone or computer and uploading them to your preferred social media channels.
What comes with a photo booth rental?
While the specific offerings vary by company and package, most photo booth rentals include the following:
- Professional Attendant: An attendant will deliver, set up, operate, and remove the photo booth.
- Unlimited Prints: Most photo booths offer unlimited prints during your rental time. Common print sizes include 2×6″ photo strips and 4×6″ postcards.
- Props: Many companies include a variety of props to enhance the photo booth experience.
- Instant Sharing: Most modern photo booths offer the option to instantly share photos via text or email.
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide has equipped you with the knowledge and confidence to choose the perfect photo booth for your next event! Remember, a photo booth is more than just a source of entertainment; it’s a catalyst for creating lasting memories and capturing the essence of your celebration.
At Extraordinary, we offer a wide array of photo booth rentals, from classic enclosed and open-air booths to cutting-edge 360 setups and GlamBots. We’re proud to serve clients nationwide in major cities, bringing the fun and excitement of photo booths to events of all kinds.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, party, corporate gathering, or brand activation, we’re here to help you create an unforgettable experience. Contact us today to explore your options, discuss your needs, and embark on a journey of extraordinary memories!
