An Event Manager’s Guide
to Choosing a Photo Booth Vendor
What You're Really Paying For When You Book a Photo Booth — and Why It MatterS
After 10 years working in the event world, I’ve seen just about every kind of photo booth out there from backyard setups with a tablet and ring light, to full-on productions with LED tunnels and camera crews. I’ve also seen the good, the bad, and the "wow that definitely broke the budget."
Here’s what I’ve learned: a photo booth can be an amazing addition to your event or a frustrating afterthought. It all comes down to choosing the right kind of booth for your space, your guests, and your expectations.
This guide is meant to break it all down: what you can expect at different price points, what to watch out for, and how to spot real value in a sea of flashing lights.
Budget booths
Affordable and easy, but know what you’re getting.
Examples of typical budget booths
These booths come in at a lower price point for a reason. They can work fine for casual events, but there are real trade-offs to keep in mind.
What you’re usually getting:
A booth powered by a tablet or webcam
No prints, or low-quality prints at best
Limited sharing options (if any)
Maybe an on-site attendant (but at this price point, they’re likely not there to engage your guests)
Generic layouts, no branding, minimal customization
Photos that come out okay in bright lighting, but fall short in dim party settings
And like budget airlines, a lot of these vendors charge extra for every little add-on — prints, props, gallery access — it adds up fast. By the time you’re done, you’re not far from what you would’ve spent on a vendor who actually delivers the full experience from the start.
Good for:
Backyard BBQs or casual get-togethers where no one’s stressing about photo quality or tech hiccups.
The reality:
They’re fine… but often forgettable. The photo quality is usually just okay, the booth blends into the background, and guests might not feel excited to use it. It may look affordable up front, but by the time you add on all the little extras or realize the photos aren’t worth sharing. It doesn’t always feel like the best value when you can just buy your own selfie stick.
Maxed-Out Photo Booth Productions
Big setups for big events and even bigger budgets
Examples of typical maxed-out booths
You’ve seen them: 360 platforms, inflatable enclosures, custom-built installations, or even photo drones flying overhead. These booths go all-in. They’re built to dazzle and often come with full crews, lighting rigs, custom sets, and advanced video features.
What you’re usually getting:
Large-scale setups with specialty lighting, props, or branded enclosures
Features like 360 capture, greenscreen effects, or robotic camera arms
A crew to run and manage the setup
Cinematic-style content that looks amazing when everything runs smoothly
And watch out: These setups often require venue approval, extra space, long load-ins, and AV coordination. That’s fine for large-scale productions, but for most social events, it can quickly become more hassle than highlight.
Good for:
Brand activations, product launches, or high-budget galas where the booth is meant to be a centerpiece.
The reality:
If you’ve got the space, time, and budget, these booths can be seriously impressive. But for most events like weddings, parties, or milestone celebrations, you don’t need a full production crew. What most people really want is a booth that adds to the experience without becoming the experience. Something fun, easy, and high-quality that fits into the night without taking over. Because let’s be honest, Aunt Lisa doesn’t need to be spun around on a platform after two glasses of prosecco. There’s a sweet spot between bare-bones and over-the-top, and that’s where the best event experiences tend to land.
The Professional Booth
Exceptional quality. Seamless experience. Made to impress.
Example of a (our) professional booth
This is where premium meets practical. These booths deliver high-end photo quality, custom branding, and an experience that feels polished from start to finish - without the need for scaffolding or a production team.
What you’re usually getting:
A freestanding booth that blends into your event
A real camera system
Custom-designed layouts and branded graphics
Instant photo prints, boomerangs, video, and instant sharing
A professional attendant that wants to be there
A stylish setup that complements your event’s vibe
While you’ll spend more a little more than a budget setup, you’re getting real value - a premium look, pro-level service, and the peace of mind that everything just works.
Good for:
Weddings, milestone birthdays, corporate events, Sweet 16s, or any celebration where you want the booth to feel like part of the experience, not an afterthought.
The reality:
This is the category where you get the most for your money. It looks great, works beautifully, and gives your guests something worth remembering. Premium doesn’t have to mean over-the-top. Sometimes it just means done right.
Have an event coming up?
Whether you're planning a wedding, a corporate party, or a big birthday, we’d love to help you create a photo booth experience that looks great, runs smoothly, and feels unforgettable. Check out our booths here or reach out to our team to talk through your event.