What is a photo booth? A photo booth is an event activation where guests take their own photos at a kiosk made up of a camera, a screen and a printer, and get the result as a print and a digital copy within seconds. It is used everywhere from corporate events and trade shows to product launches and store openings. This guide explains what the word means, the main types of photo booth, how they work and how to choose the right one for your event.
What Does "Photo Booth" Mean?
A booth is a small enclosed space or stand; trade show stands are called booths too. The original photo booths were curtained cabins you stepped inside. Most photo booths rented for events today are open kiosks instead: guests do not go inside, they pose in front of the screen.
How Does a Photo Booth Work?
- Choose a mode: The guest picks photo, GIF or Boomerang on the touchscreen.
- Countdown and shot: They pose during the on-screen countdown; the camera and lighting work automatically.
- Editing: The photo is placed in a branded frame; if needed the background is replaced (green screen) or a filter is applied.
- Delivery: The photo is printed within seconds and also reaches the guest's phone via a QR code.
Types of Photo Booth
| Type | What is the experience? | Output | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic photo booth | Compact kiosk; photo, GIF, Boomerang | Print + QR | Any event, tight spaces |
| Cabin Photo | A classic booth enclosed on all four sides that guests step into | Print + QR | Galas, year-end parties, corporate receptions |
| Mirror booth | Full-length touchscreen mirror with voice prompts | Print + QR | Galas, launches, corporate receptions |
| 360 video booth | Slow-motion video shot by a camera rotating around a platform | Video + QR | Parties, festivals, launches |
| AI photo booth | AI turns the guest into a character or places them in a new scene | Print + QR | Corporate events, brand activations |
| Aura photo booth | A personal, colourful aura photo driven by biofeedback sensors | Print + QR | Beauty, wellness, fashion |
| GIF & video booth | Animated GIFs, Boomerangs and short videos | Digital | Social-media-led activations |
What Is a Photo Booth Used For at Events?
- Engagement: Guests gather on their own, so the booth becomes a natural meeting point at the venue.
- Keepsake: A printed photo carrying the brand's logo is a tangible memory guests take home.
- Social media: Photos and GIFs that reach guests' phones by QR are shared during the event, giving the brand organic reach.
- Data: An optional short form (with KVKK consent) can collect attendee details.
How to Choose the Right Photo Booth for Your Event
- Space: In tight spaces, a classic photo booth (about 2 m²); with more room, a 360 video booth (about 3 m²), a mirror booth (about 4 m²) or Cabin Photo (about 5 m²).
- Goal: If keepsakes and prints matter, choose a classic photo booth, a mirror booth or Cabin Photo; for social video, a 360 or GIF booth; for a brand story and a "wow" moment, an AI photo booth.
- Guest numbers: Per hour, a classic photo booth serves 70–80 guests (up to 150 with group shots), a mirror booth 60–80, Cabin Photo about 50, a 360 video booth 40–50 and a single-station AI photo booth 40–60. For large events, add stations.
- Branding: Ask whether the frame, welcome screen and kiosk wrap are designed for your brand.
What to Check When Renting a Photo Booth
- Whether setup, teardown, transport and on-site staff are included in the price
- How many prints the package includes (ours includes 750)
- What the venue needs to provide for power and internet (with us, a single 220V socket; internet comes over our own 5G)
- Setup timing (ours: the day before, or 3–4 hours before doors open on the day)
- How long and where guests' photos are stored (data protection)
To plan yours, see our photo booth rental or mirror booth rental pages, or ask for a quote with your event date and city.