A photo booth gives guests something to do between dinner and the dance floor. It gets people laughing together, and everyone leaves with a photo or video to keep. The hard part is picking the right one. There are several booth types, and prices change a lot based on hours, style and extras.
This guide walks through the main booth types, what a rental usually includes, what drives the cost, and how to choose for your kind of event. If you already know you want one, you can see our photo booth rental in Los Angeles options.
Photo Booth Types and Who Each One Suits
Open Air or Halo Booth
An open air booth is a camera, a screen and a light on a stand, set in front of a backdrop. There are no walls. That means big groups can fit in one shot, and people walking by can see the fun and join in. A halo booth is a version with a ring light around the camera for soft, even light.
Best for: most events. It works well for large guest lists, group photos and themed backdrops like florals, sequins or a branded step and repeat.
Enclosed Booth
An enclosed booth has walls or a curtain, like the classic booths many of us grew up with. Guests step inside for a more private moment. People who feel shy in front of a crowd often loosen up once the curtain closes.
Best for: smaller groups, couples and anyone who wants a nostalgic, classic feel.
360 Video Booth
Guests stand on a small platform while a camera arm spins around them. It records a short slow motion video from every angle. Add lights, music and effects, and the result is a clip that guests want to post right away. Because people can move and dance, no two videos look the same.
Best for: high energy parties, teen events, brand activations and anyone whose guests love social media.
Glam or Black and White Booth
A glam booth uses studio style lighting and a soft beauty filter to give a smooth, polished look. Many glam setups shoot in black and white for a timeless, magazine style photo. Props are usually more refined, such as sunglasses, hats or feather boas, and backdrops lean toward velvet or metallic finishes.
Best for: weddings, formal galas, upscale birthdays and launch parties.
Digital Props and GIF Booths
With digital props, guests drag hats, glasses, mustaches or a custom logo onto their faces on the screen. The software tracks each face, so every person can wear their own set of props, even in GIFs and multi photo layouts. Some booths can also add face filters or effects on their own, which keeps the line moving. GIF and boomerang modes turn a few frames into a short looping clip.
Digital props also solve two old problems with prop tables. They never get messy, and nobody has to share a hat that has been on fifty heads.
Best for: brand events, corporate parties and any crowd that likes playful, shareable content.
What Usually Comes in a Photo Booth Rental
Packages differ, but a good rental usually covers these basics:
- An attendant. A staff member runs the booth, helps guests and fixes any issue so you don’t have to.
- A backdrop. Choose from standard options or match your theme, colors or logo.
- Props. Physical props, digital props or both.
- Prints. Many packages include unlimited prints for the whole rental, so every guest can take home a photo strip.
- Digital sharing. Guests can send photos and videos to their phones by text, email or QR code, and post them right away.
- An online gallery. All photos and videos are collected in one place for you and your guests after the event.
- Custom print design. Your names, date, event title or logo on every photo strip or video overlay.
- Delivery, setup and breakdown. Usually included within the service area.
Always ask what is included before you compare quotes. Two prices can look far apart until you see that one includes prints and an attendant and the other does not.
What Affects Photo Booth Rental Cost
There is no single price for a photo booth. In the Los Angeles market, open air and glam booths often fall somewhere around $500 to $1,500. A 360 video booth often runs around $800 to $2,000 or more. These are general market ranges, not set prices. Your quote depends on a few main things:
- Hours. Short rentals of about two hours cost the least. Most events book three to five hours, and extra hours add to the total.
- Booth type. A 360 video booth needs more gear and setup time than an open air booth, so it usually costs more.
- Extras. Custom backdrops, a custom print design, premium props, GIF modes and a second booth all add cost.
- Travel and setup. Distance, parking, stairs and early setup times can change the price.
- Date. Saturdays and busy months book up first and may cost more.
The best way to know your real number is to ask for a quote with your date, hours, guest count and booth type.
Space and Power Needs
Check space and power with your venue before the day of the event. A few simple steps prevent most problems:
- Floor space. An open air booth needs room for the backdrop, the camera stand and a group of guests in between. A 360 booth needs a clear circle around the platform so the arm can spin safely. Ask your provider for the exact footprint.
- Power. Most booths need a standard outlet close by. Tell your provider if the nearest outlet is far away or shared with other vendors.
- Surface. A flat, level floor matters, especially for a 360 platform.
- Indoors or outdoors. Outdoor setups need shade, a plan for wind and a backup if the weather turns.
- Location. Put the booth near the action, close to the dance floor or bar, but not where it blocks a walkway.
How to Choose by Event Type
Weddings
Glam and black and white booths fit the mood of most weddings. An open air booth with a floral backdrop is great for big family photos. A custom print with your names and date makes a simple keepsake, and the online gallery is a nice extra for the couple. Many couples book the booth together with their wedding DJ so the timing works with the reception.
Bar and Bat Mitzvahs
Teens love the 360 video booth and digital props. Adults often prefer a classic print they can hold. Some families book both, or pick an open air booth that does photos and GIFs. A themed backdrop that matches the party design ties it all together. See how this works with our Bar and Bat Mitzvah DJ service.
Sweet 16s
For a Sweet 16, sharing is everything. A 360 video booth or a GIF booth with instant sharing gives guests clips made for their phones. Add a light up backdrop or neon colors to match the party theme.
Corporate and Brand Events
For companies, a booth is a branding tool. Put your logo on the backdrop, the print and the video overlay. Digital props can include your logo or product. Sharing options can prompt a hashtag and, with consent, collect an email address before guests get their photos. Pair the booth with sound and lighting from our corporate event AV team for one smooth setup.
Booking Tips
- Book early. Popular dates fill up months ahead, especially in spring and fall.
- Match the booth to your crowd. Think about the age of your guests and how many there are.
- Ask what is included. Confirm the attendant, prints, sharing, gallery, setup and breakdown in writing.
- Ask about custom design. Find out how far ahead the print design and backdrop need to be approved.
- Plan the timing. Most booths get busy after dinner. Make sure the booth hours cover the peak of the party.
- Check the venue rules. Some venues have limits on load in times, power or vendor space.
- Read the policies. Look at the deposit, cancellation terms and any travel fees before you sign.
Photo Booth Rental FAQ
How much does a photo booth rental cost?
In the Los Angeles market, open air and glam booths often fall around $500 to $1,500, and 360 video booths often run around $800 to $2,000 or more. Your price depends on hours, booth type and extras.
How many hours should I book?
Three to four hours covers most parties and weddings. Short events can work with two hours. Long events with a big guest list may need more.
Which booth is best for a large group?
An open air booth. With no walls, many people can fit in one shot, and the setup draws people in.
Can guests get their photos on their phones?
Yes. Most modern booths send photos and videos by text, email or QR code, and many also offer an online gallery after the event.
Can the photos show our names or logo?
Yes. A custom print design can add names, a date, a logo or a theme to every print and video. Backdrops and digital props can be customized too.
Get the Right Booth for Your Event
DJService.pro provides photo booths, 360 video booths, DJs and event AV across Los Angeles, Orange County and Southern California. Tell us your date, your guest count and the feel you want, and we will suggest the booth that fits. You can learn more about our photo booth rentals, call us at 323 413 7099, or send a request through our contact page.
