The Ultimate Guide to Photo Booths: Which Style Is Right for Your Event?
Thinking about adding a photo booth rental to your Chicago event? You’re not alone—and for good reason. Photo booths have evolved far beyond the simple enclosed booths of the past. Today’s options deliver studio-quality images, animated GIFs, slow-motion videos, instant sharing, and unforgettable interactive experiences.
Who hasn’t woken up the next morning to a photo strip full of smiles—or a hilarious boomerang that perfectly captures the night before? Photo booths create those moments guests love to relive and share.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, birthday party, or brand activation, choosing the right photo booth style can elevate the entire experience. Below is a complete breakdown of today’s most popular photo booth options—and how to decide which one fits your event best.
Classic Photo Booth
The original experience that started it all.
Classic enclosed photo booths invite guests to squeeze in, let loose, and capture candid, laugh-out-loud moments behind a curtain. They’re perfect for nostalgic vibes, intimate gatherings, and guests who love a little privacy while posing.
Best for: Weddings, milestone birthdays, throwback-themed events
Why people love it: Timeless photo strips and authentic reactions
Open Air Photo Booth
One of the most popular options today.
Open air photo booths remove the enclosure and replace it with a customizable backdrop, allowing more people to jump into the frame. Guests simply tap “start,” pose during the countdown, and receive high-quality photos they can instantly print, text, or email.
Best for: Weddings, corporate events, large parties
Why people love it: Group photos, clean setups, and premium image quality
Inflatable Photo Booth
Fun, bold, and impossible to miss.
Inflatable photo booths add a playful twist with glowing LED walls that can be customized to match your event colors. Despite their cozy appearance, they can fit surprisingly large groups—creating high-energy, unforgettable shots.
Best for: School events, birthdays, festivals
Why people love it: Colorful lighting and party-ready vibes
GIF Photo Booth
Built for sharing and social media.
Guests can choose between still photos, animated GIFs, or boomerangs, then add digital props and filters for a personalized touch. Once finished, images are instantly sent via text or email—perfect for modern, digital-first events.
Best for: Corporate events, brand activations, social-media-focused parties
Why people love it: Instant shareability and creative freedom
Array Photo Booth (3D / 180 Experience)
A truly show-stopping experience.
Using multiple cameras firing at once, the array booth captures a dramatic 3D or 180-degree moment frozen in time. When paired with themed sets or dynamic props, the result is visually stunning content guests won’t stop talking about.
Best for: High-end events, product launches, experiential marketing
Why people love it: Cinematic visuals and jaw-dropping effects
360 Photo Booth
The most interactive photo booth experience available.
Guests stand on a platform while a camera spins around them, capturing slow-motion videos or looping GIFs. Dancing, posing, confetti—anything goes. The result is bold, dynamic content that’s perfect for social sharing and branding.
Best for: Corporate events, nightlife, brand activations
Why people love it: High-energy videos and viral-worthy content
Roaming Photo Booth
The booth comes to your guests.
Instead of waiting in line, a roaming photo booth moves throughout your event, capturing photos, GIFs, or boomerangs on the spot. Guests receive their content instantly via text or email—no setup required.
Best for: Cocktail hours, large venues, networking events
Why people love it: Convenience and spontaneous moments
Mirror Photo Booth
Luxury meets interactivity.
This full-length, touch-screen mirror booth features a sleek, elegant design that blends seamlessly into upscale venues. Guests interact with animations, prompts, and on-screen effects while capturing stunning photos.
Best for: Weddings, galas, luxury events
Why people love it: Elegant look and immersive interaction
Slow Motion Video Booth
Everyday moments—made unforgettable.
Slow-motion booths capture high-definition videos of guests tossing confetti, high-fiving, or striking dramatic poses. Watching ordinary actions play back in slow motion never gets old—and always draws a crowd.
Best for: Parties, brand activations, experiential events
Why people love it: Hilarious playback and crowd-drawing appeal
Photo Mosaic Wall
A collective experience with a powerful reveal.
Each guest photo becomes part of a larger image displayed on a digital or physical mosaic wall. Up close, you see individual moments; from afar, a stunning full image emerges—symbolizing connection and unity.
Best for: Corporate events, conferences, fundraisers
Why people love it: Visual storytelling and group participation
Video FX Photo Booth
High-definition video with custom branding.
Guests record short HD videos enhanced with branded frames, filters, and overlays. This booth is ideal for events where polished, on-brand content is a priority.
Best for: Corporate events, promotions, product launches
Why people love it: Professional video quality and customization
Vogue Photo Booth
Strike a pose—fashion-forward style.
Inspired by high-fashion editorials, the Vogue booth features a light tunnel that captures dramatic boomerangs and videos. It’s bold, stylish, and built for social media.
Best for: Fashion events, luxury parties, influencer activations
Why people love it: Editorial-style content and glamorous lighting
Which Photo Booth Is Right for You?
The best photo booth depends on your event style, guest count, and goals.
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Want elegance? Choose a Mirror Booth or Vogue Booth
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Want energy? Go with a 360 Booth or Slow Motion Booth
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Want connection? A Photo Mosaic Wall delivers impact
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Want flexibility? Open Air or Roaming Booths never disappoint
No matter which option you choose, one thing is guaranteed: photo booths don’t just capture moments—they create them.
FAQ
What types of photo booths are available for events?
There are many types of photo booths available today, including classic enclosed booths, open air photo booths, 360 photo booths, mirror booths, GIF booths, roaming photo booths, slow-motion video booths, photo mosaic walls, and Vogue-style booths. Each offers a different experience depending on your event style and goals.
Which photo booth is best for weddings?
Open air photo booths and mirror photo booths are the most popular choices for weddings. Open air booths allow for group photos and elegant backdrops, while mirror booths add a luxury, interactive feel that blends beautifully with upscale venues.
What is the most interactive photo booth experience?
The 360 photo booth is considered the most interactive option. Guests stand on a platform while a camera rotates around them, capturing slow-motion videos or GIFs that are highly engaging and perfect for social sharing.
Are photo booths good for corporate events?
Yes, photo booths are excellent for corporate events. Options like open air booths, 360 booths, video FX booths, and photo mosaic walls work especially well for branding, lead capture, and guest engagement at conferences, holiday parties, and product launches.
What photo booth is best for social media sharing?
GIF photo booths, roaming photo booths, 360 booths, and Vogue booths are ideal for social media. These booths create boomerangs, GIFs, and videos that guests can instantly text or email to themselves for easy posting.
How much space do different photo booths require?
Space requirements vary by booth type. Open air booths typically need about 8×8 feet, mirror booths need slightly more room, and 360 photo booths require a larger footprint (usually 10×10 feet or more) for safety and movement.
Can photo booths be customized for my event?
Absolutely. Most modern photo booths offer custom overlays, branded templates, filters, backdrops, props, and even branded sharing screens—making them perfect for weddings, corporate branding, and themed events.
Do photo booths print photos or are they digital only?
Many photo booths offer both options. Open air and classic booths often include instant prints, while GIF, 360, roaming, and video booths typically focus on digital sharing via text or email.
