How to Start a Photo Booth Business: Booths, Costs and Bookings
How to start a photo booth rental business
In this article
To start a photo booth business, choose a booth type (iPad or DSLR open-air, 360 video booth, mirror booth or enclosed booth), buy the booth, camera, lighting, printer and software, add backdrops and props, get liability insurance, create hourly packages, and market to weddings, parties, schools and corporate events. You can start for about $2,000 to $15,000.
Step 1: Choose your booth type
| Booth | Rough cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPad booth | $1,000 – $3,000 | Cheapest, digital sharing |
| DSLR open-air booth | $3,000 – $8,000 | Best photo quality, prints |
| 360 video booth | $1,500 – $8,000 | Very popular for parties and events |
| Mirror booth | $5,000 – $15,000 | Interactive, upscale events |
| Enclosed booth | $5,000 – $15,000+ | Classic style |
Many start with an iPad or 360 booth and add a DSLR or mirror booth later.
Step 2: Equipment and software
- Booth shell or stand
- Camera (iPad, DSLR or 360 platform)
- Lighting (ring light or strobe)
- Dye-sublimation printer and paper (for prints)
- Booth software (templates, sharing, galleries)
- Backdrops and props
- Cases, cart and stanchions
Step 3: Startup costs
| Item | Rough cost |
|---|---|
| Booth and camera | $1,000 – $15,000 |
| Printer and media | $800 – $2,000 |
| Software (yearly) | $100 – $1,000 |
| Backdrops and props | $200 – $1,000 |
| Insurance | $300 – $1,500 per year |
| Website and marketing | $300 – $3,000 |
More detail: How much does it cost to start a photo booth business?.
Step 4: Register and insure
Business licence, sales tax where applicable, and general liability insurance (many venues require a certificate of insurance).
Step 5: Pricing packages
Most booths rent by the hour (often 2–4 hour packages) with an attendant, unlimited sessions, custom templates and digital galleries. Add-ons: extra hours, guest book albums, premium backdrops, branded overlays for companies.
Step 6: Get bookings
- Wedding planners and venues
- Corporate event planners and brand activations
- Schools (proms, graduations)
- Google Business Profile and a website with online booking
- Instagram and TikTok videos from events
- Bridal shows
Running it well: How to run a photo booth business. Profit: Is a photo booth a good investment?. Related: How to start a party rental business.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start a photo booth business?
Choose a booth type, buy equipment and software, get insured, set packages and market to weddings and events.
How much does it cost to start a photo booth business?
Often $2,000 to $15,000.
What photo booth is best for a new business?
iPad and 360 booths are cheap to start; DSLR booths offer better prints.
Do I need insurance for a photo booth?
Yes. Many venues require liability insurance.
How much do photo booth rentals charge?
Usually hourly packages, often several hundred dollars for a few hours.
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Start a conversationWritten by Sachin Rawat
AI & automation engineer · websites, apps and motion design
I build AI agents, automations, websites, apps and motion design for businesses. These guides answer the questions people actually search, written from hands-on experience building them.
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