Start a Photo Booth Business as a Side Hustle

Photo Booths can become the center of any festive event. They have become a must-have among event throwers when thinking of a way to keep guests entertained and engaged in the party atmosphere.

Generating your own money, particularly during challenging times, requires unconventional thinking. What better way to do it, either as a full-time venture or as a side hustle, than with a service that makes people happy?

This leads to the question of – how to start a photo booth business?

Below, you’ll find tips that give you the information you need to start and run a successful photo booth business.

Getting Set Up

Starting a photo booth business is more straightforward than it sounds. However, you will need money to get it set up.  How are you going to fund your new photo booth business?

You’ll need to invest in the equipment, so get at least 3 quotes for the best deal.

From here, you’ll need to get the word out that you have the photo booth for hire.

Marketing

Marketing will be an ongoing investment that, at first, may seem like it’s not working.  However, to avoid being the best-kept secret, use every available channel, including email marketing and social media.

Additionally, consider marketing platforms that use AI to automate your marketing.

Get really good at video shorts. Your business is about visuals, so make the most of posting videos on your social media channels and marketing emails.

Show your customers how much fun renting a photo booth can be.

Over time, you’ll learn where your customers are coming from and where to spend your marketing budget.

Create a New Niche

Potentially, the only issue with a photo booth business is the competition. Therefore, to stand out, adhere to Marketing 101 and create a niche to differentiate your business from your competitors.

One way to stand out among other photo booth providers is to offer a dress-up category.

Consider what may be popular with your customer demographic. For example, Are you appealing to Gen Zers or Millennials?

Providing unique props and clothing will entice your customers to have some fun dressing up for a photo shoot.

Your investment

There are proven ways to make money with a photo booth business. Once you know you want to invest in it, do your homework on what you need and how much it will cost.

Most business owners start their business by investing their funds and then take out a business loan to scale their budding enterprise when sales start.

Setting up and providing a photo booth at events involves various costs, which can vary based on factors like booth type, rental duration, features, and location.

The majority of business owners start their businesses by investing their own funds and then taking out a business loan to scale their budding enterprise when sales start coming in.

Photo Booth Types

Today, there are so many types of photo booths, some more sophisticated than others due to technology.

Mirror booths

You may wish to get into mirror booths relying on the latest tech.

Mirror booths are luxury interactive booths with touchscreen features, priced between $1,200 and $2,500.

The price also includes a professional attendant and unlimited photo prints. This type of photo booth can be very profitable.

360 Video Booths

360 video booths are another option for a high-tech booth that creates immersive video content. This type of booth is sure to attract your younger Gen Z customers.

However, they’d better be cashed up, as the hire of these booths usually ranges from $800 – $2,000+. It’s great if you can afford to invest in this tech and attract a steady flow of customers.

Digital & GIF Booths

Modern and social-media-friendly, these booths are a tech-savvy event’s dream.

They allow guests to create GIFs, Boomerangs, and instant digital shares, opening up a world of creative possibilities. Renting a booth for a few hours costs between $500 and $1,200, making them a versatile and affordable choice.

Open-Air Booths

Modern and stylish, these booths provide a sleek setup with backdrops and lighting. They are less costly to rent, starting at $500 – $1,500 for a few hours. Typically, these booths attract older customers.

Enclosed Booths

These booths offer a more private experience and provide your guests with a secure and intimate space. Depending on their size and features, they can cost between $600 and $1,200.

These booths attract people of all ages, as it is the privacy that wins over the customer.

The rate you can charge for renting your photo booth may increase or decrease depending upon the services you provide with the rental.

Final Thoughts

While not every entrepreneur agrees, having a business plan is usual as it provides clarity and commitment. The numbers never lie, as the saying goes, and your financial data will show where you see your side hustle taking you—it may replace your day job and grow into a business with employees.

Start out small but dream big!