The first step of hiring a photo booth is determining what type of photo booth you prefer. There are two categories of photo booths to choose from, and several variations of both.

Enclosed photo booths

Enclosed booths feature something that discreetly hides its users away - whether it's a curtain, wall, or something else. You can find these type of photo booths in a variety of sizes, so they can be appropriate for small or large groups.

Typically, smaller booths for are ideal for 1-3 people, and often include a bench for sitting. Photo booths for larger groups usually are made for standing.

Open photo booths

Open booths are available with many different features, similarly to enclosed booths. However, these do not contain any walls or curtains - meaning that many people can fit into the booth for photos. Although the lack of privacy may deter some users, the flexibility that open photo booths offer may be worth it.

No matter which style you end up choosing, be sure to consider the environment that the booth will be in. Flashes of light from the photo booth can cause a distraction during an event, and noise can also become a disruption. This is one important thing to keep in mind throughout your photo booth hiring process.

Material and size

Most booths are made of either aluminum or wood. Although both are sturdy, aluminum is much easier to transport due to how light it is. It's important to think about how difficult it will be to transport, the size of the space you'll want the booth in, and the maximum height it should be.

Green screen photo booths

Many modern photo booths include green screen options, which allow its users to choose a fun background for their photos. Although these may be slightly pricier than a standard photo booth, they can really enhance your photo booth experience.

Camera type and quality

Another aspect you'll want to acknowledge is the type of camera used. A DSLR (digital single lens reflex camera) will offer great quality photos, thanks to its large image sensors. If your photo booth will be in a setting with low lighting, this may be ideal. Although many photo booths provide adequate lighting, the quality of DSLR photos can't be beat.

The most popular alternatives are iPads or other webcams, but are most often included in ultra-modern photo booths. They may not offer the same quality as booths using a DSLR, so be wary.

Type of printer

Nearly all photo booths use dye sublimation printers, which allows for a UV coating to delays fading. Additionally, prints from sublimation printers are waterproof, and cannot be ruined by fingerprints. Only less than 10 seconds are needed for the prints to be made, which is ideal for fast photo booth usage. Because of these components, it's important that you select a photo booth with a sublimation printer

Rental time and extra fees

One of the factors of the rental process is the set-up time needed. One hour is the typical amount of time needed to set up a photo booth. If you need it to be set up earlier, you can choose to add idle time to your rental.

Idle time is intended for renters who want their photo booth to be closed during specific times throughout the event. This is ideal for keeping the photo booth limited to certain parts of an event. For example, you likely wouldn't want to have a photo booth available for use during the speech portion of a wedding reception. Keeping the photo booth accessible at particular times can prevent it from becoming a distraction to guests.

Idle time usually costs between $50 to $100 per hour, and should always cost less than the per hour rate of the photo booth being open.

Another cost to remember is the hourly overtime rate, which can be expensive if you end up wanting the photo booth for longer than the designated rental hours.

Delivery Costs

Although delivery is usually free, extra fees can be added if your event location is far away or difficult to access. So be sure to ask about delivery costs when you request a price quote!

Print cost and options

One of the most important things to know when selecting a photo booth rental is the print cost options. While many photo booth rental companies have the option to pay for unlimited prints, others don't. Many offer different limitations, types of prints, and and extra fees for certain options.

Additionally, you'll need to consider the print sizes and photo sizes. You can fit several photos on a long strip, but the photos will be somewhat small. If you prefer larger photos, the print size will need to be bigger. This also depends on how many photos you want included in the prints. If you or the party host is going to want a copy of every print after the event is over, be sure to request extra prints. Although it usually requires a slight fee, extra prints usually aren't expensive.

The Photo Booth Pro will work with you to determine the best layout for your photo prints, and they usually let you customize the prints to fit your event. Hiring photo booths should include many ways to customize your photo booth experience. Choosing specific fonts, texts, backgrounds, patterns, and more can allow you to make the photos unique. For example, a great way to customize photo booth prints for a wedding is to add the bride and groom's name and wedding. date.

Another fun option for your photos is including props. You should find out whether your rental company provides props, and what type. It's also important to ask if they are sanitized after every event, as a safety precaution. If you prefer to have control over your props, you could always make your own!

Social media sharing

You might prefer a photo booth that allows guests to share their photos on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. If that's what you want, be sure that your rental includes that as an option!

Other options

When you're contacting your rental company, it's best to find out what options are available for your rental. Some may offer extra options, such as an online gallery or a scrapbook of all the photos taken. Depending on which company you choose, you may be able to get digital copies of the photos on a flash drive or other storage device.

Photo booth hiring may seem like a difficult process, but knowing what decisions you'll need to make can help. Photo booths let guests leave with a memorable souvenir from the event, and that's why it has become such a popular choice for parties and events.