The rise of luxury event experiences has made photo booths more popular than ever. Whether it’s a fashion show, wedding, or corporate event, a vogue magazine photo booth or roaming photo booth can be the center of attention. But have you ever thought about owning one?
Starting your own photo booth business isn’t just a dream—it’s a smart investment. With the right tools, planning, and marketing, you can turn this into a profitable venture. Let’s break down exactly how to own your own Vogue-style or roaming booth from scratch.
Step 1: Decide on the Type of Photo Booth
Your first decision is choosing between a Vogue magazine photo booth and a roaming photo booth.
Vogue magazine photo booths are typically fixed setups. They often have LED-lit enclosures, custom backdrops, and are designed to mimic the editorial quality seen in high-end magazines.
Roaming photo booths, on the other hand, are mobile. They involve an attendant walking around the event, capturing photos on the go using handheld cameras or tablets.
Tip: If you want a high-end, stationary installation for glamorous events, go Vogue. If you want flexibility, real-time crowd engagement, and less gear, choose roaming.
Step 2: Invest in the Right Equipment
Whether you go stationary or mobile, you’ll need quality equipment to match event expectations.
For a Vogue Magazine Photo Booth:
DSLR or mirrorless camera (Canon, Sony, Nikon)
LED ring lights or RGB tube lighting
Sturdy booth frame with backdrop support
Photo booth software (like DSLR Booth, LumaBooth, or Breeze)
Touchscreen monitor or iPad for interactivity
Printer for instant photo output (optional but adds value)
For a Roaming Photo Booth:
iPad Pro with wide-angle camera
Handheld gimbal or rig for smooth motion
Battery-powered ring light or halo light
Portable printer (like DNP or Canon Selphy)
Cloud-based sharing tools (email, QR code, SMS)
Don’t compromise on quality. Clients will judge your booth by its performance—and so will their Instagram followers.
Step 3: Create a Business Identity
Your business needs a strong brand. Think of a name that reflects sophistication, fun, or fashion—depending on your niche.
Then design a logo, pick a color scheme, and build a website or landing page. Your online presence should showcase:
A portfolio of sample images
Event packages
Contact forms
Social media links
Make sure your branding matches the upscale vibe of a Vogue magazine photo booth or the fun, interactive nature of a roaming photo booth.
Step 4: Register Your Business
Depending on your location, you may need:
A business license or registration
Liability insurance
Event vendor permits
Also, check if the venues you'll operate in have specific vendor requirements. Some high-end venues only allow pre-approved service providers.
You might also want to create business contracts and event agreements to protect yourself from cancellations or damage.
Step 5: Build a Pricing Model
Pricing depends on the market, booth type, and services you offer. Here are some ideas:
Vogue Photo Booth Packages:
Basic: 2 hours, standard backdrop, digital sharing
Premium: 3–4 hours, custom enclosure, printing
Luxury: Full-day, brand integration, on-site tech assistant
Roaming Photo Booth Packages:
2 hours roaming with instant sharing
4 hours with branded overlays and printing
Add-ons like custom filters or digital albums
Make sure your pricing covers your equipment, staffing, travel, editing time, and profit.
Step 6: Learn the Software
Even the best hardware needs smart software. Most professional photo booth owners use apps that allow:
Real-time photo editing
Branded overlays
Email/SMS sharing
Data capture for marketing
Live slideshows
Popular software options:
LumaBooth
Snappic
Touchpix
CuratorLive
Spend time learning the platform you choose. Clients expect smooth, seamless operation.
Step 7: Market Like a Pro
Start marketing before you even land your first gig. Use platforms like:
Instagram – share photo samples, setup reels, and BTS content
Facebook – join local event planning groups
Pinterest – showcase luxury event inspiration
LinkedIn – target corporate clients and event planners
Also, attend bridal expos, fashion events, or networking nights with your booth. Give people a chance to experience it live. Nothing sells like an in-person demo.
Consider collaborating with:
Wedding photographers
Event planners
Florists or décor companies
Venues
They can refer clients your way in exchange for bundled packages or commission.
Step 8: Train Your Staff
If you don’t want to manage every event yourself, hire friendly, tech-savvy staff. Train them to:
Set up and dismantle the booth
Guide guests with poses
Troubleshoot camera and lighting issues
Handle digital and print sharing
For roaming booths, staff must also engage guests while moving around, making it feel casual and fun.
Step 9: Build Client Relationships
Don’t just serve an event and disappear. After the event:
Send a thank-you email
Offer discounts for referrals
Request feedback or testimonials
Post event highlights on your socials (with permission)
Repeat clients are the most profitable, and word-of-mouth referrals can drive your business growth.
Step 10: Scale Up
Once your first photo booth is profitable, consider expanding:
Add another booth style (e.g., a GIF booth or 360 booth)
Offer add-ons like photo books or video clips
Create packages for different markets (e.g., kids’ parties, brand launches)
Hire additional staff and expand to nearby cities
With the rising demand for interactive event experiences, the future is bright for photo booth entrepreneurs.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Owning a Photo Booth?
Owning a Vogue magazine photo booth or roaming photo booth isn’t just a side hustle—it’s a full-fledged business opportunity. With the right gear, strategy, and branding, you can build something stylish, fun, and profitable.
Events are becoming more experience-driven, and high-end photo booths are in high demand. If you love photography, design, and being part of unforgettable moments, this could be the perfect business for you.
