How to Pick the Right Photo Booth for Your Event (and Why Talking to a Real Human Matters)

By Ben @ Rent My Booth, World’s Best Summit

When you start looking for a photo booth, it’s easy to get lost in the glittery world of “Best Wedding Booth” lists, technology specs, and rental packages with names like Premium Platinum Elegance. But here’s the truth: not every photo booth company is built for your kind of party.

Some booths are designed for by-the-book weddings. Others are run by faceless booking teams where you never meet the actual person who’ll show up on the day. And some, well, are just a camera on a stick with an iPad taped to it, dropped off by someone you’ll never see again until pickup.

If that’s not the vibe you’re going for, read on.

Five Things to Look for When You’re Photo Booth Shopping

1. Who are you actually talking to?
When you send an inquiry, do you get an AI-generated spreadsheet back… or do you get an actual human who asks questions about your event? When you book me, you get me—Ben, the owner, operator, and host—right from the first email through the last photo of the night. No middleman, no “sales development representative,” no mystery operator.

2. Is the booth hosted or just dropped off?
A drop-off booth is fine if you want “set it and forget it,” but a hosted booth brings the energy, gets guests into it, and keeps the party moving. I’m not standing in the corner—I’m part of the fun, encouraging grandma to grab a boa and making sure the lighting is perfect for your CEO’s headshot-turned-holiday-card.

3. Is it cookie-cutter or custom?
Many companies use the same backdrops, templates, and prop bins for every event. I believe every event deserves a custom touch, whether that’s matching your brand colors for a corporate activation or building a prop selection that feels like you.

4. Do they get your event type?
A lot of photo booth marketing is aimed at weddings, which can be more traditional, reserved, and frankly… stingy with the fun. Rent My Booth is built for bespoke experiences that bring out the most fun, unfiltered version of people—corporate events, mission-driven gatherings, galas, fundraisers, brand activations, birthday blowouts, you name it.

5. What’s their vibe?
Some booths are run by tech-minded folks who are good at equipment but not so great at reading the room. I’m a performer and comedian, so my style is about making people feel comfortable, energized, and excited to be in front of the camera. I know how to get a shy CFO into the shot without making it awkward.

Here’s What You Get With Ben

  • A real human from start to finish (me!)

  • Bespoke design for your prints, overlays, and props

  • A hosted experience that gets people laughing, posing, and coming back for more

  • Inclusive, high-energy vibes for every guest, every time

  • Photos that look great in the moment and online

FAQ

What’s included in every booking?
Unlimited prints, instant text/email sharing, curated props, stylish backdrops, custom designs, professional lighting, and me hosting the whole thing. See my setup here.

How far do you travel?
All five NYC boroughs with no travel fee. Outside the city? We can make it happen—let’s talk.

Do you do weddings?
Yes, and I love them! But my sweet spot is high-energy, creative events—think conferences, holiday parties, company off-sites, non-profit galas, political events, and parties where there’s an objective and a mission.

Do you work with brands?
Absolutely. If you’re a corporate or mission-driven event, I’m your guy. I love aligning the booth with your brand’s look, feel, and goals.

If you’re ready for a photo booth experience that’s more than a piece of equipment in the corner, let’s make it happen. Get in touch here.

Ben Hawes

Written by Ben Hawes, musical comedian, content creator, and host of The Life in Bold Podcast. Based in NYC, Ben brings a sharp, comedic lens to life as a queer creative—interviewing fellow performers & entrepreneurs about boldness, resilience, and staying true to your voice.

Through his creative services, he specializes in helping comedians, performers, and small business owners create online social media content that feels aligned, engaging, and genuinely reflective of their work.

https://benhawesHQ.com
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Case Study: Elevating Brand Activations with Rent My Booth at Travel + Leisure's World's Best Summit