136 Digital Photo Booth Ideas to Use in 2023 (Advanced Edition)

Daniel Threlfall

Digital photo booth owners, rejoice.

We’ve whipped up 136 of the most popular, effective, and advanced techniques to use in your digital photo booths.

See how many of these digital photo booth best practices you can implement in 2023.

Digital Photo Booth General Tips

Choose the right lighting: Use a lighting setup that provides even and flattering light for your subjects. Avoid harsh or unflattering lighting that can ruin the photo.
Use a high-quality camera: Invest in a high-quality camera that can capture sharp and clear images even in low-light conditions. Our guac ships with the Canon M5
Use a green screen: Use a green screen to create customized backgrounds that match your event theme. You can also use it to add special effects to your photos.
Add branding: Add your branding to the photos to promote your business. You can add your logo or event name to the photo to make it more personalized.
Add social sharing options: Allow users to share their photos on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. This can help promote your business and event.
Use facial recognition: Use facial recognition technology to automatically detect the face of the subject and apply special effects or filters to the photo.
Offer animated GIFs: Offer animated GIFs as an option to static photos. This can add a fun and dynamic element to the photo booth experience.
Use AI photo enhancement: Use AI-powered photo enhancement software to automatically improve the quality of the photo by adjusting exposure, contrast, and color.
Offer virtual props: Offer virtual props that can be added to the photo. This can be a fun and interactive way to customize the photo.

Digital Photo Booth Backdrop Ideas

Upgrade your backdrops this year. Here are some tried-and-true plus some fresh ideas to up level your photo booth backdrop game.

Digital Magic: Use a green screen to insert any digital background behind your subjects, allowing you to transport them to any location you desire.
Floral Symphony: Bring a burst of color and life to your photos with a beautiful flower wall made from fresh or artificial flowers.
Natural Charm: Give your photos a natural and rustic vibe with a backdrop that incorporates natural wood elements.
Neon flair. Add a fun and retro vibe to your photos with neon lights, which create a unique and colorful atmosphere. You can customize your neon lights for a touch of personalization to every event.
Sparkling Glamour: Add a touch of elegance and glamour to your photos with a sequin-covered backdrop that shimmers and shines.
Colorful Delight: Create a bright and colorful backdrop by arranging balloons of different sizes and colors into a wall.
Urban Artistry: Commission a local graffiti artist to create a custom mural for your booth, adding a unique and artistic touch to your photos.
Vintage Elegance: Give your photos a touch of vintage charm with a textured backdrop made from vintage wallpaper.
Interactive Fun: Create a chalkboard wall and let your guests write messages or draw pictures, providing an interactive and playful element to your photos.
Modern Chic: Add a touch of sophistication and modernity to your photos with a printed marble pattern backdrop. Marble backdrops are timeless and versatile, which is why we include them in our packages.
Edgy Industrial: Use an industrial backdrop such as a factory or warehouse to create a modern and edgy backdrop that gives your photos an urban and industrial feel.
Heavenly Dreams: Create a dreamy and ethereal backdrop of clouds and sky using a printed fabric or paper.
Local Texture: Take photos at a location that features some unique architecture or an otherwise attractive centerpiece to add flair and local unique features to the photos
Sparkling Joy: Add some sparkle and shine to your photos with a glitter curtain backdrop that glimmers and shimmers in the light.
Unique Artistry: Create a one-of-a-kind backdrop by designing a unique art installation that adds creativity and flair to your photos.
Branded Presence: Use a custom step and repeat backdrop featuring your event branding or logo to create a branded presence in your photos.
Vintage Adventure: Use a vintage map as a backdrop to add a travel-themed element to your photos, giving them a sense of adventure and exploration.
Tropical Paradise: Create a tropical paradise with a backdrop of large, green tropical leaves that adds a lush and exotic feel to your photos.
Gradient Beauty: Use an ombre fabric for a soft and gradient effect that adds a subtle and beautiful touch to your photos.
Textured Fun: Hang strips of colorful fabric to create a fun and textured backdrop that adds depth and dimension to your photos.
Artistic Flair: Use an abstract painting or print as a backdrop to add a modern and artistic touch to your photos.
Vintage Charm: Use old, rustic doors as a backdrop to add vintage and eclectic charm to your photos.
Futuristic Wonder: Add a futuristic and otherworldly element to your photos with large glowing orbs that create a unique and intriguing atmosphere.

You can purchase these by searching for "Floating Glow Balls For Pool” or you can try a reusable backdrop for a similar effect.
Urban Skyline: Use a printed city skyline as a backdrop to give your photos an urban and modern feel.
Romantic Elegance: Create a backdrop of flowers arranged in an arch or other configuration to add a romantic and elegant touch to your photos.
Optical illusions: Use optical illusions like anamorphic art or trompe-l'œil to create a mind-bending and intriguing backdrop.
Live performance: Use a live performance, like a dance or music act, as a backdrop for a dynamic and engaging experience.
Interactive water wall: Use an interactive water wall that responds to movements and sounds for a mesmerizing and immersive backdrop.
Fire and pyrotechnics: Use fire and pyrotechnics for a dramatic and fiery backdrop that will leave a lasting impression. In a pinch, a printed backdrop can do the trick.
Biomechanical art: Use biomechanical art, which combines elements of biology and machinery, for a futuristic and surreal backdrop.
Giant sculpture: Use a giant sculpture, like a larger-than-life animal or object, as a stunning and unforgettable backdrop.
Time-lapse photography: Use time-lapse photography to capture a stunning and dynamic backdrop that changes over time.
City View: Find a spot with a good view of the city skyline to use as a natural and stunning backdrop for your photos.
Bioluminescent materials: Use bioluminescent materials, like glow-in-the-dark paint or algae, for a stunning and otherworldly backdrop.
Gravity-defying objects: Use gravity-defying objects, like levitating plant pots or orbs to achieve an other-worldly aura. Or, try mounting some upside-down furniture for a more off-kilter and wonky approach.

Digital Photo Booth Printing Ideas

Freshen up your printing service this year. If you offer printing services to your customers, take a few of these ideas into consideration.

Offer personalized photo prints by using variable data printing technology to add custom text, graphics, or other elements to each print based on guest information or preferences.
Use advanced color calibration techniques to ensure that printed photos accurately match the colors and tones of the original image.
Offer large format printing options such as canvas prints or posters for guests who want to showcase their photos in a more prominent way.
Use dye-sublimation printing technology to produce high-quality, durable prints that resist fading, smudging, and water damage.
Use direct-to-garment printing technology to offer customized t-shirt or apparel printing options for guests.
Implement an instant photo book creation feature that automatically creates a custom photo book based on guest photos, allowing guests to take home a tangible memento of their experience.
Offer instant digital downloads of photos in addition to physical prints, allowing guests to easily share their photos online or save them for future use.
Use high-speed printing technology to offer rapid printing options for busy events with a high volume of guests.
Offer unique print formats such as panoramic prints or square prints for guests who want something different than the typical 4x6 print.
Utilize green printing technologies such as eco-friendly inks or recycled paper to reduce the environmental impact of photo booth printing.

Digital Photo Booth Location Ideas

We’ve seen our customers do some pretty amazing things with their photo booth locations.

If you or your customers are looking for some fresh places to get their glam on, try these ideas.

On a rooftop with a panoramic view of the city skyline, using custom-built scaffolding or rigging to secure the booth.
Inside a vintage Airstream trailer, using custom cabinetry and lighting to create a unique photo booth experience.
In a forest or natural setting, using camouflage netting and natural materials to blend the booth into the surroundings.
Inside a custom-built geodesic dome, using projection mapping technology to create immersive visual effects.
At the edge of a cliff or overlook, using custom-built safety measures to secure the booth and provide breathtaking views for guests.
Inside a custom-built shipping container, using modular design elements to create a unique and portable photo booth experience.
In a historic building or landmark, using custom lighting and projection mapping to highlight the architectural features of the space.
Inside a converted school bus or other retro vehicle, using custom lighting and decor to create a vintage photo booth experience.
On a beach or waterfront, using custom-built structures and props to create a unique photo booth experience that incorporates sand, water, and other natural elements.
Inside an art installation or sculpture, using custom lighting and projection mapping to transform the space into a unique photo booth experience.
In a hot air balloon or blimp, using custom rigging and safety measures to provide a one-of-a-kind aerial photo booth experience.
On a boat or yacht, using custom-built structures and lighting to create a nautical-themed photo booth experience.
In a custom-built treehouse, using natural materials and lighting to create a unique and whimsical photo booth experience.
Inside a custom-built igloo or ice castle, using custom lighting and props to create a winter wonderland photo booth experience.
On a ski slope or mountain peak, using custom-built structures and props to create a ski lodge-themed photo booth experience.
Inside a custom-built maze or labyrinth, using lighting and projection mapping to create an immersive photo booth experience.
In a custom-built carnival or amusement park ride, using motion sensors and lighting effects to create a thrilling photo booth experience.
Inside a custom-built tunnel or cave, using custom lighting and projection mapping to create an otherworldly photo booth experience.
In a custom-built underwater tank or pool, using waterproof equipment and lighting to create an aquatic-themed photo booth experience.
Inside a custom-built spaceship or sci-fi installation, using lighting and projection mapping to create a futuristic photo booth experience.
On a beach, using natural elements such as driftwood and seashells to create unique photo backdrops.
In a dark and moody speakeasy or jazz club, using vintage props and lighting to create an immersive and nostalgic photo booth experience.
On a busy city street corner, with a custom-built enclosure that provides a unique and interactive experience for passersby.
Inside an abandoned factory or warehouse, with custom lighting and decor that gives the space a gritty and industrial vibe.
In a cabin or rustic lodge, with custom-built furniture and decor that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
In a selfie museum. ADD OUR PICS.
In a garden, with natural elements such as flowers, trees, and water features creating a beautiful and tranquil photo backdrop.
On a stage or performance platform, with custom lighting and sound effects that make guests feel like they are part of a live performance or show.
A custom-built vintage car or other classic vehicle in the background with custom lighting and decor that creates a unique and nostalgic photo booth experience.
In an urban rooftop garden, with custom-built planters and seating that creates a lush and inviting photo booth experience.
Inside a custom-built greenhouse or botanical garden, with custom lighting and natural elements that create a beautiful and serene photo backdrop.
In a historic library or bookstore, with custom lighting and decor that highlights the beauty and elegance of the space.
On a working farm or ranch, with custom-built structures and natural elements that create a rustic and authentic photo booth experience.
In a futuristic and modern gallery or exhibit space, with custom lighting and projection mapping that creates an otherworldly photo booth experience.
Inside a custom-built sensory deprivation tank or meditation pod, with custom lighting and soundscapes that create a tranquil and introspective photo booth experience.
In a custom-built fairy tale castle or magical kingdom, with custom lighting and decor that transports guests to a whimsical and enchanted world.
In a custom-built sports arena or stadium, with custom lighting and decor that creates an exciting and immersive photo booth experience.
Inside a custom-built haunted house or horror maze, with custom lighting and sound effects that create a thrilling and spooky photo booth experience.

Digital Photo Booth Trends That Are on the Rise in 2023

Virtual Photo Booths: With the rise of virtual and hybrid events, it's likely that we'll see more virtual photo booths in the future. These booths will allow attendees to take photos and share them on social media platforms, even if they're not physically present at the event.
Green Screen Technology: Green screen technology is already being used in photo booths to create custom backgrounds. In the future, we may see even more advanced green screen technology that allows for real-time background changes or augmented reality effects.
Customized Props and Backdrops: Customization is an established trend in photo booths, but we may see even more creative and personalized props and backdrops in the future. This could include 3D printed props, custom-designed backdrops, or even props that respond to user movements.
Gesture and Voice Control: With advancements in gesture and voice recognition technology, photo booths may start incorporating these features to make the photo-taking process more interactive and fun. Users may be able to trigger the camera with a gesture or a voice command, or use hand gestures to apply filters or effects.
Hybrid Photo Booths: In addition to traditional photo booths, we may see more hybrid photo booths that combine multiple features and technologies. For example, a photo booth could also include a video booth, a karaoke booth, or even a gaming booth.
Eco-Friendly Booths: As sustainability maintains an awareness in guests’s minds, photo booths may start using more eco-friendly materials and technologies. This could include booths made from recycled materials, energy-efficient lighting, or even solar-powered booths. Photo booths may start using biodegradable props made from eco-friendly materials such as bamboo or recycled paper. This could help reduce the environmental impact of photo booth props and make them more sustainable.
Blockchain Technology: With concerns about data privacy and security, photo booths may start using blockchain technology to ensure that user data is secure and tamper-proof. This could include using blockchain to store and encrypt user photos, or to verify the authenticity of printed photos.
Holographic Booths: As holographic technology continues to advance, we may see photo booths that use holographic displays to create 3D or interactive photo experiences. Users could take photos with holographic avatars or backgrounds, or even step into a holographic booth for a unique photo-taking experience.
Holographic Time-Lapse Booths: Instead of taking static photos, holographic time-lapse booths could create 3D holographic images that capture the user's movements over time. Users could step into the booth and strike a pose, and the booth would capture a holographic time-lapse of their movements.
Virtual Reality Booths: In addition to holographic technology, photo booths may start using virtual reality (VR) technology to create immersive photo-taking experiences. Users could step into a VR booth and take photos with custom backgrounds, filters, and effects.
AI-Generated Filters: In addition to traditional photo filters, photo booths may start using AI to generate custom filters based on the user's preferences. For example, a user could answer a few questions about their style and the AI could generate a custom filter that matches their preferences.
Multi-Sensory Booths: Photo booths may incorporate multiple sensory experiences to create a fully immersive photo-taking experience. This could include using scents, sounds, or even vibrations to enhance the user's experience and make the photos more memorable.
Personalized Prints: Photo booths may start using AI to generate personalized prints that match the user's preferences. The AI could analyze the user's outfit, style, or mood and generate a custom print that matches their preferences.
Biometric Authentication: Photo booths may start using biometric authentication technology, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, to verify the user's identity and ensure that their photos are secure.
Levitating Photo Booths: Using magnetic levitation technology, photo booths could be designed to levitate in mid-air, creating a futuristic and eye-catching experience. Users could step into the levitating booth and take photos with custom backgrounds and effects.
Time Travel Booths: Photo booths could be designed to transport users photographically through time to different eras or locations. With AI projections of historic and future environments, it’s possible to have realistic photos with the subject in Ancient Egypt, the Wild West, or even the future. This customization would pair well with vintage-themed parties and events.

Photo Booth Lighting Ideas

Don't forget about the lights! Your photo booth lighting set up can make or break the whole event. Thankfully, with our booths, you have the ultra-bright LED surround, which provides plenty of light for most subjects.

If you want some more photo booth lighting ideas, we've gotcha covered.

Use a strobe light: A strobe light is a powerful and fast light source that can freeze motion and provide a consistent exposure. It can be used to create dramatic and dynamic photos.
Add backlighting: Backlighting is a technique where a light source is placed behind the subject. This can create a halo effect and add depth to the photo.
Use a softbox: A softbox is a diffused light source that can create soft and flattering light. It can be used to reduce harsh shadows and create a more even exposure.
Use a beauty dish: A beauty dish is a round, flat light modifier that can create soft and flattering light. It can be used to enhance the subject's features and create a glamorous look.
Use gels: Gels are colored filters that can be placed over a light source to create different colors and moods. They can be used to match the photo booth lighting to the event theme or add a creative effect.
Use a snoot: A snoot is a narrow, conical light modifier that can be used to focus the light on a specific area. It can be used to create a spotlight effect and add drama to the photo.
Use a reflector: A reflector is a light modifier that can be used to bounce light back onto the subject. It can be used to fill in shadows and create a more even exposure.
Use multiple light sources: Using multiple light sources can create a more dynamic and interesting photo. It can be used to create different lighting effects and enhance the subject's features.
Use a ring light: A ring light is a circular light source that can be used to create a soft and even light. It can be used to create a glamorous look and enhance the subject's eyes.
Use a strip light: A strip light is a narrow light source that can be used to create a dramatic and directional light. It can be used to create a unique and creative photo.
Use a parabolic reflector: A parabolic reflector is a deep, bowl-shaped light modifier that can create a focused and directional light. It can be used to create a spotlight effect and add drama to the photo.
Use a grid: A grid is a honeycomb-shaped light modifier that can be placed over a light source to create a focused and directional light. It can be used to create a spotlight effect and add drama to the photo.
Use a dimmer: A dimmer is a device that can be used to adjust the brightness of the light source. It can be used to create different lighting effects and adjust the exposure.
Use a color temperature meter: A color temperature meter is a device that can be used to measure the color temperature of the light. It can be used to ensure that the photo booth lighting matches the event lighting and create a consistent exposure.
Use a diffuser: A diffuser is a light modifier that can be placed over a light source to create a soft and diffused light. It can be used to reduce harsh shadows and create a more even exposure.
Hang string lights. Adding some string lights to the area around your photo booth can provide additional lighting while also serving as an attractive feature itself.

Bonus: More Photo Booth Ideas

Use multi-camera setups: Use multiple cameras to capture different angles and perspectives of the subject. This can create a more dynamic and interesting photo.
Use QR codes: Use QR codes to allow users to quickly and easily download their photos. This can save time and make the photo booth experience more convenient.
Use touchscreen displays: Use touchscreen displays to allow users to interact with the photo booth and choose different options for their photo.
Offer slow-motion videos: Offer slow-motion videos as an option for users to capture their memories in a unique and creative way.
Offer augmented reality experiences: Offer augmented reality experiences that allow users to interact with virtual objects or characters in their photos.
Use voice recognition: Use voice recognition technology to allow users to control the photo booth with their voice.
Use real-time photo editing: Use real-time photo editing software to allow users to edit their photos before they are printed or shared.
Use 360-degree cameras: Use 360-degree cameras to capture panoramic photos that can be viewed in virtual reality.
Offer 3D printing: Offer 3D printing services that allow users to create a physical object of their photo. Some creative printing options include metallic photos.
Use drones: Use drones to capture aerial photos or videos of your event.
Use AI-powered recommendations: Use AI-powered recommendation engines to suggest different photo options based on the user's preferences and past behavior.
Experiment with using multiple cameras in your photo booth setup to capture different angles of your guests, then stitch the images together in post-processing to create a unique and dynamic final image.

You’re Up Next

Owning a digital photo booth business is a never-ending journey of creativity and innovation.

With the ideas we've presented, we hope to have sparked new and exciting ways to enhance your photo booth experience for your clients.

Now it’s your turn. Show us your creative side, and tag us on social media. Here's our Instagram (We often tag back and share your stories!) Be sure to check us on TikTok as well.

We can’t wait to see what you come up with.

We're confident you'll be taking your photo booth business to the next level and wowing your guests with unforgettable experiences.