The Booth
The Open-Air Photo Booth
An open-air photo booth is a camera, backdrop, and studio lighting set up in the open room rather than inside an enclosed shell. It fits far larger groups — twenty or more people in one frame — and keeps the booth visible so guests keep coming back to it all night.
Open-Air vs Enclosed
What's the difference between an open-air and an enclosed photo booth?
Both work. They suit different events, and the honest answer is that enclosed booths win on exactly one thing.
| Feature | Open-Air | Enclosed |
|---|---|---|
| Group size per photo | 20+ people | 2–4 people |
| Camera | 24MP DSLR | Often a tablet |
| Lighting | Studio continuous | On-camera flash |
| Custom backdrop | Yes | No |
| Visible to the room | Yes | No |
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes | Rarely |
| Floor space needed | 10×10 ft | 6×8 ft |
| Feels private | No | Yes |
Sparks Photo Booth Fun runs open-air booths. If your event genuinely needs an enclosed booth for privacy, say so and we will tell you honestly whether we are the right fit.
How It Works
How does the photo booth work on the day?
Four steps, and three of them happen without you needing to do anything.
- 1
We arrive and set up
The team arrives 60 to 90 minutes before your start time and sets up the booth, backdrop, lighting, and prop table. Setup does not count against your rental hours.
- 2
Guests step up and shoot
Guests tap the screen, grab props, and the DSLR fires a burst. The open-air design means groups of twenty or more fit in a single frame, and everyone can see the fun happening.
- 3
Prints come out in seconds
Every session prints on the spot with your custom border. Unlimited sessions means guests can come back as many times as they want throughout the event.
- 4
Your gallery arrives in 48 hours
Every image is uploaded to a private online gallery within 48 hours, with free full-resolution downloads for 20 days and reprints available anytime.
Specifications
Equipment and requirements
- Camera
- 24MP DSLR
- Lighting
- Studio-grade continuous
- Frame options
- Black or white
- Prints
- 2×6 strips, 4×6, or 5×7
- Space
- 10x10 feet, level and solid
- Power
- Dedicated 120V, 10-amp three-prong outlet within 15 feet
- Setup
- 60–90 min
- Teardown
- 30–60 min
Venues should also provide one 6-8 foot table for props, two chairs, 10x10 foot level floor space. See the full FAQ for details.
Questions
Photo and print quality
How do guests get their photos after the event?
Guests take home prints on the spot, and every image is uploaded to a private online gallery within 48 hours. You receive a link to share, and guests can view and download full-resolution images free for 20 days after the event. Reprints and enlargements can be ordered anytime.
What kind of camera and lighting do you use?
Sparks Photo Booth Fun uses professional 24-megapixel DSLR cameras with studio-grade lighting — never iPads, tablets, or on-camera flashes. That equipment difference is why the prints look like portrait photography instead of typical photo booth output, especially in low-light reception venues.
What print sizes do you offer?
Standard bookings include your choice of two 2"x6" photo strips or one 4"x6" print per session, at unlimited volume. A 5"x7" premium print upgrade is available for larger, gallery-quality keepsakes. Every print carries your fully custom border design.