Open Air vs. Enclosed vs. 360: Which Is Right for You?

An open-air booth is a camera and lighting setup on a stand, with no walls or curtains. Guests stand or pose in front of a backdrop, which means more people can fit in a single photo than with an enclosed booth.

• Best for: Large groups, outdoor events, and venues with limited space.
• Pros: Fits more guests per photo, takes up less floor space, easy to set up almost anywhere.
• Considerations: Less privacy than an enclosed booth, and background noise or light can affect photos at outdoor events.

An enclosed booth has walls or curtains that create a private space for one to a few guests at a time. This is the most traditional photo booth experience, often associated with classic strip-style photos.

• Best for: Weddings and events with a classic or vintage theme.
• Pros: Private space encourages playful or candid poses, with a classic look and feel.
• Considerations: Fits fewer people per session, and needs more floor space than an open-air setup.

A 360 booth uses a rotating platform and camera arm to capture slow-motion video as guests stand on the platform. The result is a short, shareable video rather than a printed photo.

• Best for: Weddings, parties, and brand activations focused on social media content.
• Pros: High-energy, very shareable, and a memorable experience for guests.
• Considerations: Requires more space for the platform and camera arm, and usually produces video or digital content rather than prints.

• Want the most guests per photo and a flexible footprint? Open air.
• Want a classic, private photo booth feel? Enclosed.
• Want shareable video content and a high-energy moment? 360.

Many vendors offer more than one style, and some can combine an open-air setup with a 360 platform for events that want both prints and video. When you reach out for a quote, describe your venue and guest count, and ask the vendor which option they would recommend.