Open-Air vs. Enclosed Photo Booth
Open-Air vs. Enclosed Photo Booth: What's the Difference?
When most people think of a photo booth, they picture the classic enclosed box. Curtains, a bench, a strip of photos. But the photo booth world has expanded a lot since then, and today, many events opt for an open-air setup instead.
Both are great options, but they're different experiences and the right one depends on your event, your guests, and the vibe you're going for. Here's a straightforward breakdown.
The Open-Air Photo Booth
An open-air photo booth is exactly what it sounds like. There's no enclosure. Instead, you have a camera on a stand (or mounted to a backdrop frame), a touchscreen or tablet for triggering the shot, and a backdrop behind the guests.
What it looks like
Sleek, modern, and minimal. Open-air booths tend to photograph beautifully because the setup is designed for good lighting and clean framing. The prints and digital files look polished and professional.
How many people can use it at once
This is one of the biggest advantages of open-air. There's no size limit. Whether it's two people or ten, everyone fits in the frame. For weddings and large corporate events where guests want group shots, this is often a decisive factor.
Best for
- Weddings and receptions
- Corporate events and brand activations
- Galas and fundraisers
- Events where you want a modern, editorial aesthetic
- Large groups or multigenerational guest lists
At Digital Memories, our open-air setup is one of our most popular options for Toronto-area weddings and events. It photographs well in any venue and gives guests the flexibility to create the shot they want.
The Enclosed Photo Booth
The enclosed booth brings back that classic, nostalgic feel. Guests step inside, pull the curtain, and suddenly they're in their own little world. It's intimate, fun, and a little theatrical, which is part of the appeal.
What it looks like
Traditional and iconic. The enclosed booth usually produces a photo strip, that signature sequence of shots in a vertical strip, which feels nostalgic and personal. It's the format that immediately says "photo booth" to most people.
How many people can use it at once
Enclosed booths are designed for smaller groups, typically 2 to 4 people comfortably. That intimacy is part of the charm. It creates a moment between friends or a couple that can be really special.
Best for
- Intimate weddings or smaller celebrations
- Events with a retro or vintage theme
- Birthdays and anniversary parties
- Guests who love the nostalgic photo strip format
- Spaces where you want the booth to feel like a destination
If the enclosed booth is calling your name, it's worth knowing that this style is part of a more custom, production-level experience. Ineffable Views specializes in exactly that, handling immersive and bespoke event builds as part of their experiential work. And if you're starting from the concept stage, Propelle Creative Group can help you build the full vision from the ground up. Either way, you're in good hands.
Key Differences at a Glance
Group size: Open-air accommodates unlimited guests per shot. Enclosed works best for 2 to 4.
Aesthetic: Open-air is modern and editorial. Enclosed is classic and nostalgic.
Space required: Open-air needs a bit more floor space. Enclosed has a smaller footprint.
Output format: Both offer print and digital. Enclosed is often associated with photo strips, open-air with full-frame prints and digital shares.
Privacy: Enclosed booths give guests a contained, private-feeling experience. Open-air is social and visible.
What About the 360 Video Booth?
If neither option quite fits what you're imagining, the 360 video booth is a third category entirely. Guests step onto a platform, a camera arm rotates around them, and they get a shareable slow-motion video clip instead of a photo. It's especially popular for weddings and corporate activations where guests are looking for something social-media-ready.
Digital Memories offers both open-air and 360 options, so whatever direction you're leaning, we can make it happen.
Still Not Sure? Let's Talk It Through
Choosing the right booth often comes down to your specific venue, guest list, and goals. If you're planning an event in Mississauga or the GTA and want a recommendation based on your setup, reach out at digitalmemoriesbooth.com. We're happy to walk through your options and point you in the right direction.
