Photo booths have become one of the most profitable entertainment investments for event planners, shopping malls, and family entertainment centers (FECs). But with so many types available—open air booths, enclosed booths, and 360 video booths—how do you decide which one best fits your business model?
This guide will help you compare the pros, cons, and ROI potential of each type so you can make the best investment decision.
1. Open Air Photo Booths: The Modern & Flexible Option
Overview:
Open air photo booths feature a camera stand and backdrop setup—no enclosure, just open space. They’re highly flexible and perfect for corporate events, weddings, and shopping malls.
Advantages:
- 📸 Space-efficient: Easy to install in small or open areas.
- 🎨 Customizable backdrop: Match themes or branding with different background styles.
- 👥 Large group shots: Accommodates more people than enclosed booths.
- ⚙️ Low maintenance: Fewer mechanical parts mean easier upkeep.
Best for:
Event rental companies, brand activations, or malls seeking high-traffic engagement.
ROI Tip: Combine BLEE’s open-air photo booth with your custom LED backdrop or touch-screen interface to attract younger audiences and maximize visibility.
2. Enclosed Photo Booths: Privacy & Nostalgia in One
Overview:
Enclosed booths are the “classic” style—think passport photo stations or vintage arcade booths. Customers step inside for a private, cozy experience.
Advantages:
- 🤫 Privacy & intimacy: Great for couples, kids, and fun group photos.
- 🎞️ Controlled lighting: Delivers consistent image quality in all environments.
- 💡 Retro vibe: Adds nostalgic charm that appeals to older demographics.
- 💰 Stable income source: Ideal for shopping centers, cinemas, or theme parks.
Best for:
Permanent installations in commercial venues where customers expect privacy and professional lighting.
ROI Tip: Install BLEE enclosed photo booths in cinemas, subway stations, or amusement parks for steady, passive income with minimal staffing.
3. 360 Video Booths: The Social Media Magnet
Overview:
360 photo booths are the latest innovation, using a rotating arm to capture stunning slow-motion videos around participants. These booths create immersive, shareable content, making them a viral favorite on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Advantages:
- 🚀 Viral marketing tool: Perfect for brand promotions and parties.
- 💎 Premium experience: Justifies higher rental or usage fees.
- 💼 Corporate demand: Popular at product launches and red-carpet events.
- 🌐 Social sharing integration: Auto uploads to social media via BLEE’s smart software system.
Best for:
Event organizers, marketing agencies, and high-end venues targeting young, digital-savvy users.
ROI Tip: Use BLEE’s 360 Video Booth with intelligent cloud sync to track usage data and engagement metrics for marketing insights.
4. Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | Open Air Booth | Enclosed Booth | 360 Video Booth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup Flexibility | ✅ High | ⚙️ Medium | ⚙️ Medium |
| Privacy | ❌ Low | ✅ High | ⚙️ Moderate |
| Group Capacity | ✅ Large | ⚙️ Medium | ⚙️ Small |
| Social Media Appeal | ⚙️ Medium | ❌ Low | ✅ Very High |
| Cost | 💲 Low | 💲💲 Medium | 💲💲💲 High |
| ROI Potential | ✅ Moderate | ✅ Stable | ✅✅ High |
5. BLEE’s One-Stop Photo Booth Solution
Whether you choose open-air, enclosed, or 360 video, BLEE provides customizable photo booth machines and complete FEC project solutions, including:
- 🎥 Hardware customization (size, lighting, frame color)
- 💳 Smart payment integration (QR code, card, cash)
- ☁️ Cloud management system (remote monitoring and data analysis)
- 🌍 Localized language interface for global operators
From small event startups to full-scale amusement centers, BLEE helps you build a profitable, modern photo entertainment zone.
FAQs
Q1: Which type of photo booth has the highest ROI?
A: The 360 video booth offers the highest short-term ROI due to premium pricing and viral content potential, but enclosed booths deliver more stable long-term income.
Q2: How much does it cost to start a photo booth business?
A: BLEE photo booths typically range from $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the model and customization.
Q3: Can BLEE customize the photo booth for my brand?
A: Yes. BLEE offers custom frame colors, lighting, logos, and touch screen interfaces to match your brand identity.
Q4: How do I maintain the photo booth?
A: Regular screen cleaning, software updates, and ensuring a stable Wi-Fi connection keep the system running smoothly. BLEE’s after-sales team provides full technical support.
Q5: Do BLEE photo booths support social media sharing?
A: Absolutely! BLEE’s 360 video and open-air models feature QR-based instant sharing for TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

