If you’re thinking about starting a photo booth business or upgrading your setup, one of the biggest questions you’ll run into is:
Should you go with a mirror photo booth or an open air booth?
After 15+ years in the photo booth industry — and running pretty much every type of booth out there — here’s the honest answer:
There’s no “bad” option here. Guests love both.
But the right choice depends on your goals, your setup, and how you plan to run your business.
My Experience With Both
I’ve owned and operated all types of photo booths over the years, and I still actively use both mirror booths and open air setups today.
If you’re in a position where you can offer both…
I highly recommend it.
Different events, venues, and clients lean toward different experiences — and having both options gives you flexibility (and more booking opportunities).
Open Air Photo Booth: Lightweight & Versatile
Open air booths are popular for a reason — they’re simple, flexible, and easy to manage.
What makes them great:
- Lightweight and portable
- Break down into smaller pieces (huge for transport)
- Quick setup and teardown
- Works with iPad or Surface Pro setups
If you’re doing a lot of events or working solo, this matters more than people realize.
Mirror Photo Booth: Big, Bold, and Premium
Then you’ve got the mirror booth…
This is the one that makes people stop and look.
What makes it stand out:
- Large, interactive mirror design
- Built-in mini PC to run your software
- Professional DSLR camera + flash
- High-end, luxury feel
Yes — it’s a bigger setup.
But that’s kind of the point.
It makes a statement.
The Real Difference: Experience vs Convenience
Here’s the honest breakdown:
- Open Air Booth = Convenience + flexibility
- Mirror Booth = Experience + visual impact
Neither one is better across the board — they just serve different purposes.
