How to Make the Most of Your Photo Booth Rental: Tips for Guests & Hosts

Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate party, school event, or private celebration, photo booth photos are one of the most engaging and memorable experiences you can offer your guests. They’re not just about snapping a picture — they create shared laughs, candid moments, and keepsakes that last long after the last song plays.

At Fog City Entertainment, we know a photo booth rental can take your event from great to unforgettable — if you use it right. This guide breaks down everything you and your guests need to know to get the most out of your rental, from setup to silly props and beyond.

Photo booth setup with a creative backdrop placed at an outdoor event venue during daytime

A well-placed photo booth at an outdoor event creates an inviting space for guests to strike a pose.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Your photo booth setup is only as good as its placement. To make it inviting and well-used:

  • Keep it visible and accessible: Avoid hiding it in a corner or back room.

  • Stay near the action: Place it near the dance floor or cocktail area, not outside the main event space.

  • Make sure it’s well-lit: A bright, spotlighted booth catches more attention.

 
Custom-designed New Year-themed photo booth backdrop with festive lights and signage

A vibrant, personalized backdrop helps make each photo booth photo feel unique and on-theme.

Step 2: Customize Your Backdrop & Prints

Customization makes your photo booth photo experience feel personal and elevated:

  • Use a custom backdrop: Match your event theme, color palette, or branding. Think: floral walls for weddings, neon signs for birthdays, or logos for corporate events.

  • Design personalized print templates: Include names, dates, event hashtags, or company branding on each print.

Bonus: Booking with Fog City Entertainment, we will do this for you!

 
A table full of colorful and creative photo booth props including hats, glasses, and signs

A variety of well-organized props encourages guests to get playful and creative in the booth.

Step 3: Provide a Variety of Props

Props are the secret sauce that turns a simple picture into a hilarious memory:

  • Offer a range of props: Hats, signs, glasses, wigs, themed accessories — the more, the better.

  • Keep them organized: Use labeled bins or display racks to avoid clutter and confusion.

  • Refresh throughout the night: Rotate options or replenish popular items.

Bonus: All photo booth bookings with Fog City Entertainment come with a wide variety of high-end props—think full costumes displayed on garment racks, not just a box of hats. If you add printing services, your dedicated photo booth attendant will also keep the area tidy and running smoothly.

 
A couple inside the photo booth pretending to play guitars and laughing together

Encouraging guest participation leads to fun, energetic photos that capture the spirit of your event.

Step 4: Encourage Participation

Guests might need a nudge — here’s how to ensure your booth gets plenty of traffic:

  • Have the DJ or MC make announcements: Friendly reminders build hype.

  • Create a challenge: Encourage guests to take the funniest or most creative photo booth photo.

  • Incentivize use: Offer a prize or shoutout for the best pic of the night.

Pro Tip: Station a photo booth attendant to guide guests, fix props, and troubleshoot tech on the spot.

Schedule a consultation today to find the perfect photo booth setup that suits your event style and crowd.

 
Group of friends posing together in the photo booth, laughing and enjoying the moment

Group shots like these show how photo booths create lasting memories full of joy and laughter.

Step 5: Make It Social

Boost your event’s reach by encouraging guests to share their photo booth moments:

  • Add a social sharing station: Allow instant uploads to Instagram, Facebook, or X.

  • Create an event hashtag: Display it at the booth and on props.

  • Offer digital copies: QR codes or email options help guests save and share their images instantly.

Bonus: Fog City Entertainment Photo Booths come equipped with all of the above!

 

Additional Tips for Maximum Impact

DO:

  • Test the booth before the event begins

  • Use high-quality lighting (consider uplighting or our "Dancing on Cloud" fog effect for ambiance)

  • Keep backup power and Wi-Fi options ready

DON’T:

  • Place the booth outdoors without a backup tent

  • Use confusing or cluttered signage

  • Forget to promote it during key moments like cocktail hour or intermissions

Bonus Tip: Want to capture more candid energy? Rent a photo booth that supports short video clips or Boomerangs for even more social-friendly fun.

Conclusion

Your photo booth photo experience should be more than just a few snaps — it should be a highlight of your event. With smart placement, creative customization, fun props, and active guest engagement, your booth can be both a showstopper and a memory-maker.

At Fog City Entertainment, we specialize in providing high-energy, premium event services that include state-of-the-art photo booths with full customization, digital sharing, and onsite support. Whether you're planning a wedding, a corporate launch, or a milestone birthday, we make sure your photo booth is as unforgettable as the event itself.

Ready to make your celebration legendary — one photo booth photo at a time?