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Open air photo booth in a pink-lit ballroom with guests receiving printed photo strips from an attendant.

Glam Photo Booth vs. 360 Photo Booth vs. Open Air Photo: Which Booth Style Is Best for Your Event?

Glam Photo Booth vs. 360 Photo Booth vs. Open Air Photo: Which Booth Style Is Best for Your Event?

If you are choosing between a glam photo booth, a 360 video booth, or an open air photo booth for your event, it helps to know what each one actually does for you. Your booth should match your event goals, fit your venue, and create content your guests are excited to share. One, Two, Smile! Photobooth offers all three options for events in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and select nationwide locations.

This guide breaks down glam vs. 360 vs. open air so you can confidently pick the right experience and avoid decision overwhelm.


Quick Comparison: Glam vs. 360 vs. Open Air

Guest experience and content style

Booth StyleGuest ExperienceEnergy LevelMain Output
Glam Photo BoothPolished, flattering portraitsRelaxed, elevatedStill photos and prints
360 Video BoothShow-stopping, cinematic video momentsHigh energy, hypeShort branded video clips
Open Air Photo BoothFun, social, group-friendly photosCasual, interactiveStill photos, GIFs, digital files

Space, setup, and venue fit

Booth StyleSpace NeededWorks Best For
Glam Photo BoothModerate space with backdrop and lightingBallrooms, hotels, rooftop venues, chic event spaces
360 Video BoothLarger footprint with clear area around platformOpen floor plans, stages, activation zones
Open Air Photo BoothFlexible footprint, easy to adjustMost venues, indoor or outdoor events

Branding, sharing, and best use cases

Booth StyleBranding OptionsSharing StyleIdeal For
Glam Photo BoothBranded overlays, clean backdropsPrints and digital imagesUpscale weddings, galas, luxury brand events
360 Video BoothBranded video overlays and effectsSocial media clips and highlightsBrand activations, launches, modern corporate parties
Open Air Photo BoothBranded backdrops and templatesPrints, GIFs, digital galleriesWeddings, parties, conferences, all‑around events

What Is a Glam Photo Booth?

A glam photo booth focuses on clean, elevated portraits with studio-style lighting and skin-smoothing effects. Instead of loud props or busy backdrops, the look is simple, polished, and flattering. Guests step in front of a neutral backdrop and walk away with black and white or softly edited color portraits that feel like celebrity photos.

This style is perfect for black-tie weddings, upscale birthdays, galas, and luxury brand events. If your guests are dressing up and you want them to look and feel incredible in every image, the glam photo booth is a strong choice.

wedding black and white photo booth 1 4309612 One, Two, Smile! Photobooth
Glam Photo Booth vs. 360 Photo Booth vs. Open Air Photo: Which Booth Style Is Best for Your Event? 4

What Is a 360 Photo Booth?

A 360 photo booth is all about movement and energy. Guests stand on a circular platform while a camera arm spins around them, capturing a short video from every angle. That clip is turned into a branded, slow-motion video that feels like a mini music video or campaign shot.

This style is ideal for brand activations, product launches, corporate parties, and modern weddings where video content and social media sharing are a big priority. If you want a booth that becomes a centerpiece at your event and creates high-impact videos for Reels and TikTok, the 360 video booth is the right fit.

markers make 3 low 7347867 One, Two, Smile! Photobooth
Glam Photo Booth vs. 360 Photo Booth vs. Open Air Photo: Which Booth Style Is Best for Your Event? 5

What Is an Open Air Photo Booth?

An open air photo booth is a modern, flexible setup with a photo station and a backdrop instead of a fully enclosed booth. Guests can see the booth from across the room and easily jump in with friends, coworkers, or family. It works well for both small and large groups and can be styled to match any theme or brand.

This style is great for weddings, parties, conferences, and corporate events where you want something approachable and easy for everyone to use. If you are looking for a versatile, crowd-friendly option, the open air photo booth is a reliable choice.

how to choose a photo booth rental
Glam Photo Booth vs. 360 Photo Booth vs. Open Air Photo: Which Booth Style Is Best for Your Event? 6

When a Glam Photo Booth Is the Best Choice

A glam photo booth is the best option when your event is more formal or elevated and you want the photo experience to match the overall aesthetic. It pairs beautifully with hotel ballrooms, rooftop venues, wineries, and modern reception spaces.

Choose glam when:

  • You want black and white or softly edited portraits that feel timeless.
  • You care about high-quality prints that guests will keep and display.
  • Your event design is minimal, elegant, and cohesive, and you want the booth to blend in seamlessly.

When a 360 Video Booth Is the Best Choice

A 360 video booth is the right move when you want to create a high-energy moment guests will talk about long after the event. It naturally gathers a crowd and keeps guests entertained between formal parts of your program.

Choose 360 when:

  • Video content and social media sharing are top priorities.
  • You want something that feels like a production and makes guests feel like stars.
  • Your venue has enough open space for a platform and a safe rotation area.

When an Open Air Photo Booth Is the Best Choice

An open air photo booth is the most versatile option and works for a wide range of event types and budgets. It is easy to use, easy to access, and easy to customize.

Choose open air when:

  • Group photos are important and you do not want guests squeezed into a small booth.
  • Your event includes a mix of ages and comfort levels with being on camera.
  • You want a dependable option that works in many types of venues, from wineries and barns to hotels and corporate spaces.

How to Decide Which Booth Style to Book

To make the decision easier, start with a few simple questions:

  1. Do I care more about elevated portraits, high-energy video, or flexible group photos?
  2. Is my main goal entertainment, social media content, or a mix of both?
  3. How much space does my venue have available for a booth?
  4. Do I want prints, digital content, or both?

If you want luxury portraits, the glam photo booth is your best fit. If you want movement and maximum impact, choose the 360 video booth. If you want something flexible that works almost anywhere, go with the open air photo booth.


Book a Photo or Video Booth With One, Two, Smile! Photobooth

One, Two, Smile! Photobooth offers glam photo booth rentals, 360 video booth rentals, and open air photo booth rentals for events in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and select nationwide destinations. Whether you are planning a wedding, corporate event, brand activation, or private celebration, there is a booth in our lineup that will match your vision and give your guests an experience they will remember.

Reach out to share your event date, location, and goals, and we will help you choose the booth style that makes the most sense for your event.

Call us at (510) 463-4972 or contact us today to explore a smarter photo booth strategy for your next Los Angeles event.

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