Okay, photo booth owners – if you’ve been wondering what clients are actually booking right now, I’ve got you. The industry is shifting FAST, and honestly? It’s so exciting to see where things are going.
Gone are the days when a basic open-air booth with props was enough. Clients want experiences now – things their guests will actually talk about, post about, and remember. And the best part? These trends aren’t just cool, they’re also incredibly profitable if you know how to position them.
So let’s dive into the top 5 photo booth trends that are absolutely dominating 2026. Trust me, if you’re not offering at least a few of these, you’re leaving serious money on the table.
1. Enclosed Photo Booths Are BACK And More Stunning Than Ever
Remember those classic photo booths from the mall in the 90s? The ones with the little curtain where you’d pile in with your friends and get those iconic photo strips? Yeah, they’re having a MAJOR moment right now.
Clients are obsessed with the vintage, nostalgic vibe – and honestly, I get it. There’s something so intimate and fun about squeezing into an enclosed booth. It feels special. It feels like a throwback. And it creates this really authentic, candid energy that you just don’t get with open-air setups.
Brands like Everybooth are killing it with their Cabina and Nova models – sleek, modern takes on the classic enclosed booth that feel elevated and professional while still giving those nostalgic vibes. These booths are booking like crazy for weddings, corporate events, and brand activations because they’re different. They stand out.
If you’ve been thinking about adding an enclosed booth to your lineup, 2026 is the year to do it. Clients are actively searching for this aesthetic, and the demand is only growing.
💡 Pro tip: Market these as “vintage-inspired” or “nostalgic photo experiences” and watch the inquiries roll in.
2. Spotlight Booths: The Elevated, Editorial Vibe Clients Crave
If you haven’t jumped on the spotlight booth trend yet, what are you even doing? (I’m kidding, but also… kinda not.)
Spotlight booths are EVERYWHERE right now, and for good reason. They create that high-fashion, editorial look that makes every guest look like they just stepped out of a magazine. The lighting is chef’s kiss, the photos are instantly Instagram-worthy, and clients are willing to pay a premium for that elevated aesthetic.
Think clean backdrops, dramatic lighting, and photos that look professionally styled without any effort. It’s the perfect option for luxury weddings, brand activations, and events where the vibe is a little more sophisticated.
The best part? Spotlight booths are incredibly versatile. You can style them minimal and modern, or dress them up with florals and textures. Either way, they photograph beautifully.
I wrote an entire deep-dive guide on spotlight booths Ultimate Guide to Spotlight Photo Booths in 2026 because there’s so much to love about this trend. If you want to attract higher-end clients and stand out from the competition, this is your move.
💡 Pro tip: Showcase spotlight booth photos HEAVILY on your Instagram and website. The aesthetic sells itself.
Ready to start marketing this experience, find Spotlight content in the membership or grab the Gloss Collection in the shop
3. Roaming Photography & Photo Studios: Candid Meets Polished
Okay, this one is a little different from traditional photo booths, but it’s a trend we’re seeing photo booth operators lean into – and it’s working.
Roaming photography is exactly what it sounds like: a photographer roaming the event, capturing candid moments, but with a twist. Instead of guest wondering if they will ever see these photos, you have the sharing ability of a typical photobooth right on your phone (or ipad roaming with you) thanks to awesome software like Spot My Photos and Snappics new Roaming feature.
Instead of candid shots or traditional roaming, you could also set up up a mini “photo studio” corner where guests can step in for more polished, intentional portraits. These can be super luxurious and high end like 888portraitexperience who charges in the 5 figured range for one event, or can even be set up for something like Santa Photos or a similar activation.
Or sync your software and event run BOTH experiences in once evemy. This hybrid approach is HUGE right now because it gives guests the best of both worlds – candid, documentary-style photos AND beautiful, styled portraits they can actually use. It’s especially popular at corporate events, brand activations, and upscale parties where clients want that elevated content creation vibe.
If you’re a photo booth operator looking to expand your services (or if you’re already dabbling in photography), this is a really natural add-on. You’re essentially offering photo booth-quality portraits without the booth itself.
💡 Pro tip: This is marketing your self as more than a photo booth, and more like a photo experience gives you so much more room to grow into your business.
Check out our Glam Studio Collection or Santa Portraits to get started offering these experiences.
4. Keychains: The $500-$1,500 Add-On That’s Actually Selling
Let me tell you about the easiest upsell you’re not offering yet: photo keychains.
I know, I know – it sounds simple. Maybe even a little old-school. But here’s the thing: clients and their guests are obsessed with tangible takeaways right now. In a world where everything is digital, having a physical photo you can hold (or attach to your keys) feels special.
And the best part? Keychains are a HIGH-MARGIN add-on. You can charge $500-$1,500 for this service (thats ON TOP of your photo booth package) depending on your market and the event size, and the cost to you is minimal. Guests love them, clients love offering them, and you make bank.
We’re seeing keychains book especially well at weddings, corporate events, and milestone celebrations (sweet sixteens, quinceañeras, bat mitzvahs). They’re nostalgic, they’re functional, and they’re way more unique than just another photo strip.
I broke down exactly how to price and sell keychains in this post Photo Booth Keychains – it’s honestly one of my favorite add-ons to create content for because it’s such an easy yes from clients.
💡 Pro tip: Show keychains in your marketing materials. When clients see how cute they are, they immediately want them.
5. AI Watercolor Portraits: The $750 Experiential Add-On Everyone’s Talking About
Okay, THIS is the trend that’s absolutely blowing up right now. AI watercolor portraits are the perfect blend of technology and artistry, and guests are losing their minds over them.
Here’s how it works: guests take a photo at your booth, and within seconds, AI transforms their photo into a beautiful, hand-painted-style watercolor portrait. It’s stunning, it’s unique, and it feels way more special than a regular photo print.
Clients are booking this like crazy because it’s an experience. Guests don’t just get a photo – they get a piece of art. And because it’s so Instagram-worthy, it creates tons of organic social media buzz for the event (and for you).
You can easily charge $750+ for this add-on, and honestly? Clients don’t even blink at the price because the value is so clear. It’s perfect for weddings, galas, and high-end corporate events where the client wants to offer something truly memorable.
Check out the full tutorial on how to add AI watercolor portraits to your photo booth business and start marketing this fun AI experience with out AI Watercolor collection or snag the whole collection in the membership
💡 Pro tip: Create a sample watercolor portrait from one of your own photos and share it everywhere. The visuals sell this service instantly.
Look, the photo booth industry is evolving – and honestly, it’s such a good thing. Clients have higher expectations now, and they’re willing to pay for experiences that feel elevated, unique, and memorable.
If you want to stay competitive (and profitable) in 2026, you don’t have to offer ALL of these trends – but pick 1 or 2 that align with your brand and go ALL IN. Master them. Market them. Make them your signature.
And if you’re looking for stock photos, backdrops, and resources to help you execute these trends beautifully? That’s literally what The Photobooth Edit is here for. Get access to everything in the Monthly Membership
Want more business tips like this? Check out my post on Our Favorite Tools for Running Our Photo Booth Business to make sure you have the time to invest in these new trends.
Now go book some events with enclosed booths and AI portraits. You’ve got this. ✨
