The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Photo Booth in Cape Town
Every great event has those moments guests talk about long after it’s over. The personal touches that bring people together, make them feel part of something special, and leave them with memories—and a memento—to hold on to.
A good photo booth can create those moments for your guests.
Today's photo booths are nothing like the basic photo stations of the past. They come in all shapes and sizes—from sleek modern setups to quirky vintage-style booths, and even those housed in converted vehicles (like Ollie). Each one brings its own charm to an event, but not all photo booths are created equal.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or birthday party, knowing what to look for in a photo booth can help you create an experience guests will talk about long after the event ends. With years of experience helping craft memorable celebrations, we’ve identified exactly what makes a photo booth stand out—and how to choose one that’s perfect for your event.
What makes a great photo booth experience
The difference between a forgettable photo booth and one that becomes a highlight of your event comes down to a few key elements. Here’s what to look for when trying to find the perfect photo booth.
The booth should have professional-grade lighting that makes everyone look their best, no matter where it's placed in your venue. Bad lighting can make people feel self-conscious and less likely to use the booth—plus nobody wants to look washed out or hidden in shadows in their photos.
Digital copies of all photos should be available after the event. While printed photos are great, digital copies mean you can share on social media, send to friends who couldn't make it, or reprint if needed.
If you want to give your guests physical photos as keepsakes, they should be printed quickly and on high-quality paper that won't fade or discolor over time. These photos are memories of your special day, you don't want them turning yellow or fading away in a few months.
Props help break the ice and get people into a playful mood. A good selection of props should be clean, fun, and appropriate for your event type. Make sure there are plenty to go around—nobody wants to wear something that's been handled by hundreds of sweaty party-goers.
The booth should have a customizable design so you can match it to your event’s theme. An eyesore of a booth can ruin your carefully planned décor, while a well-designed one can actually add to your event's atmosphere.
There should be an attendant present to help guests and keep things running smoothly throughout your event. Without someone managing the booth, technical issues can crop up, props get scattered, and your less tech-savvy guests might give up before even trying.
Popular event types for photo booths
Photo booths have become a hit at practically every type of celebration in Cape Town, and each event brings its own special vibe to the booth.
At weddings, photo booths give guests something fun to do between the ceremony and reception, or while the newlyweds are off taking their formal photos. They're also a brilliant alternative to the traditional guest book—you can flip through an album of silly photos and messages instead of just signatures.
Corporate events might seem serious, but that's exactly why a photo booth works so well. Nothing breaks down office hierarchies quite like seeing your CEO sporting a pink feather boa or giant sunglasses. Year-end functions and team-building days are perfect opportunities to let colleagues loosen up and capture some memorable moments together.
Birthday parties—whether it's a kid's party, Sweet 16, or a 50th celebration—are perfect for photo booths. They create those spontaneous moments of joy you can't plan for, like three generations pulling funny faces together, or old friends recreating photos from their youth. Even shy guests who usually dodge the camera often find themselves drawn into the fun.
For product launches and brand activations, photo booths can do double duty: they entertain guests while also creating branded content that people actually want to share on social media. It's marketing that doesn't feel like marketing.
The key to getting a good photo booth is booking early enough, especially for events during peak season (October to March in Cape Town). You'll want to secure your booth at least 2 to 3 months ahead. For major events like weddings, 6 months isn't too early to start looking.
Questions to ask your photo booth provider
When you're looking for a photo booth in Cape Town, don't be shy about asking questions. A good provider will be happy to explain everything and ease your doubts. If they're vague or dismissive, that's a red flag right there.
Start with the basics:
"How much space do you need?" You'll need to know both the size of the booth itself and how much space guests need around it. A booth might be compact, but you'll want room for people to gather, wait, and watch others pose. This information helps you decide the perfect spot at your venue before the event day arrives.
"What happens if something goes wrong?" Technical issues can happen to anyone, but your provider should have a solid backup plan. Ask about spare printers, backup cameras, and what happens if their main system crashes.
"How long does it take to set up?" Your photo booth should be ready before your first guest arrives, so knowing setup time helps you create a proper timeline for your event day.
"Can I see examples from previous events?" This gives you a real idea of photo quality and helps you spot any red flags like poor lighting or blurry images.
"Can we customize the prints?" Find out what personalization options are available. You may want to add names and dates, match your event colors, or include your company logo to the photo frame.
"What kind of props do you provide?" The answer will tell you if you need to supplement with your own props to match your theme.
"What's the most unique thing your booth can do?" This open-ended question might reveal cool features you hadn't even thought about.
Tips for getting the most out of your photo booth
A photo booth adds an extra spark of fun to any Cape Town event, and with a few simple tips, you can make sure your guests have the time of their lives. Here's how to make the most of it.
Create the perfect photo spot: Outdoors, this might be in a garden area where people naturally gather, or near outdoor seating. For indoor booths, set up near lounge areas or between the bar and main reception space where people often mingle. Keep enough space around the booth for people to gather and watch the fun—seeing others enjoy themselves often encourages more people to join in.
Plan your booth timing carefully: At weddings, open it after the ceremony and formal photos but before everyone's too tired. For corporate events, avoid conference sessions or key networking times. A photo booth works best when your guests are relaxed and ready to have fun.
Spread the word: Include photo booth details in your event program or wedding invitations. This will let guests know it'll be there, and what they'll get (like instant prints, digital copies, or how many photos they can take). This can help build anticipation before the event even starts.
Keep it prominent: Make the booth visible with clear signage, and ask your MC or DJ to announce when it's open. Many guests will be caught up in conversations or dancing, so a friendly reminder from the MC can encourage them to take a break and capture some memories.
Let's create memories
A photo booth turns your Cape Town event into something extra special, giving guests a chance to let loose and have fun while capturing the moment. Get in touch with Ollie to chat about making your event one that everyone will remember—and have the photos to prove it!