Starting a photo booth side hustle is one of the easiest ways to earn extra income while creating fun experiences at events people already love, like weddings, birthdays, and brand activations. The demand is steady, the setup can be simple, and with the right software and workflow, it is easy to look professional from day one.
1. Define the niche and offer
Pick a clear lane so clients know exactly what is on offer. Focus on weddings, corporate events, private parties, or brand activations, then tailor the experience, props, and pricing to that niche. A lean plan helps you map prices, packages, and the number of bookings needed to break even and grow, without writing a long document.
2. Choose gear that fits your goals
You can start light and scale. An iPhone, iPad, or Android device paired with our photo booth software is enough to run drop off or attended events. If you want higher production value, add a GoPro or DSLR for premium videos and slow motion, and still control it through your app to keep the experience smooth. With Touchpix, you can use the lenses on your iPhone or iPad, connect a GoPro wirelessly or via cable, and even run 360 video on a spinner when ready to upgrade.
3. Set up software and sharing
Fast setup and fast sharing make the experience feel premium. Create the event in your dashboard, generate the QR code, and activate it in the Photo Booth app so guests can step up and start. Use features that let guests pre register with a QR code so sharing is instant and lines move faster at busy events. Keep cellular data available for uploads if using a wireless camera connection, or choose a wired GoPro setup to free WiFi for internet sharing.
4. Handle the business basics early
Keep it simple but professional. Register the business, get event liability insurance, and use clear contracts that outline setup needs, timing, power, space, and cancellation terms. Set up a clean website with pricing examples, add a booking form, and post real event clips on social media so prospects can see the experience at a glance. Many venues ask for proof of insurance, so have it ready before outreach.
5. Price for profit and clarity
Build packages around time on site, number of guests, and features like 360 video, effects, and instant sharing. Use your local research to understand market rates, then position your offer based on service and quality rather than trying to win on the lowest price. Include travel, setup, and an attendant in premium tiers to make choices easy for the buyer.
6. Nail the event experience
Arrive early, test every trigger, and run a short rehearsal with the host or planner so the flow is clear. Keep lines moving with a visible instructions sheet and QR sharing, guide guests to the best framing, and stay engaged so every clip looks great. Bring backups for small items like cables and power and keep a plan for low light or tight spaces so nothing slows you down.
7. Market where bookings happen
Start with venues, planners, DJs, and rental companies who see event demand every week, and offer to be their go to booth partner. Share short reels of your best moments, client quotes, and behind the scenes setup to build trust fast. Ask every happy client for a review and permission to post highlights, then tag the venue and vendors to widen your reach.
8. Scale with systems
Once bookings are steady, standardize your setup checklist, templates, and packing so another attendant can run events the same way. Add a second kit or a 360 spinner to cover overlapping dates and premium requests and keep your workflow the same across devices to avoid retraining. Use your dashboard to duplicate events, reuse designs, and keep delivery fast and consistent.
Getting started is about choosing reliable tools, delivering a smooth guest experience, and showing up like a pro every time. With the Touchpix all in one app, simple gear, and clear packages, a photo booth side hustle can become a steady source of income and a path to a bigger brand over time.
