1. Love Your Clients & Lead With Integrity

Your client is the most important person—and their event? It means everything to them. Treat it that way. This may be your 100th wedding or event, but for them, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime celebration they’ve been dreaming about, saving for, and planning in detail. The way you show up matters.

Caring deeply about your clients, giving with integrity, and treating every event like it’s your own is truly the most important part of the job. Quality counts—from your equipment to the energy you bring. If you believe in what you're offering and consistently deliver your best, that care will shine through. And that’s what builds trust, loyalty, and a reputation that gets you booked again and again—not just because of the booth, but because of you.

2. Don’t Wait Too Long to Hire Help. Your time is valuable

In the beginning, it’s easy to think you can (and should) do everything yourself—but trust me, this business can grow fast, and the workload adds up quicker than you think. From setup and breakdown, to managing props, guest interaction, templates, emails, and follow-ups—it’s a lot for one person, especially if you're juggling family life too (I get it, I’m a mom of three!).

Hiring early can be your secret weapon. It allows you to focus on what only you can do: building client relationships, refining your brand, and creating a truly seamless experience. Having help means you’re not burning out, and it gives you the freedom to scale when more bookings come in.

Think of it as investing in your business and your sanity. A solid support system is not a luxury, it’s a smart, strategic move.

3. Customize, Differentiate & Get Creative

If you want to stand out, you can’t just offer the same packages and templates as everyone else. Customization makes a big difference. Whether it's themed overlays, curated backdrops, or thoughtful package upgrades, find ways to make your business feel different. Doing the same thing as more established companies will only keep you in their shadow—so lead with what makes you unique.

4. Know Your Audience & Show Up Where They Are

Weddings, baby showers, grand openings, corporate events—every event has a different vibe, and your ideal client is looking for something specific. Get clear on who you want to serve, and speak directly to them through your branding, messaging, and services.

But don’t stop there—be visible. Social media isn’t everything, but it is a big deal when it comes to growing your business. Your dream clients are out there scrolling, searching, and saving ideas—so make sure you’re showing up. Post consistently, share your work, and let people get to know you. Be on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok, Google—wherever your clients might be. You don’t need to be perfect, you just need to be present. When people see you often and feel connected to your work, you’ll stay top of mind when it’s time to book.

5. Don’t Skip the Business Side. Protect What You’re Building

Creativity is your superpower, but structure is your safety net. Take the time to set up your business the right way from the beginning. Register your business name, open a business bank account, and get insured—many venues require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before allowing you on site, especially for weddings and corporate events.

Work with an attorney to create clear, professional contracts that outline exactly what your services include, payment terms, cancellation policies, setup details, and expectations. A well-written contract protects both you and your client, leaves no room for gray areas, and sets the tone for professionalism.

Also—hire an accountant early on. Even if it feels too soon, having someone help you manage your books, track write-offs, and plan for tax season will keep you ahead of the game. And when you're ready to grow and bring on team members or assistants for events, you’ll already have the foundation in place to support that next step.

Protect your time, your work, and your future. The “business” part may not be as exciting as the events themselves, but it's what gives you the freedom to keep doing what you love.

Starting a photo booth business has been one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made, not just creatively, but for my family too. As a mom of three, it’s given me the freedom to be present for my kids while building something I’m proud of. But it’s not just about taking fun pictures, but serving people well, showing up with heart, and laying a solid foundation behind the scenes.

Know your audience, show up consistently (online and in person), love your clients like family, protect your business legally and financially, and don’t be afraid to ask for help and build a team. You don’t have to do it all at once, but when you lead with intention and integrity, this business can grow into something truly beautiful.