Digital vs Printed Photos: Why Not Both?

One of the most common questions we get asked: “Should we add printing to our photo booth hire?” Here’s our honest breakdown to help you decide.

The Case for Digital Only

Pros

• Instant sharing — Photos reach social media in seconds
• Eco-friendly — No paper waste
• Unlimited shots — Guests can take as many as they like without guilt
• Easy access — Everyone gets the online gallery link

Cons

• Not everyone is tech-savvy
• Some guests prefer tangible keepsakes
• Photos can get lost in the endless scroll of phone galleries

The Case for Prints

Pros

• Tangible memories — Something guests physically take home
• Universal appeal — Everyone from kids to grandparents loves a printed photo
• Fridge-worthy — Prints become lasting reminders of your event
• Guestbook material — Perfect for sticking into a memory book with messages

Cons

• Environmental impact
• Slightly slower process (though our printer is pretty fast!)

Our Recommendation: Why not both?

Here’s the thing — it doesn’t have to be either/or. Our Snap Booth is digital by default, with instant sharing via QR code, AirDrop, SMS, and email. Add our Booth Printer Hire add-on and you get the best of both worlds.

Guests who want to share instantly can do so. Guests who want a printed keepsake can have that too. Everyone’s happy.

When Prints Really Matter

There are some events where we strongly recommend adding prints:

• Weddings — Combine with a Photo Guestbook for a beautiful keepsake
• Milestone birthdays — 21st, 50th, 80th… guests treasure physical mementos
• Retirement parties — Give the guest of honour a book full of photos and messages

When Digital is Plenty

For other events, digital-only works brilliantly:

• Corporate events — Most guests just want to share on LinkedIn anyway
• Youth events — Let’s be honest, kids live on their phones
• Casual parties — Quick, fun, low-fuss

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Still not sure? Get in touch and we’ll help you decide what’s right for your event.