In New York, where daily living costs can be relentless, many professionals look for ways to supplement their income. Few expect that a weekend project might one day rival a comfortable corporate salary. That possibility is now becoming real for Michael Sim, a digital marketing professional who has quietly built a thriving photo booth business alongside his full-time job.
Sim, who works as a director of paid search at a media agency, says the venture now brings in about $6,000 a month. If growth continues, he hopes the business will soon replace his corporate income.
The idea for the business began in a familiar setting. While planning his wedding with his wife, Sim noticed how expensive many wedding services had become. Photo booths, however, stood out as an experience that guests enjoyed and organisers were willing to pay for.
Sim decided to explore the opportunity. He partnered with his friend Jazz Singh, and together they launched a small photo booth company called Future Flicks. At the beginning, the aim was simple. They wanted aside business that could generate extra incomeoutside their regular jobs. Early clients came through personal connections. Many friends were getting married, which helped the business secure its first bookings and build a reputation.
Sim says one of the strongest advantages of the photo booth business is its relatively simple cost structure. Most expenses were upfront. The team invested in equipment, insurance and specialised software to run the booths.
Once those costs were recovered during the first year, the business became significantly more profitable. Sim says around 60 to 70 per cent of the revenue now becomes profit. The company currently owns seven photo booths, which are stored in a rented storage unit when not in use.
In the early stages, weddings made up most of the bookings. But the business soon expanded into corporate events, which offered higher revenue opportunities.
Sim says one of the first major corporate clients was the fashion brand KITH, which hired the company for its holiday party. The relationship has continued each year since. Corporate events gradually became the company's main focus.
Today, Future Flicks specialises in brand activations. These events allow companies to promote products through interactive experiences that engage guests. Sim says these events typically generate between $4,000 and $7,000 in revenue for a single booking.
Unlike weddings, where pricing discussions can be lengthy, corporate clients tend to focus more on the experience being delivered. Brands are interested in whether the photo booth can help create memorable moments that strengthen product awareness. To stand out in this competitive space, Future Flicks has developed several unique offerings. These include high-angle photo booths and vintage-style booths that provide a distinctive visual experience.
Source: International Business Times UK
