I don't know what "booth fee" means, but I am pretty sure "independent" is a euphemism for unlicensed tattooist, working from home.
If that's the case, good luck. I'll stop short of calling all of those "independent artists" scr***hers because I actually know a couple who are great artists with a variety of issues related to either getting/keeping a license or working within the confines of a shop. But I would NEVER tell an internet stranger who they are.
The rest of them are all over CL and probably other online marketplaces. Go find them and take your chances. The money you save will surely be worth all the risks associated.
That being said, Hampton Roads had a shit ton of great tattoo shops with licensed, trained, safe artists whose work runs the gamut of anything you could want.
Hit up Google Maps, FB, and IG. Find a legit shop and do your due diligence. Get yourself a great tattoo. You'll find prices all over the spectrum. Some of these shops won't touch you for less than $250, others might be happy to have the work and treat you real good.
Good luck to you.