Do you have a beautiful house in (or near) Buckinghamshire?
Could you use a little extra money every now and again, for doing (almost) nothing?
Sounds good, right?
read on…
Introducing …
The Lightsmith Locations Club
Matching people with beautiful homes with people who need to look like they have beautiful homes…
As a Brand Photographer, one of the biggest challenges I face is finding the best locations for my clients’ branding shoots.
Although I encourage people to use their own spaces, for the most authentic images – lots of my clients simply can’t do this, as the space is too dark, too small, or too cluttered.
Or often, they are trying attract high end clients, from a home which is not exactly high end.
This creates an issue, as brand images need to speak to the people that my clients are trying to attract!
Of course, there are already styled homes available to hire. But these are few and far between in this area.
Perhaps this is because of the high level of commitment for the owners, and the high standard expected, making it tricky to actually do this in your own lived-in home.
But for my requirements, we are not looking for perfection.
We’re looking for something that is believably the client’s home – just a bit more suitable for taking nice photographs, and more nicely styled than their own space – but still lived-in and relatable.
… Like your house!
I’m based just outside High Wycombe, but my shoots are often in Berkshire, and the near bits of Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and even this side of London occasionally…
What makes a house great for photographs?
Below are some of the features that make me excited about shooting in a space! The more of these your space has, the better…
- Bright, natural light
- Large Spaces or views of spaces from other rooms
- A kitchen Island
- Windows and doors that open fully
- Good parking space
- Different styles or vibes in different rooms
- Neutral Decor
Sounds good, I know!
But here are answers to some of the questions you may have. Do let me know if you have any others that are not answered!
What's in it for me?
Earn money, for doing not much at all!
And show off your house! Or help to justify spending on that new cushion… 🙂
You have an option to avail of a free mini-shoot when joining the club – which would be used in my marketing and to promote your space. You would have permission to use these images as you choose.
There’s also a potential opportunity to be hired as an ‘extra’ – to pose as my client’s client, and earn a little more…
What do I need to do on the day?
Just be there to let us in, but otherwise you don’t need to get involved at all.
Make sure your house is reasonably clean and clutter free for a few hours – or at least the spaces that we plan to use!
I am VERY careful and respectful of people’s property, but in the event of any accidents, I have public liability insurance cover up to £1m
Will I be guaranteed bookings?
No; Your property will be one of a selection on The Lightsmith Locations Club, so it may or may not be chosen by my clients.
As this club is just being launched, it may also take time to gather momentum.
The more your property is used, the more I can market it, the more it is likely to be booked.
How much will I earn?
The hourly rate will vary by property and by amount of hours – The rates start from £25 per hour and go up to £80 per hour for exceptional properties with many usable spaces. Full morning hire would be at a discounted hourly rate.
Full rate cards will be agreed on a property by property basis.
If you are interested in being an extra, this would be an extra £20 if you were needed. You can often be an extra without showing your full face, if that is preferred.
How do I get paid?
Ideally I would like an invoice, but I am happy to pay cash too if that is better for you.
What about cancellations?
There is a lot of work goes into planning a shoot, and the logistics. My clients may have booked hair and make up, friends to attend as extras, and will have cleared their diary and made travel arrangements.
So if you cancel, it will definitely cause us issues. Of course, life happens and there is no penalty to you if you need to cancel.
You should give as much notice as possible.
If my clients cancel, then I may have to cancel or reschedule, and depending on how late the notice is, you may still get paid some or all of the fee.
Obviously it would help me out if you are happy to reschedule for no fee – but I understand that you may have cleaned and prepped in readiness…
Do I need to be there?
I would definitely rather that you were in the house in case of any issues.
However you won’t usually be in the room where the shoot is taking place (unless you are an extra).
Generally having an audience isn’t great when you’re having your photo taken – but if you are good at making people laugh then you are welcome to stay!
If you need to not be there at all, that’s fine – but that’s at your own risk, and I would ask that in any case you make sure to remove valuables from the areas that we are shooting in, to avoid any potential awkward situations!
How do you decide who gets on the list?
Please don’t be offended if you apply and you don’t get chosen!
Some properties are gorgeous but really hard to shoot in. I am looking for those ones that guarantee my results, and quickly.
So it’s not an insult if I don’t pick you!
It just means that it might be trickier for me to set up lights, or that the spaces aren’t big enough to allow me to use my most flattering lenses.
Or it could be that your location is too remote to be accessible to my clients, or not near other amenities (normally brand shoots have more than one location)
Can I leave the club?
Of course! Life changes and I understand that you may change your mind about this, or need to take a break eg during the summer while the kids are about.
That is fine, though obviously you’ll need to give me lots of notice, and I may ask if you don’t mind honouring any bookings already in the diary, so as not to disappoint my clients.
About the free mini shoot
If you’d like to avail of the free mini shoot, you would need to sign a permission for me to use the images in my marketing (that’s the whole point, after all!)
You will choose your favourite 5 images from a larger selection, and you can purchase more than that if you like. You would be licenced to use those images for your personal or business use.
Will the whole house need to be available?
Usually we would only be shooting in the kitchen, living areas, or any office space, and possibly outside if the weather permits, and you have nice outdoor spaces.
But occasionally I might have a client for a baby-related business or a personal stylist, so bedrooms might be in scope if you were willing.
Yep, I'm in!
A bit about me!
I’m Yvonne Phillips… I live in Four Ashes, just outside High Wycombe.
People really interest me – I think that’s why I love photographing them, and their stories. I’m a friendly, chatty sort. Kindness and respect are two of my most important values – in life and in business.
I’ve had a camera in my hand for more years that I care to remember, and I’ve been a full time photographer for 4 years now. Previous to that, I worked in the corporate world for many years. I’m Irish, but I’ve been living in the UK since I left university.
