SEVEN Types of Shoot Location Hosts: Which One Are You?
Have you ever scrolled through magazine spreads or watched TV ads and wondered, "Could my home be featured in something like that?" You're not alone! More homeowners than ever are discovering the potential of turning their properties into shoot locations for photographers, filmmakers, and production companies.
But what motivates someone to open their doors to creative professionals? After working with multiple location hosts, we've identified seven distinct personality types, each with their own unique motivations. As you read through these, you might just discover which one (or ones) you are!
1. The Side Hustler
Primary Motivation: Extra income with minimal effort
The Side Hustler sees their home as an untapped financial resource. Why shouldn't your property work for you? She might have tried Airbnb but it was quite a lot of hassle. Side Hustlers LOVE that they can earn £1,500 for a day's shoot while popping out for coffee or working on other projects.
As one of our hosts puts it: "I was sceptical at first, but after my first booking I was able to pay for a family trip to Italy. Now my home earns money while I focus on my other work or simply enjoy my day."
We estimate that Side Hustlers typically book 6-8 shoots per year, creating a significant supplementary income stream without the commitment of a part-time job.
2. The School Match Mum
Primary Motivation: Flexible work that fits around family commitments
For parents, particularly those with school-aged children, the traditional 9-5 simply doesn't align with family life. The School Match Mum (or Dad!) has discovered that hosting shoots provides the perfect solution - work that fits easily into school hours and can be scheduled around sports matches, music recitals, and school holidays.
"I can drop the kids at school, come home to welcome the crew, and still be free for pick up and to go to sports matches and school productions. I can be totally present whilst still earning an income. The flexibility is what sold me - I can block out school holidays and never miss an important family moment."
Many School Match Mums appreciate that they can be selective about booking dates, only accepting shoots that work around their family's schedule.
3. The Ex-Commuter
Primary Motivation: Escaping the daily commute
The Ex-Commuter remembers all too well the draining experience of rush-hour travel, and they're thrilled to have traded crowded trains and traffic jams for a seat at their own kitchen table on shoot days.
Ex-Commuters have reclaimed significant time and money as well as having eliminated the stress of daily travel.
"After years of standing on packed trains, I now make money hosting shoots and I haven't seen the inside of a train carriage in over a year. My quality of life has improved dramatically."
4. The Creative Connector
Primary Motivation: Meeting new and interesting people
The Creative Connector is a natural facilitator who enjoys bringing interesting people into their home. They're energised by the opportunity to meet directors, photographers, stylists, and other creative professionals - all whilst in the comfort of their own living space.
These hosts value the diversity of people they encounter and the fascinating conversations that arise during shoot days. They enjoy learning about creative processes and different industries.
"Every booking brings different creative professionals into my home. I've met everyone from award-winning photographers to set designers who work on major productions. I love hearing their stories and learning about their craft - it's opened up a whole new world of interesting people and perspectives."
These hosts often find that the social and learning aspects are as valuable as the booking fees themselves.
5. The Proud Renovator
Primary Motivation: Showcasing their unique space or renovation
After pouring heart, soul, and significant investment into creating a beautiful home, Proud Renovators love seeing their efforts appreciated by everyone who visits. Whether it's a complete renovation, a stunning kitchen extension, or simply an eye for interior design, these hosts take pride in seeing their spaces admired and featured in various projects.
"After two years renovating our Victorian house, it was incredibly validating to have people genuinely appreciate what we've created. Seeing our kitchen featured in a magazine makes all those months of dust and disruption feel worthwhile!"
For the Proud Renovator, each booking is confirmation of their design choices and renovation decisions - genuine acknowledgment of their vision and hard work.
6. The Return to Work-er
Primary Motivation: Re-entering the workforce on their own terms
Many of us take career breaks - whether for parenting, caregiving, health reasons, or simply to reassess their professional direction. The Return to Work-er has discovered that hosting shoots provides a gradual, flexible pathway back into professional life.
"After 8 years as a full-time mum, I was ready to work again but intimidated by the traditional job market. Hosting shoots gave me confidence, professional interactions, and references that helped me reestablish my professional identity - all on terms that suited my lifestyle and family needs."
For these hosts, managing their property as a location offers a way to develop relevant skills, build confidence, and create a professional identity that works for their current life stage.
7. The "Would LOVE to see my Home on the Big Screen-er"
Primary Motivation: The thrill of seeing their home in media
There's something undeniably exciting about spotting your own property in a magazine, advert, or TV show. The "Would LOVE to see my Home on the Big Screen-er" is motivated by this unique thrill - they love being able to say "that's my house!" when watching television or flipping through magazines.
"The first time I saw our living room in an ad, I messaged everyone I knew!”
These hosts often keep an impressive collection of magazines, screenshots, and recordings featuring their property, and they love sharing these moments with friends and family.
Which Type Are You?
Most location hosts find they're motivated by a combination of these factors. The financial benefits might initially attract you, but the creative connections keep you engaged. Or perhaps you started for the flexibility but stay for the thrill of seeing your home transformed through a photographer's lens.
Interestingly, production companies don't necessarily favour one type of host over another. What matters most is reliability, professionalism, and having a space that meets their creative needs.
Could Your Home Be Next?
Contrary to belief, you don't need a mansion or a perfectly styled showhouse to become a successful location host. Production companies seek authenticity and variety - from cosy cottages to brutalist apartments, traditional family homes to ultra modern spaces.
Some key factors that make a successful location include:
Natural light quality
Logical flow between spaces
Distinctive features (not necessarily luxurious ones)
Reasonable access and parking
And most importantly: a co-operative, professional homeowner
If you're curious about whether your home has potential as a shoot location, try our quick assessment checklist:
Light quality: Does your home receive good natural light in at least some rooms?
Space flow: Can people move easily between rooms? Is there reasonable space for equipment?
Distinctive elements: Does your home have any unique features, period details, or interesting design elements?
Access: Is there reasonable parking or loading access nearby?
Availability: Could you realistically make your home available for occasional full-day bookings?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, your home might have excellent potential as a shoot location!
Which type of location host do you think you might be? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
Want to learn more about turning your home into a profitable shoot location? Our comprehensive guide walks you through everything from evaluation to booking your first shoot. Click here to learn more.
