A shot list is a short checklist of the pictures you want to come home with. It keeps you from forgetting key moments and helps you work calmly under pressure. A good one fits on a single page and takes about fifteen minutes to write.
Step by Step: Writing the List
- Write the purpose of the session in one sentence, for example “family portraits for the holiday card” or “product photos for a small shop”.
- List the must-have shots first, the ones you would be disappointed to miss.
- Add variety for each must-have: a wide view, a medium view and a close detail.
- Note the location and time for each group of shots.
- Add optional extras to try if time allows.
- Number the items in the order you will shoot them, grouped by place and light.
Think in Three Distances
A reliable pattern is to capture each scene at three distances. The wide shot sets the scene, the medium shot shows the subject and action, and the close shot reveals detail and emotion. Together they make a complete story for an album, article or slideshow.
Add Angles and Orientation
- Shoot both vertical and horizontal frames for flexibility.
- Try eye level, a higher angle and a lower angle.
- Leave empty space in some frames for text or cropping.
- Record a few candid moments between the posed ones.
Example Shot List Layout
| No. | Shot | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whole group by the tree | Wide | Open shade |
| 2 | Parents with child | Medium | Eye level |
| 3 | Hands together | Close | Soft side light |
| 4 | Walking away | Wide | Low sun behind |
Using the List on the Day
Keep it on your phone or on a small card. Tick items as you go, but stay open to surprises, since the list is a guide and not a rule. Share it with clients or helpers beforehand so everyone knows what to expect and who is needed in each frame.
After the session, compare your results with the list. Which frames did you miss, and which unplanned frames turned out best? Use those notes to improve the next list. Over time you will build a reusable template for portraits, events and travel, and your preparation will take only a few minutes.
For events, add a column for people or moments by name, such as the first dance or the cake, so that nothing important slips by in the excitement.
FAQ
How long should a shot list be?
For a short session, ten to twenty items are plenty. Longer events can have more, but prioritize the must-have frames at the top.
Do I still need a list for casual photos?
A mini list of three or four ideas can still help, and it takes only a minute to write.
The Short Version
Write the purpose, list the must-have frames, capture each at three distances, and order them by place and light. Keep the list handy but flexible.
