How to write a shot list in 20 minutes (with a copy-ready template)

A shot list is the single cheapest way to get better photos and video. It takes about 20 minutes, it prevents the "we forgot the storefront" email after the shoot, and it lets any pro quote your job accurately. Here is how to write one without overthinking it.

Minute 0 to 5: Write the purpose

At the top of the page, answer three questions in one line each:

• What is this shoot for? (New website, spring menu, trade show booth, hiring campaign.)
• Where will the images or video run? (Website hero, Instagram, printed banner, marketplace.)
• What should someone feel or do after seeing them? (Trust us, get hungry, book a call.)

Minute 5 to 12: List the must-haves

These are the shots that would make the day a failure if they were missing. Be specific. "Team photo" is vague; "all six staff in front of the storefront, wide enough to crop for a website banner" is a shot a photographer can plan.

Number them. Numbers make it easy to say "we still need 4 and 7" on the day.

Minute 12 to 15: Add nice-to-haves

Keep this list shorter than the must-haves. Details, textures, behind-the-scenes moments and alternate angles belong here. The pro will grab them if time allows.

Minute 15 to 18: Add the practical columns

For each shot, add what applies:

• Crop or format: horizontal, vertical, square, or video length.
• People: who appears, and whether everyone has agreed to be on camera.
• Location: the room, wall or corner, and whether you have permission to shoot there.
• Props or products: anything that must be on set.

Minute 18 to 20: Name the approver

Write down one person who can make decisions on the day. When a shot needs to change, the pro should not have to wait for a meeting.

Copy-ready template

SHOOT: ______________________  DATE: __________
PURPOSE: _____________________________________
RUNS ON: _____________________________________
GOAL: ________________________________________

MUST-HAVE
#  Shot description        Format   People   Location   Props
1
2
3

NICE-TO-HAVE
#  Shot description        Format   Notes
A
B

ON-SITE DECISION MAKER: ____________  PHONE/CHAT: ________

Use it on Lens

Paste your shot list into your first message to a pro, or keep it next to you while you use Team Builder to pick the roles your shoot needs. A clear list is also the fastest way to compare two pros fairly, because both are quoting the same job.