Shot List
Category: Production Planning, Photography
Definition: A detailed document outlining every photograph needed for a photoshoot, including angles, styling, models, props, and specific requirements. Serves as the master checklist ensuring nothing is missed during production.
Why It Matters: Ensures comprehensive coverage; prevents missed shots requiring reshoots; improves shooting efficiency; communicates requirements to entire team; provides quality control checklist; manages client expectations.
Use Cases: Planning all photoshoots, coordinating team members, ensuring client requirements met, managing complex multi-day shoots, tracking shoot progress, preventing costly reshoots.
Example of Real Use Case: A fashion brand creates a detailed 200-item shot list for their seasonal lookbook including specific angles, styling notes, and priority levels. The organized approach reduces shooting time by 30% and eliminates the need for a follow-up reshoot worth $15,000.
Software/Service: Excel/Google Sheets, production management software (StudioBinder, Shotflow), project management tools (Asana, Monday.com)
Common Issues: Incomplete lists missing critical shots, unrealistic shot counts for time available, not prioritizing essential shots, poor communication to team, not updating during shoot.
Do's and Don'ts:
✓ Do create comprehensive detailed lists
✓ Do prioritize essential vs nice-to-have shots
✓ Do share with entire team in advance
✓ Do allow buffer time for unexpected needs
✗ Don't overestimate shots possible per day
✗ Don't skip detail specifications
✗ Don't treat as inflexible document
Related Terms: Call Sheet, Production Planning, Creative Direction, Photoshoot Planning
Also Known As: Photo List, Shoot Plan, Shot Schedule
