business branding
shot list
Having a shot list prepared for your shoot is essential as it provides a roadmap for capturing images that tell your brand story and messaging.
This guide will walk you through the essentials of planning a personal brand photoshoot with a focus on building a strategic shot list.
A photo shot list shouldn’t be limiting. Not everything we capture will be preplanned on paper. The shot list serves as guide, helping us stay focused, organised and efficient throughout the photoshoot and ensuring we make the most of our time together.
Your photoshoot
Roadmap
the strategy
What are the photos for?
Are you launching a campaign, updating your website, or refreshing marketing materials? Knowing the purpose will guide the types of images needed.
How should the images reflect your brand?
Think about what elements best represent your brand. For example, if you’re an outdoor brand, you might want team headshots, product shots, and lifestyle photos taken outside. Identify these details so we can chat over them!
Do you need specific compositions or shots?
If you need header images with space for text or overlays, highlight this early on. Specifying unique composition needs ensures the photos will work for your design requirements.
When we create a brand photography shot list, we plan with your marketing goals in mind. Before we meet, consider these points to ensure the photos meet your goals and reflect your brand identity.
shot
list
Tight head-and-shoulders traditional headshot
Half-length and full-length traditional headshots
Individual Portraits
Formal (Looking at the Camera)
Informal headshot (tight, half, and full-length)
Seated or standing portraits with and without relevant props
Looking both at and away from the camera
Informal (More Relaxed)
Typing on a laptop or tablet, focused and engaged
Laughing or thinking with a pen, note book or relevant prop in hand
Close-up of taking notes or nodding thoughtfully
Working Alone
Candid + Action-Oriented Shots
Interactive & Facilitation Moments
Seated at the head of the table, mid-conversation
Listening intently to another person
Laughing or engaging with a client or group
Speaking with hands in motion
Side angle showing group engagement as focal point
Wide or top-down shot of a full table or room in discussion
Group moment mid-discussion (facilitation in action)
Standing and moderating using post-its or whiteboard
Wrapping up (e.g. handshake, clap, thanks gesture)
Working with Others
Client, Team Member, or Group
Hands-on work with a client (e.g. coaching, advising, guiding)
Showing a process or technique (e.g. sketching ideas, setting up tools)
Delivering or explaining your service
Sharing physical materials or resources with a client
Client reaction shots (nodding, smiling, engaged)
Over-the-shoulder shots of you demonstrating or explaining something
Setup shots that showcase tools, kits, or signature materials
Before-and-after styled images (if applicable)
Service Based
Demonstrating Your Service in Action
Formal camera facing team portraits (wide, mid, tight)
Candid or casual group shots (wide, mid, tight)
Looking at and away from the camera
Team
Not necessarily focused on a face or person
Negative space (for breathing room and design use)
Motion blur or out-of-focus elements for energy
Background blur with in-focus subject
Environmental warmth (coffee, plants, textures)
Custom Stock Imagery
Visuals that complement your brand
Laptop, mouse & keyboard (with raiser if needed)
Phone, work bag/handbag
Pens (neutral tones), pads, notebooks
Whiteboard markers (bring backups)
Printed collateral (for workshops or sessions)
On-brand/significant books
Props & Flat Lays
Suggested Props
Side view of props in use
Bird’s-eye (flat lay) of desk or tools
Workspace shots (wide, mid, tight)
Shot Types
Wide shot: standing mid-presentation
Mid-shot: speaking with expression and emotion
Over-the-shoulder addressing a group
Audience reactions (smiling, nodding, laughing)
Gesturing to a screen or whiteboard
Side profile in action, confident and focused
Answering a question from the audience
Candid behind-the-scenes before or after speaking
Holding notes or presentation remote
Presenting
Recording video at a desk (with phone, mic, webcam)
Smiling into the camera mid-recording
Flat lay of digital tools: laptop, phone, notebook, coffee
Over-the-shoulder editing or uploading content
Talking to camera in portrait mode (mock Reel or Story)
Reviewing notes or planning with sticky notes or whiteboard
Holding a tablet or device with visible content
Creating Digital Content
Shoot and
Prop ideas
If you are not sure where to get started with your shot list, then start with writing a list of all the things you do to provide your service. Think if it like documenting how you work and taking people on a journey through your client experience. You could also pull from some of the ideas below!
Behind the Scenes
Client Interactions
Events
Collaborations
Team/staff members
Travelling
Upcoming launch
Teaching or presenting
Products/services
STORIES
Office/Studio
Home
Co-working space
Rented space
Outdoors/urban environments
Cafe/coffee shop
Gym/yoga studio
LOCATIONS
Client meeting
Creative process
Special occasion
Casual
Rest/lazy
Seasonal/holiday
Activewear
Presenting/teaching
OUTFITS
Computer/laptop/tablet
Phone
Books
Coffee mugs
Flowers/floral arrangements
Candles
Foods that are brand cohesive
Business cards/other marketing
PROPs
Spouse/partner
Children
Friends
Coworkers/collaborators
Clients
Pets
Models that reflect your target audience
