How to Build a Shot List Before Your Studio Session
Why a Shot List Matters for Studio Shoots
Walking into a studio without a plan wastes time and leaves you scrambling for ideas mid-shoot. A clear shotlist keeps your session organized, helps you maximize your rental time, and ensures you capture the exact images you need. It’s not just for big productions — even small personal or branding shoots run smoother with a simple plan. Especially since you want to do your shoot in a photoshoot studio rental in Toronto.
Start by Defining the Purpose of the Shoot
Before listing specific shots, get clear on what this session is for. Are you updating headshots? Shooting product photos? Creating social content? Planning a campaign? Knowing your goal will shape the style, angles, and setups you’ll need.
Example purposes:
Personal branding portraits
Product launch content
Social media content batch
Corporate team headshots
Engagement or lifestyle session
Break It Down by Categories
A smart way to structure your shot list is by grouping similar images together so you can minimize setup changes. Good studio shoot planning saves time and keeps your workflow efficient.
Common shot list categories:
Portraits (headshots, half-body, full-body)
Product shots (flat lays, lifestyle setups, close-ups)
Environmental/lifestyle shots
Behind-the-scenes content
Detail shots (hands, props, workspace elements)
Candid or movement-based frames
Include Specific Angles and Crops
Go beyond just listing “headshot” — add notes on angles, orientation, and variations you’ll need.
Example:
Straight-on headshot (portrait orientation)
¾ turn to the left (landscape orientation)
Laughing, candid moment mid-conversation
Close-up crop for social profile icons
This saves decision-making time on shoot day and ensures you leave with every asset you need.
Account for Lighting and Backdrops
If your studio has multiple lighting setups or backdrops, plan which shots will work best with each. List which images should be done in natural light vs. artificial, on seamless paper vs. a textured wall, or with props vs. clean and simple.
Example:
Product flat lay — natural light by window
Portrait against grey seamless backdrop
Lifestyle scene on couch with props and softbox
Prioritize Must-Have Shots First
Always build in time at the start for your essential images before experimenting. Studio sessions can move fast, and it’s easy to get caught up in extra ideas. If you run out of time, at least you’ll have your priority content covered.
Pro tip: Mark must-haves with an asterisk or bold them in your notes.
Leave Space for Creative Flexibility
While a photo shoot shot list keeps things on track, don’t over-script it. Studios are built for creative exploration. Reserve a few open-ended slots to test new ideas, angles, or poses on the fly once your key images are locked down.
Example:
Bonus creative portraits with colored gels
Unexpected prop combinations
Candid team group shots
Create a Printable or Digital Copy
Have your shot list on-hand during the session — either printed out, in your Notes app, or on a tablet. Keep it simple and easy to reference while you shoot.
Wrap-Up
Strong studio shoot planning doesn’t mean limiting creativity. A solid shot list ensures you capture what you need efficiently, leaves room for experimentation, and lets you make the most of your rental time. Better plan = better shoot.
