Free guide
Photography shot list template
A photography shot list is the single most useful document you'll take on a shoot. Below is a field-tested wedding shot list template you can copy, print, or use as a starting point inside Chroma & Code Studio — where every shot links to a live timer, tips, and a "Got it" button so you're never guessing what's next.
Sample wedding shot list
This is a full-day (8-hour) wedding schedule with the ten anchor blocks every UK wedding photographer shoots. Each row is one shot list block that expands into 5–15 individual frames on the day.
| Time | Shot | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 13:00 | Detail: rings, invitations, shoes, perfume | 50mm f/2.8, natural window light |
| 13:30 | Bride prep: makeup, laughing with bridesmaids | Candid — no direction, wide aperture |
| 14:00 | First look between bride and father | Position dad facing window, shoot from behind |
| 14:30 | Ceremony: processional, vows, rings, kiss, recessional | 24-70mm + 70-200mm on second body |
| 15:15 | Family formals (see combinations list) | Loud voice, tightest grouping, 15 min max |
| 15:45 | Couple portraits — 3 locations, 4 poses each | Golden hour: 40 min before sunset |
| 17:00 | Reception details before guests enter | Wide + tight, one from each end |
| 19:30 | Speeches — speaker + couple's reaction | Two-body setup, silent shutter |
| 20:30 | First dance, parent dances | Off-camera flash bounced off ceiling |
| 22:00 | Party candids, sparkler exit | Drag shutter 1/15s for motion |
How to build your own
- Start from a template. Pick wedding, portrait, newborn, food, or product — don't build from a blank page.
- Anchor to the timeline. Every shot needs a time and a duration, or the list becomes a wish list.
- Keep formals ruthless. 15–25 family combinations, ordered so people can leave once they're done.
- Assign your second shooter. Colour-code or tag so no shot is captured twice — or worse, not at all.
- Share with the couple. A read-only link surfaces the shots they secretly wanted but forgot to ask for.
Frequently asked questions
What is a photography shot list?
A shot list is an ordered plan of every photograph you intend to capture on a shoot — subject, location, framing, and any notes on lighting or posing. It keeps you on schedule and stops you forgetting must-have shots.
How long should a wedding shot list be?
Most full-day weddings run 80–150 shots across getting-ready, ceremony, formals, couple portraits, and reception. Formals alone should be 15–25 combinations, no more, or the timeline slips.
Do I need a shot list for every shoot?
Yes — even a 10-item list beats working from memory. For repeat sessions (newborn, headshot, product) save your list once and reuse it as a template.
How do I share a shot list with a second shooter or couple?
Export as PDF for print, or share a read-only link so the couple can suggest additions and your second shooter can see assignments in real time.
Build yours in 2 minutes
Start from a template, drag-order shots to your timeline, then run the whole day from your phone in Live mode. Free while in beta.
Start planning free