A monthly shot list for social media photos and video

Key takeaways

A social media shot list is the list of photos and video clips next month's posts need, written during planning and shared with whoever will capture them. It turns 'we need some photos' into 'wide shot of the finished kitchen, close-up of the worktop joint, ten seconds of the tap running'. Without it, posts wait for pictures nobody took.

• Write the shot list in the planning session, not later.
• Name who captures each shot and on which job or day.
• Phone photos in good light are enough for most posts.
• Get permission before capturing customers or their homes.

Why does a calendar need a shot list?

Posts that depend on photos stall when nobody knew the photos were needed. A shot list connects the calendar to the work: the person on site knows to take a before photo before starting, and the person editing knows what is coming. It is usually the difference between proof posts that go out and proof posts that are skipped.

• How to build a monthly social media content calendar

What goes on a shot list?

For each post that needs visuals, list the shots in plain words:

• Before and after, from the same spot and angle.
• A wide shot that shows the whole job or product.
• One or two close-ups of the detail that shows quality.
• A short clip, 5 to 15 seconds, of something happening.
• A team or person shot, with their agreement.

• Before and after posts: proof that attracts buyers

Who captures the shots?

Whoever is there when it happens, usually the team on site or in the shop, not the person who writes the posts. Send them the list for their jobs at the start of the week, and keep it short. A shared folder where photos land automatically saves chasing.

• A social media asset library: photos, templates and logos

Do you need a professional photographer?

Not for most posts. Modern phone photos in good light, held steady and cleaned of clutter, are enough for everyday proof and people posts, and they often look more genuine. A professional half-day or day is worth booking a few times a year for profile images, products and the website.

• Product photography for social media: what it costs

What permissions do you need?

Ask customers before photographing them, their homes or their property, and keep a record. Avoid house numbers, car registrations and children unless you have clear permission from a parent. Photos of identifiable people are personal data under UK GDPR, so treat them with care.

• GDPR and social media marketing in the UK

What does this look like in practice?

A pattern in trades: great finished jobs and no before photos, so the most persuasive post type is impossible. Adding 'before photo, same angle' to the shot list for every job usually gives a steady supply of before-and-after posts within a month.

• See client work
• Social Media Marketing for UK businesses

Shot list checklist

• Write the shot list during planning.
• List before, wide, close-up, clip and people shots.
• Send each person their shots for the week.
• Use one shared folder for uploads.
• Get and record permission.

• Keep a content idea backlog that never empties
• A monthly video content plan for a small team

Next step

For each proof post in next month's calendar, write the two or three shots it needs and send them to the person who will be there.