Weddings & portraits
Family Photo Shot List Template
Family sessions run on a clock set by the youngest person present. That means order matters enormously: get the essential group shots first, while everyone is still cooperating, then work down to the candids.
This list is in that order deliberately.
Shots
23
Groups
4
Format
Checklist
The shot list
Do these first
Full group and grandparents before anyone gets tired. These are the ones that get framed.
- 01Everyone together, full length
- 02Everyone together, closer
- 03All generations with grandparents
- 04Parents with all children
Combinations
- 05Each parent with all children
- 06Each parent individually with each child
- 07Siblings together, without parents
- 08Each pair of siblings
- 09Grandparents with grandchildren only
- 10The couple alone
- 11Extended family groupings as agreed
Individuals
- 12Each child alone, full length
- 13Each child alone, close portrait
- 14Each adult alone
- 15Any pet included
Candid and connection
Prompt actions, not poses. This is where the pictures people keep come from.
- 16Walking together towards camera
- 17Everyone walking away, holding hands
- 18A game or chase — running, spinning, tickling
- 19Parents lifting or carrying a child
- 20Group hug or pile-on
- 21Reading, playing, or an activity together
- 22Genuine laughter from a prompt
- 23Hands — all hands stacked, or holding
Tips for this kind of shoot
- Full group first, always. Attention spans only go one direction.
- Prompt actions rather than poses. "Everyone chase Dad" produces better frames than "everyone smile".
- Agree the combination list with the family in advance so nobody is missed.
Use this list on your next shoot
Storeyz keeps your shots in story order for planning and regroups them by location for the day — then you tick them off on your phone as you get them.