Shoot-Day Checklist: Gear, Crew Roles, Shot Lists & BTS Coverage
A successful fashion editorial—or any multi-look shoot—hinges on meticulous planning and clear communication. From packing the right gear to defining each crew member’s role, a solid shoot-day checklist keeps everyone focused and the creative process flowing smoothly. Below is a blueprint you can adapt to get you started on for your next shoot.
1. Gear & Equipment Essentials
Camera & Lenses
Main camera body + backup
Wide zoom (24–70mm), portrait prime (50mm/85mm), and specialty glass (70–200mm or macro)
Lighting Kit
Strobes or speedlights + triggers
Softboxes, umbrellas, grids, and reflectors
Light stands, sandbags, and extension cords
Modifiers & Accessories
Lens filters (diffusion, ND, color)
Gels or color modifiers
Tripod or monopod
Power & Storage
Spare batteries (fully charged)
Memory cards (formatted and labeled)
External hard drive and laptop for backups
Styling Tools
Tape, clips, steam iron, lint roller
Wardrobe rack, garment bags, sewing kit
BTS Coverage
Second camera or smartphone for behind-the-scenes photos/videos
Gimbal or small stabilizer for quick BTS reels
Extra chargers and mounts
2. Assembling Your Dream Team
Photographer / Director
Leads creative vision, framing, and pacing
Assistant(s)
Manages gear changes, lens swaps, and light adjustments
Stylist
Curates wardrobe, ensures outfits are ready and steamed
Hair & Makeup Artist
Prepares model between looks and maintains continuity
Digital Tech / Photo Editor
Backs up files, previews captures, flags any technical issues
BTS Shooter / Content Creator
Documents the process for social media and marketing
Tip: Assign clear responsibilities and share contact info in advance. A brief call or group chat the day before can prevent on-set confusion.
3. Crafting Your Shot List
Start with a Moodboard
Visual references for each look: lighting style, poses, framing
Break Down by Look
Plan a variety of signature shots—full-body, mid-length, and close-up details—to highlight each styling choice.
Explore dynamic angles with close-ups, three-quarter views, and expressive poses.
Get creative with your filter: rotate it between frames, and capture a few slow-motion or BTS clips for added visual interest.
Plan Variations
Wide, medium, and tight compositions for each outfit
Candid/interactive moments for variety
Timing & Order
Arrange looks from quickest to most complex (e.g., seamless white first, filter-specific last)
Schedule hair/makeup changes and lighting shifts with buffer time
4. Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) Coverage
Why BTS Matters
Engages your audience, showcases professionalism, and builds anticipation
Key BTS Moments to Capture
Gear setup and lighting set-ups
Model prep (hair/makeup styling)
Wardrobe styling and adjustments
Photographer–model interactions (direction moments)
Team collaboration (stylist and assistant at work)
BTS Workflow Tips
Assign a dedicated BTS shooter with a simple shot list
Use natural light or small LED panels for quick, consistent BTS snaps
Film short clips of setup time-lapses or quick “mic’d” interviews for deeper storytelling
Label and organize BTS files
5. Final Wrap & Review
Quick Checklist Before You Call Wrap:
All shot-list items checked off
Backup all primary RAW and JPEG files
BTS content backed up separately
Post-Shoot Debrief:
Share standout images with the team
Note any lessons learned (timing issues, equipment hiccups)
Plan a follow-up meeting or email to discuss next steps if necessary
MODEL: Evin Cho
AGENCY: LeDrew Models @ledrewmodels
PHOTOGRAPHER: Tasha Brown @tashabrownportraits
MAKE-UP ARTIST: Divya Asnani @divyaasnani
STYLIST: Onix @onix.stylist
ACCESSORIES: Karilynn Bianchi @karilynnbianchi
ASSISTANT & BTS: Hasani Brown @nxymlxs
Check out the published editorial in Roidx Magazine HERE
