Bookmark This Shot List Before Your Next Video Shoot

Stop winging it—this is how pros shoot B-roll.

Let’s talk about B-roll.

If you're creating video content for your brand (and you should be), having a stockpile of good B-roll is like having a secret weapon. It's what fills the gaps in your Reels, adds visual interest to your edits, and lets you tell your story without always talking to camera.

B-roll footage is essentially all the extra shots that aren’t your main talking point. Think: your hands at work, the door opening to your space, someone packaging an order, the light hitting your product just right. It’s the behind-the-scenes, the mood setters, the filler clips that—when used right—don’t feel like filler at all.

The more B-roll you have, the more content you can repurpose, remix, and build without having to reshoot every time. That’s why I’ve put together a super clear, easy-to-follow shot list you (or your team) can use during every content day. Whether you're a social media manager or a small business owner handing your phone to a friend to “just grab some quick clips,” this list will save you hours later.

Let’s shoot smarter. 👇

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These are the foundational shots every brand should have on deck. They're versatile, evergreen, and will save you when you need to make a Reel fast.

Use this as your go-to checklist. (And yes, you can totally copy/paste it into a Notes app before your next shoot.)

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📍 LOCATION SHOTS

Establish the scene, set the vibe.

• Outside of your office/studio/shop

• Your workspace or storefront (bonus points if the lighting is good!)

• Signage, logo, or product display

• A slow pan or walk-through of your space

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✋ HANDS-IN-ACTION SHOTS

Show the craft, the process, the behind-the-scenes.

• Packing an order

• Writing in a notebook

• Typing on a laptop

• Using your product (applying skincare, pouring coffee, flipping pages, etc.)

• Drawing, sewing, folding, editing—whatever your “doing the thing” moment looks like

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👣 MOVEMENT SHOTS

These give your video energy and vibe.

• Walking into the space (door opening)

• Sitting down at your desk or a workspace

• Turning around and smiling/laughing

• Opening a box, drawer, or cabinet

• Transitioning from one task to another (filming that “workflow” feel)

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💬 YOU (OR YOUR TEAM)

Faces matter. Show who’s behind the brand.

• Smiling to camera

• Laughing candidly

• Working solo or chatting with a teammate

• Talking, gesturing, nodding (perfect for VO or text overlay)

• Candid moments—not everything needs to be polished!

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🔍 DETAIL SHOTS

Think zoomed-in beauty.

• Your hands on tools or products

• Textures (fabric, packaging, food, ingredients)

• Favorite objects or decor in your space

• A stack of your product

• Little brand moments—stickers, tags, handwritten notes, etc.

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💡 OPTIONAL, BUT POWERFUL

When you’ve got extra time or want to get fancy.

• Time-lapse of a full process

• You walking past the camera or camera panning past you

• Overhead shots of your desk or product lineup

• Interactions with customers or clients (with permission)

• Shooting through a doorway, plant, or window for depth

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🎯 PRO TIPS

• Shoot vertically (always). You're making Reels, not movies.

• Vary your angles—get wide, medium, and close-up versions.

• Leave extra space at the beginning and end of each clip for editing.

• Film each shot for at least 5–10 seconds so it’s usable in edits.

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Final thought: You don’t need to use every single shot in one video. The magic of B-roll is that it gives you options—footage you can mix, match, and remix into new content over and over again.

Need help planning your shoot or want us to do the filming for you? That’s kind of our thing at my company &SCENE. Just reply and we’ll help you get it rolling.

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