Sunday Morning Shot List for Churches

Your volunteer photographer shows up Sunday morning ready to serve, camera in hand, wanting to use their gifts for the Kingdom. But without clear direction, they're left guessing what moments you need captured.

They might get some great worship shots but miss the baptism. They capture the lobby but overlook the kids' check-in energy. They don't realize you wanted that prayer moment after service documented because no one told them it mattered.

Here's the reality: your photographers want to serve you well. They just need to know what "well" looks like.

That's where a shot list comes in. It's a simple checklist that tells your photographers exactly what moments to capture so you never miss the stories that define your church.

We've worked with thousands of churches, and the ones with the most consistent, compelling photo content all have one thing in common: a clear shot list their photographers can reference every single week. Eventually, it will become second nature, but it’s important to have one when starting. Here’s ours for you to borrow!

Sunday Morning Shot List

Before Service:

• Volunteers greeting guests at the front doors and in the parking lot

• Smiling guests and volunteers in the church lobby

• People arriving in the parking lot

• Guests enjoying coffee and snacks

• Children checking in to Kids Ministries

After Service:

• Guests receiving warm greetings at the Guest Services/Connections Desk

• Posed and candid shots of people socializing in the lobby

• Hospitality volunteers in action, both posed and candid

• Families happily checking out their children from the Kids Ministries

During Service:

• Close-up and medium shots of the worship leaders, band, and stage

• Wide shots of the worship leaders, band, stage, and attendees worshipping

• Close-up portraits of attendees worshipping, looking for various forms of worship such as hands raised, clapping, etc. Capturing both silhouette and front-facing shots

• Medium shots of groups of attendees worshipping, also capturing both silhouette and front-facing shots

• Close-up and medium shots of the speaker

• Wide shots of the speaker, stage, and crowd

• Baptisms, communion, child dedications, and offerings

• Children participating in ministry activities

• Candid and posed shots of volunteers (kids ministry, tech team, ushers, etc.)

• Individuals or Groups engaged in prayer

Additional Tips:

1. Prioritize Emotion: Capture guests who are engaged, smiling, laughing, and experiencing the service in a positive way, conveying the tone and atmosphere.

2. Focus on Action: Capture photos that show volunteers and guests in action, participating in activities, and engaging with one another, creating a visual narrative of what it’s like to visit the church in person.

3. Frame with Context: Position subjects in a way that their surrounding environment contributes to the overall story or meaning of the photo. Utilize recognizable church landmarks or branding as a backdrop when possible.

How to Make This Work for Your Church

This shot list is a starting point, not a rulebook. Every church has unique rhythms, moments, and priorities.

Here's how to customize it:

1. Remove what doesn't apply - If you don't do baptisms or communion every week, take those off

2. Add what's unique to you - Do you have a greeting time? A specific moment in worship that defines your church? Add it to your list!

3. Adjust for special Sundays - Special Sundays, baby dedications, or guest speakers might need extra direction

Need More Than Just Photos?

Great photography tells your church's story. But photos are just one piece of your church's media. If managing all your creative needs is taking time away from actual ministry, we'd love to help—schedule a call with us to talk about how we can serve your church.

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