Life Magazine Shot List

Life Magazine Photo Story Formula

The Shot List:

  • Introductory or Overall (Establishing shot)
    • Establishes the scene
  • Medium
    • Focuses on one activity or group
  • Close-up
    • Zeroes in on one element
  • Portrait
    • Dramatic or environmental
  • Interaction
    • People
  • Signature
    • Summarizes the situation (all of story elements) in a single shot -Decisive moment
  • Sequence
    • How to if needed/ can give a sense of action
  • Clincher
    • The Closer/ Closing Shot
  • Unusual or unexpected.
    • Makes it unique