• A simple reference guide for understanding common terms in photo/video production and creative content creation.

📸 Photo Shooting

• • • Moodboard – A visual reference used to define the look and feel of the shoot (colors, poses, lighting).
      
    • Shot List – A checklist of all the images that need to be taken during the shoot.
    • Portrait – A photo focusing on a person’s face or upper body.
    • Landscape / Wide Shot – A photo capturing a wider scene or background.
    • Close-up – A photo taken at very short range, focusing on details (e.g., food, hands, texture).
    • Flat Lay – A photo taken from above showing items laid out on a flat surface.
    • Lighting Setup – The arrangement of lights used to shape the atmosphere and look of the photo.
    • Backdrop – The background used behind the subject in a studio shoot.
    • RAW Format – High-quality, uncompressed image files used in professional photography.
    • Post-production / Retouching – The editing phase where photos are enhanced or adjusted (colors, skin, brightness, etc.).

🎥 Video Shooting

• • • Storyboard – A visual script: frame-by-frame breakdown of how the video will look.
    • Script – The written version of what will be said or shown in the video.
    • B-roll – Secondary footage used to add visual interest (e.g., close-ups of hands, environment).
    • Voice-over – A narration recorded off-screen and added over the video.
    • Framing – How the subject is placed within the video shot (e.g., close-up, medium shot, wide shot).
    • Call to Action (CTA) – A message at the end encouraging the viewer to do something (e.g., visit a website, book a service).
    • Aspect Ratio – The size of the video frame (e.g., 16:9 for YouTube, 9:16 for Stories/Reels).
    • Color Grading – Adjusting and enhancing the color of the video to create a specific look or mood.
    • Timecode – Timestamp used in editing to refer to exact moments in a video.
    • Drone Footage – Aerial video or photography captured by a drone, often used for location shots.

✍️ Content Creation

• • • Content Calendar – A schedule showing what content will be published and when.
    • Copywriting – The writing of creative and engaging text for posts, videos, or ads.
    • Caption – The text that accompanies a social media photo or video.
    • Hook – The attention-grabbing opening line of a video or post.
    • Content Pillars – Main themes used to create a consistent brand message (e.g., education, entertainment, promotion).
    • Storytelling – The art of telling a message through a structured narrative, often to connect emotionally.
    • UGC (User Generated Content) – Content created by customers or users, often republished by the brand.
    • Behind the Scenes (BTS) – Content showing what happens during production; often used to humanize the brand.
    • Scripted vs. Organic – Scripted content follows a plan, while organic content feels spontaneous or natural.
    • Reel / Short / TikTok – Vertical short-form videos created for platforms like Instagram, YouTube Shorts, or TikTok.

📂 File Types & Delivery

• • • JPEG / PNG – Common image formats for web or social media use.
    • MP4 / MOV – Standard video formats compatible with most platforms.
    • Export / Final Cut – The edited version of a photo or video, ready to be used.
    • Resolution – The clarity and detail of an image or video (HD, 4K, etc.).
    • Watermark – A logo or brand mark placed on media to protect or brand it.
    • Preview / Low-res Version – A small, compressed version of the final media used for review.
    • Cloud Link – A shared folder (Google Drive, Dropbox, WeTransfer) used to deliver final files.

👥 People & Roles

• • • Creative Director – Oversees the vision and style of the shoot or campaign.
    • Photographer / Videographer – The professional capturing images or video.
    • Art Director – Ensures the shoot’s visuals align with the brand identity.
    • Stylist – Prepares clothing, props, or food setups to match the desired look.
    • Model / Talent – The people featured in the photos or videos.
    • Content Creator – A person who creates media for social media or online platforms (can be a professional or influencer).
    • Editor – The professional who selects, cuts, and enhances media in post-production.