So, you’ve booked your photoshoot – congratulations! Now comes the exciting part: bringing your vision to life. One of the most powerful tools we use to do this is a mood board. Think of it as a visual conversation, a way for us to connect and create something truly special, together.

You might be wondering, “What exactly is a mood board?” It’s essentially a collection of images, colors, textures, and anything else that inspires you and reflects the feeling you want to capture in your photos. It’s like a visual representation of your dream photoshoot!

Here’s how it works with me:

Step 1: Your Personal Pinterest Board

As soon as you book your session, I’ll create a private Pinterest board just for you. This is your space to get creative! Start exploring Pinterest and pinning any photos that resonate with you. Don’t overthink it – if a picture catches your eye, pin it to your mood board!

What to Pin on your mood board:

For Engaged Couples: Think romantic poses, close-ups of rings, beautiful backdrops, even the overall “vibe” of the photos you envision. Search terms like “engagement photos,” “romantic couple poses,” “wedding photo inspiration” can be a great starting point for your mood board.
For Expectant Parents: Pin images that capture the beauty of pregnancy, the connection between partners, and the anticipation of your little one’s arrival. Try searches like “maternity photos,” “pregnancy poses,” “beautiful maternity photography.”
For Baby Photos: Pin images of adorable newborns on your mood board, cute outfits, sweet expressions, and creative setups. Consider the style you prefer – posed or lifestyle. Search terms like “newborn photography,” “baby portraits,” “cute baby photos” will give you lots of ideas.
For Family Photos: Look for images that show genuine connection, playful interactions, and the unique dynamic of your family. Consider locations, outfits, and the overall mood you want to capture. Searches like “family portrait ideas,” “outdoor family photos,” “lifestyle family photography” can be helpful.
For Portrait Photos: Pin images that showcase different portrait styles – classic, modern, artistic, etc. Consider lighting, posing, and the overall feeling you want to convey. Search terms like “headshots,” “portrait photography,” “professional portraits” will give you a good starting point.
For Wedding Photos: Think about the style of your wedding photography as a whole and each individual part. A wedding is a big event and we will divide the Pinterest mood board into sections. You will probably want to remember every part of the day from getting ready with your hair and makeup, formal photos with your wedding party, arriving at the venue, the ceremony itself, the confetti, the reception, formal photos, the dinner, the speeches, the cake… each section deserves its own inspiration. Pin images in each section as well as candid moments, and details that inspire you. Searches like “wedding photography,” “wedding photo inspiration,” “romantic wedding photos” are great.
For Event Photos: Pin images that capture the energy, atmosphere, and key moments of events. Consider the type of event – a birthday party, a corporate gathering, etc. Look for images that show people having fun and celebrating. Searches like “event photography,” “party photos,” “corporate event photography” will help.
For Professional Photos: Think about the image you want to project in your professional life. Pin images of headshots, business portraits, and photos that convey confidence and professionalism. Consider your industry and the message you want to send. Searches like “professional headshots,” “business portraits,” “corporate photography” are useful for your mood board.
For Boudoir Photos: Pin images that reflect the style and mood you’re aiming for – whether it’s sensual, empowering, playful, or elegant. Consider lingerie, poses, lighting, and overall aesthetic. Searches like “boudoir photography,” “lingerie photos,” “sexy photos” can provide inspiration.
For Anything Else: Whatever the type of photo session, pin images that reflect the style, mood, and feeling you want to convey. Consider things like lighting, location, clothing, and overall aesthetic.

Step 2: Our Visual Conversation

Once you’ve filled your board with inspiration, we’ll schedule an online meeting where we can share screens and chat about the images you’ve chosen. This is where the magic happens!

We’ll go through each mood board photo, and I’ll ask you questions like:

“What do you like about this image?”
“What feelings does it evoke?”
“Are there specific elements you love, like the lighting, the pose, or the location?”
“What else can we do with this idea?”

This isn’t about copying the photos exactly. It’s about understanding why you like them, so we can use those elements as inspiration for your unique photoshoot.

Why Use a Mood Board?

The benefits of creating a mood board are huge, for both of us:

Inspiration for You: The process of creating the board gets you excited and thinking creatively about your photoshoot. It helps you visualize the end result and gives you a clear direction.
Understanding Poses and Results: Seeing examples of different poses and styles helps you understand what’s possible and what you might like to try.
Aligned Expectations: The mood board ensures we’re both on the same page about the overall style and feel of your photos. No surprises!
Enthusiasm and Motivation: The visual inspiration gets you excited and motivated for your shoot!
Wardrobe and Props: The images you choose will give us clues about the types of clothing and props you might need for your shoot.
My Insight as Your Photographer: As a photographer, the mood board is invaluable. It gives me a deep understanding of your tastes, preferences, and expectations. I can see what you like and dislike, which helps me tailor the shoot perfectly to your vision.
The Result: Photos You’ll Absolutely Love

Ultimately, the mood board is all about ensuring you get the photos you’ve always dreamed of. It’s a collaborative process that allows us to create something truly special and personal. By understanding your vision from the start, I can capture images that reflect your unique personality and style, images you’ll cherish for years to come.

Ready to start pinning? Let’s create some magic!