Mood boards are extremely helpful to visualize and inspire your next photoshoot. It is a compilation of photos, ideas, etc. from other sources in one central location. By creating a mood board, you will be able to convey your vision to your photographer to help create the story you want to share with the world.
Tips for Creating an Effective Mood Board
1. What is Your Vision?
Before you can start creating a mood board for your photoshoot, you need a vision. Where do you want it to take place? What will you wear? What season do you want it to take place in? Knowing the answers to these questions will help guide your search and add images to create a cohesive board.
2. Start on Pinterest
I rave about Pinterest all time. It’s my best friend when it comes to needing inspiration, and it can be yours too. Pinterest is a great way to compile images that inspire you. I can guarantee you that whatever you are looking for, Pinterest has something to start your search. I will be the first to admit that sifting through Pinterest is time-consuming and addictive, so when you start browsing, set some time aside!
3. Include color palettes
If you are unsure what to wear at your photoshoot, browse different wardrobe color palettes. Again, Pinterest is great for this! It will show you different color variations and the seasons that correlate with them— killing two birds with one stone. You want your photos to look great and flow aesthetically, and having a color palette that complements the season and location is paramount in making this happen.
4. Include style and location preferences.
In addition to including color palettes, now it’s time to start looking at outfit inspiration. It’s helpful to know what your style is. Do you have a “casual,” “boho,” “grunge,” “urban,” “preppy,” or “chic” style? Once you figure out your wardrobe preferences, that will guide you to certain outfits.
Your wardrobe selection goes hand in hand with your location. A grungy look will be more suitable for an urban location. A boho style would look great in an open field or somewhere with a pretty outdoor landscape.
5. Add images that evoke the vibe you want to emulate
As you look through Pinterest, Google, or wherever your heart takes you to find images for your mood board, don’t neglect to add images from either your photographer’s portfolio that you love or another photographer’s website. This doesn’t mean you want an exact replica of the image—what’s the originality in that? It does mean that you saw something that evokes the mood, style, or aesthetic that you are looking for and you want to put your own spin on it. There’s nothing wrong with that. It may be the location that you like or a certain pose. The point of the mood board is to help you visualize the story you are about to invest in telling. You want it to be as magical and fabulous as possible.
One final note
Lastly, once you create a mood board and start adding all your inspirational images, you can send it to your photographer. Your board is the gateway to making your dream photoshoot a reality. Remember, you can always add more photos once you’ve shared it. Don’t limit your creativity to that one opportunity. Keep adding to it on a regular basis.
Get Started
There are many ways to get create a mood board, but Pinterest is free to use and easy to set up. If you don’t have an account, click here to get started.
If you are looking to book a senior photoshoot, LaToya Jyadon Photography is currently booking sessions. Head over to the website and select your journey to receive more information.
