How to create a mood board that brings your brand photoshoot to life

16 Dec

Planning a photo shoot can feel like juggling a million tiny details, but trust me—creating a mood board will make it so much easier. It’s almost one of the most fun parts of planning your shoot. Whether you’re preparing for a personal branding session, a portrait shoot, or even a creative project, a mood board is your guiding light. It’s like a visual GPS that ensures you (and your photographer!) are on the same page about the vibe, energy, and story you’re trying to capture.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the why and how of creating a killer mood board that’ll bring your vision to life.

Why You Need a Mood Board:

A mood board does more than look pretty. It helps:

Clarify your vision: Have a specific aesthetic in mind? Great! Not sure what you want? Even better. A mood board will help you uncover what you’re drawn to.
Communicate with your photographer: Words like “edgy,” “soft,” or “bright” mean different things to different people. Visuals cut through the guesswork and let your photographer see exactly what you mean.
Set the tone: From colors to clothing to props, a mood board pulls together all the elements that create the vibe of your shoot.
Streamline decision-making: When you’re unsure about what to wear, where to shoot, or what props to use, your mood board serves as a handy reference point.

Above is an example of a mood board that I used for a branding photoshoot for Forage Botanicals a few years ago, and below are the resulting images that we shot together.

Step 1: Gather Inspiration

Start by collecting images that resonate with you. Don’t overthink it! Scroll Pinterest, Instagram, or even magazines, and save anything that catches your eye. Think about:

Colors: What palette feels right? Are you drawn to earthy tones, bright pops, or something moody and monochrome?
Poses and expressions: Do you want candid, joyful moments or something more serious and dramatic?
Locations: Are you imagining an outdoor shoot in a lush forest, a sleek urban backdrop, or a cozy indoor setting?
Wardrobe and styling: What clothing and accessories fit your vision? Look for textures, patterns, or styles that stand out.

Don’t limit yourself to just photos. Inspirational quotes, artwork, or even nature photos can convey the feeling you’re trying to achieve.

Step 2: Create Your Board

Once you’ve gathered enough visuals, it’s time to bring them together. You can use tools like:

Pinterest: Create a dedicated board for your shoot and start pinning.
Canva: Build a collage by dragging and dropping images into a template.
Milanote: A great tool for organizing ideas and visuals in a flexible workspace.
Old-school methods: Print your images and glue them onto a poster board. (There’s something tactile and magical about this!)

Arrange the images thoughtfully. Group them by color, theme, or mood so you can clearly see the patterns emerging. You’ll start to notice a cohesive story forming—this is your blueprint.

Take a moment to step back and review your board. Ask yourself: Does this feel like the energy I want to bring into my photo shoot? If something feels off, adjust it until it clicks.

Step 3: Share and Collaborate

Once your mood board is ready, share it with your photographer. Talk through it together, explaining what you love about each element. Be open to their feedback—after all, they’re the expert at turning your vision into reality. They might even suggest tweaks or additions that enhance your overall concept. Collaboration is key!

When you book a shoot with me, we hop on a Brand Visuals call once you’ve had a few weeks to work on your mood board. I talk through all your inspiration, and we begin to hone down your vision so we can move on to planning the details for your shoot. I hold your hand every step of the way, so you’re never alone!

Step 4: Use Your Mood Board as a Planning Tool

Your mood board can also guide practical decisions. Refer to it when:

Choosing your wardrobe: Stick to the colours, textures, and styles that align with your board.
Picking props: Select items that complement the mood and theme.
Deciding on hair and makeup: Share your board with your stylist to ensure consistency.
Scouting locations: Use your board to visualize how a potential location fits your desired vibe.

By keeping your mood board handy during the planning phase, you’ll save time and ensure every element of your shoot feels cohesive.

Bonus Tips for a Stellar Mood Board:

Keep it focused: Avoid overloading your board with too many styles. Stick to a theme that feels authentic to you.
Be flexible: Your mood board is a guide, not a rulebook. Stay open to creative surprises during the shoot.
Incorporate words: Add a few keywords to your board (e.g., “empowered,” “free-spirited,” “luxurious”) to further define the energy you’re going for.
Get inspired by your photographer’s portfolio: Look at their past work and include examples that align with your vision.
Consider the season and lighting: A summer shoot at golden hour will have a completely different vibe than a winter shoot in soft, diffused light. Reflect this in your board.

Conclusion:

Creating a mood board isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about intention and alignment. Think of is as a bridge between your brand and your audience. It’s a way to connect your energy and vision with your photographer’s skills, ensuring you walk away with photos that truly resonate. Plus, it makes the entire process more enjoyable and less stressful. So grab your coffee and start curating your dream shoot. Take your time, have fun, and remember: the more intentional you are with your mood board, the more magical your final photos will be. You’ve got this!

Here’s a link to my Pinterest boards if you need a starting point for your mood board, there’s lots of ideas on there to help you.