5 Tips to Make a Mood Board (using Pinterest)

Ever get stuck mid-photoshoot and feel like you have nothing left to offer? You feel like you aren't done yet, but can't think of anything else to do... Or maybe you wanted your photos to look a certain way, but when you come back from the shoot, your photos feel completely different from the vibe you originally wanted? If you feel like I have been spying on you when I say that, it's because I've been in the same boat before - but y'all, I have two words for you: MOOD. BOARD. We have all been there, but everything changed for me when I started creating mood boards for each of my sessions! Whether my client is a model, brand, content creator, or graduating senior I create a mood board that feels unique to that specific client and the style they're looking for.

"Whether my client is a model, brand, content creator, or graduating senior I create a mood board that feels unique to that specific client and the style they're looking for."

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Mood Boards

Mood boards allow my clients/models ahead of time to get a feel for where we are going and it allows me during the shoot to have a safety net if I ever have one of those "I'm coming up short" days. Everytime I pull out my mood board during a session, a spark of creativity is lit and it encourages the client that we are right on track for the look we are trying to achieve.

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At the end of this blog post, there are a few screenshots of mood boards that I have made in the past, but for now -  here are a few tips for creating a great mood board:

1) START WITH ONE THING

‍This could be a color, a prop, a piece of clothing, etc. Let that be the inspiration and foundation for the rest of the shoot's look!

2) USE A COLOR SCHEME

‍Pick your color pallet and stick to it! Googling some color theory might be helpful for you if you feel stuck in this area.

3) THINK ABOUT WHERE YOU’RE SHOOTING

‍I know this sounds like a no-brainer, but when you’re pinning for a mood board don’t pin photos all from Utah if you’re shooting in a place that looks nothing like it. Make sure you’re pinning what feels attainable for the location you are in.

4) FIND A PICTURE AND SCROLL DOWN

‍Click on one photo on Pinterest that kind of matches your vibe and scroll down to see similar photos. I usually start by pinning 3-4 photos that way, then clicking on the bottom of my Pinterest board where it says “See More”.

5) BE UNIQUE

‍If you find yourself only pinning photos from one person’s shoot, then try to think outside the box of some different ideas to add to the board so you’re not copying someone else’s work. Inspiration should be key, not copying!

Whether you’re a fellow photographer, a model, stylist, or just a creative with an idea YOU’VE GOT THIS! Go make yourselves some killer mood boards - make sure you tag me in your results so I can see too!

Alex

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