Mood Board Photography For Photoshoot Prep

At first look, it appears like prepping for a photo session is simple: you just need a camera, a location, filters for photos, and a model. However, in fact, developing a concept can take anywhere from a few hours to weeks. For example, satisfying a client's request for "Aladdin in a Lovecraft setting" will be challenging for rookies. How to make a mood board for a photoshoot quickly and efficiently? Let's find out in today's article.

What is a Mood Board?

The first stroke of the pen, a sketch, a "zero" shot—call it what you will. The fundamental principle stays the same: the point at which the preparation process starts. That's what a photoshoot moodboard is. It can contain the following parts:

• photo with the required aesthetics and emotion;

• palette of colors;

• apply pose, frame, light;

• textures, locations, text, or music cues;

• clothing, makeup, hairstyle;

• atmosphere and nature.

Mood board with no reference! Several individuals are perplexed, which is why the concept of pictures could be lost. References are not merely snapshots, as they should be. In most cases, they are employed later in the planning process to inspire and refine the shot. The mood board, in turn, possesses unity: stylistic, emotional, and color. This is the author's vision, as expressed through the photograph.

How to Build a Mood Board Concept?

How do you identify that one concept whose execution will result in a coveted piece of the pie? First and foremost, identify the client by discussing the overall idea, location, time of day, and photographs. Then hunt for references anywhere you can and incorporate them into your own style. Using a block structure will help you manage the flow of information. Name them so that orientation is as quick and comfortable as feasible. For example, "best makeup for photoshoot", "jewelry", "near a tree", and so on.

Choose references that show what can truly be grasped. Abstract compositions will simply confuse the client. They ought to incorporate dynamic and static components. Simply standing by the window or sitting on a park bench is pointless. Taking into account the weather conditions, the number of viable street photographs climbs considerably, adding beauty to your portfolio. Mood board examples for a photoshoot could be designed in various styles, but they have a simple structure. It shows in the table below.

Discussing the narrative and composition does not end with the page. As a result, agree on the shoot's tone ahead of time. Will props be employed (wigs, decorative components, or other features), how dazzling the makeup is, and so on. Don't forget to mention a change of clothes, a snack, and the length of the shoot. Add sentences to the mood board to immerse the model in the situation and prompt the appropriate facial expressions. Like the following: "Realize that you have peacefully flowed out of the evening and found freedom”.

Take a Pre-Set for Different Events

The beauty of being a photographer is that it's not hard to get templates for portrait or landscape photography. For the former, you'll need a familiar friend and everything within a 500-meter radius; for the latter, the nearest alley or backyard. Add picture to picture, step by step, resulting in sketches that could be put in the questionnaire. Photography mood board ideas can be replenished even during vacation. Don't believe me? We'll beat it right now.

Sea Vacation

Marine photography can take place in a variety of settings, including entirely or partially in the water, and with or without clothes for complete immersion. It can be in shallow water, on land, on a ledge near the water, and so on. Pre-select a set of five distinct looks and let the client choose the best fit for him. Provide 2-3 alternatives for stances 

Experienced photographers typically employ music (often shortly before the photo shoot) to fully immerse themselves in the image and environment. However, the symphony of waves and wind creates the desired atmosphere.

The angle for such a shoot should be decided based on the mood. For example, you can create a melancholy portrait with the rays of the sunset or use the gray distant rocks as a secondary character in overcast weather. The Ariel style is common in the seaside zone, as are images with a half-turn.

St. Valentine’s Day

Winter couple images have traditionally consisted of portraits or snow angels. Shots of "back to back", "kiss", and "forehead to forehead" are slightly less prevalent. Of course, the Valentine's Day holiday in February attracts photographers. Valentine's Day photoshoot ideas for models are limited only by imagination, and now we will prove it.

1. Images beyond the canvas. Hand-drawn images are a great source of inspiration for designing postures for a photo shoot. Making hearts is charming, but out of date. What if you did them in the Japanese style? Takehisa Yumeji's works are an excellent example of placing that complements the mood.

2. Natural behavior. Animals and birds have developed specific behavioral traits that can be translated as "love" or "being in love." This is commonly referred to as a "freeze frame". From the outside, it appears that you are playing around, but such a shoot is extremely pleasant.

3. Winter joys. "Game of Thrones" resurrected the medieval method of posture, with characters kneeling in front of their chosen one or lightly brushing their fingers. But if you hold a prop (a letter in an envelope with a seal, one glove for two, or a scarf), the photo will exude warmth, comfort, and affection.

Due to the nature of the season, the range of clothes and shooting time are limited. Therefore, picture sessions and props should be prepared ahead of time. During the interval, you can get a few photographs of the snow and the environment. For example, near a spruce branch, with a mug of hot tea, or by an oak trunk.

Fall Wind of Leafs

The most vibrant time of year, with millions of variants in positioning and photography. September is brimming with yellow-red hues, and the possibilities for taking pictures by the fire or with a bouquet of leaves in your hands, on your head, or around your wrist are endless. October approaches Halloween, and there are more costumed photos than a porcupine has needles. November exudes a gloomy feel with stylish, cozy images on the loggia.

Autumn is when photographers and models may let their imaginations run wild and construct complete storylines restricted only by the size of the shot. For example, here is a "love carousel" of ten Instagram photographs, or "Poseidon's first date," in which a girl stands on the shore of a pond and looks into the distance, debating whether to end her relationship. Portrait photography will be a priority, with moderate makeup. You can try taking a snapshot in profile or full face, depending on the client's preferences.

Mood Board Examples for a Photoshoot

In terms of B2C relationships, a moodboard for brands is required. This is because the client expects the photographer to generate a concept rather than just bring a camera. Models ought to be similarly aware of the images that will be included in their portfolio. For personal clientele who are concerned about their posing abilities. So that the consumer knows what to expect and can prepare. Where's the finest place to work?

1. Pinterest. A classic board for a photoshoot for inspiration and storage of ideas. It's easy to search for ideas right in the app and share the link with the client.

2. Canva. A simple, free template platform. A wide base of colors and the ability to add text make Canva ideal for presentation to the client.

3. Milanote. A system with an ideal mind map and free arrangement of elements. It’s a great option for philosophical compositions and several simultaneous sets.

4. Notion. A platform with excellent information structuring capabilities. Notion combines well with timelines, and you can add hyperlinks to checklists.

5. Adobe Express. Basic choice for quick visual tasks. It works on the web and is available as a mobile app.

Choose photographs that remain visually appealing, but additionally reflect what may be captured. Consider the time of day, type of lighting, model, orientation, and framing. Don't present photos with exaggerated expectations; instead, provide a collection of simpler yet high-quality and engaging pieces.

Fears and Challenges of Creating a Mood Board

Finding a common vibe with a model can be tricky for inexperienced photographers. How to identify similar themes and select a common tone for a shot, what to do if you don't like the concept, and why theory doesn't work in practice? First and foremost, get to the spot before the model does. 

Assume there was a violent wind, and branches were scattered throughout the chosen clearing. Of course, it’s awkward to sit on them. As a result, merely moving them to another location will clear the photo zone. Such actions can lead to depression, and further planning will simply come to naught.

Pick a few other places and inform the client of the distance between them. This can be accomplished by sending a geolocation tag as a message. In this manner, you can prevent needless crowds and problems with flora and fauna. Before presenting such options, scout them yourself to avoid catching dragonflies and butterflies off guard. If you don’t want to remove an object from a photo, then extra time should be taken to check things.

Prepare for the shoot to last 4 or possibly 6 hours. Bring refreshments (sandwiches, bananas, and water) or tell the customer you'll take a break and order food. Furthermore, remember to take small pauses between shots. Being a Hercules of photography is cool, nevertheless, not on an empty stomach or with legs shaking from exhaustion. Breaking time should be noted in the photoshoot moodboard. For a photographer, this is a good opportunity to practice quick capturing and get some shots for the client for social media.

Luminar Neo: Your Tool for Gorgeous Shots

Post-processing images may be demanding, especially when you have 50-60 photos to go through in 4 hours. Adjusting light and color, as well as working with shadows, blur, and "broken" shots, might take the same amount of time. Luminar Neo is a global multi-tool that enables you to provide clients with the desired photographs quickly. Rest assured that everything will work out because every click is made with care!