How To Make A Mood Board Using Pinterest

Understanding Mood Boards

The beautiful images you see on social media and in magazines require much preparation. Industry professionals are well versed in creating and executing their ideas, but not without the help of a trusty mood board. Your mood board provides your team with visual imagery that conveys the vibe of your photo shoot and is a crucial element of your experience. Your mood board is an expression of your style. A collection of inspiring images from your makeup & hair, clothes, and posing inspiration is the starting point for the story you want to tell.

How To Create A Mood Board On Pinterest

Creating your mood boards via Pinterest is easy to compile your thoughts. Pinterest offers the user the ability to create separate boards for different inspirations.

In your case, hair/grooming, makeup, style, posing and lighting/backdrops.

Categorising your reference images assists your team in understanding what each image relates to and narrows down all aspects of your photo shoot.

Firstly you will need a Pinterest account; just a few details and a world of fantastic images will be in your hands!

 A mood board is a collection of reference images and ideas that help your creative team understand your vision. We have plenty of resources to help you create mood boards that best represent you!

Hair, makeup, posing, style, and lighting/backdrops are crucial elements that you need references for.

Pinterest makes it easy to search for specific colours, textures and looks from an array of artists, influencers and designers. Use the website’ or the app search feature to venture outside our TPS Pinterest page. If you dream of rocking a bold pink lip, search ‘pink lipstick’ on Pinterest. The same applies to hairstyles — loose curls, wavy curls, beach curls, kinky, coiled. Thousands of images will be at your disposal, add them to your board by clicking save.

You can also upload your references! Find images online or even from our Instagram page (@thephotostudioaustralia) and upload them to your boards. To do this, click the ‘+’ symbol in the bottom right corner of your Pinterest page. Upload your picture and select which board you wish to add it to.

What You’ll Need To Include In Your Mood Board

1. Makeup References

Makeup Mood Board: Makeup artists need references as many people differ in their definition of colour, shape and size. What classifies Fuschia to one person might be seen as slightly more magenta to another. Show your makeup artists exactly what you want by selecting images that best encapsulate your vision. If the concept for your shoot is soft and subtle, don’t hesitate to compile images with dewy skin and a lightly applied foundation. Feeling bold? Present your photoshoot team with neon blues and winged liner. Incorporate glitter, or perhaps keep it simple with soft freshly-kissed lips. It should be noted that aspiring models wishing to build a portfolio need natural makeup with their hair down. Take this into consideration when selecting reference images.

2. Hairstyle References

Hair Mood Board: Similar to makeup, your hairstyle also depends on the images you select. Should your go-to routine involve a flat iron, why not suggest a tight curl to your stylist? Reference images of slick ponytails or tangly-beach waves give the studio team a clear concept of your desired aesthetic. Choosing a style that is achievable for your hair type is essential. Think about what would accentuate your features and collect images that inspire. Top tip: Modelling agencies look for photographs of fresh faces with their hair down. Hair is versatile, but ensure your styling choices match your end goal.

3. Style References

Wardrobe/Styling Mood Board: For your photo shoot at the studio, you’ll be wearing your own clothes and accessories. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t collect images for a styling mood board. Your creative team wants to grasp a sense of your aesthetic. Perhaps you’re inspired by peachy tones and sun-kissed skin. A lace blouse or a floral skirt may be the starting point. Incorporating images of accessories such as flowers, bows, or jewellery will further push your anticipated vibe. Push it further and design a mood board dedicated to pastel pinks and baby blues. A soft palette could result in a delicate photo shoot filled with captivating portraits and whimsical poses. There’s no need to go out and completely redo your wardrobe. Find references that enhance what you’ve already got. This mood board helps our team forge together the perfect look for you.

4. Lighting/Backdrop References

Lighting/Backdrop Mood Board: Photographers also need reference images. There are many different styles of photography, and your photographer wants the result to be as close to how you imagined. Remember, you’re being photographed inside a studio environment, so try to select inspiration images that have also been taken in a studio space. Need help getting started? Try looking through our social media pages to see what our studios offer.

5. Posing References

Posing Mood Board: If your dream is modelling, get in front of the mirror ASAP and practice your poses. Seek out photographs of your favourite models and add them to your mood board. Studying their angles can make getting in front of the camera much more accessible. It’ll also show your creative team what look you’re aiming to achieve. Your photographer will guide you in whichever direction you please based on your reference images.

Creating A Theme For Your Social Media

To build your social media presence, make sure your references reflect your brand. Think about the audience you want to attract and incorporate that into your mood board. For example, if your mission is to share your fitness lifestyle, include reference images that mimic that aesthetic. Think in detail about colours and styles that will best fit with your social media theme. The best way to improve your social media presence is through high-quality, well-planned images that best represent you! Discovering your audience and providing on-brand content for your followers is crucial. Everyone has a story they want to tell. Try and relay that through your photographs.

What’s Next?

Once you’ve completed your mood board, copy the link and share it with your stylist. You can do this by clicking the share icon and copying the link. It will then be passed on to your creative team, and they’ll begin planning your photo shoot. Using these guidelines, let your creativity flow!

A mood board is a foundation for your shoot. How much you want to build upon that foundation is your creative freedom!