Planning Your Brand Shoot Aesthetics - How to create a mood board

Creating a visual mood board for your branding session is such an important step in cultivating a shoot that produces imagery that supports your brand strategy and marketing efforts.

Let's dive in and explore the steps you should take to create an incredible mood board that will guide your photo shoot and ensure a cohesive and impactful visual representation of your brand.

Step 1: Define Your Branding Goals

First things first, take a moment to reflect on your brand and what you want to communicate through your photos. Is it the joy and excitement of your offerings? The professionalism and expertise of your services? Or perhaps the relaxed and intimate atmosphere of your brand? Understanding these goals will help you select the right elements for your mood board.

Step 2: Gather Inspiration

Now it's time to let go and let your creativity begin building this visual container for your brand. Start by researching (googling) and collecting visual inspiration from various sources. I recommend using Pinterest, a Google Doc, or Canva as a container for your inspiration. Explore websites, social media platforms, and print materials that align with your brand's look and feel. Pay attention to colors, composition, lighting, and overall mood. Trust me, inspiration is everywhere! Let this process be fun - there is no right or wring (this is how we can visually communicate so I can tailor your session and contribute my expertise).

• Choose images that resonate with you

• Consider the environment, emotions, aesthetics, and messaging

• It's crucial to choose visuals that evoke the desired feelings and align with your brand personality

Step 3: Create a Digital Moodboard

You can use platforms like Pinterest, Canva, Google Docs or even design software to arrange your selected visuals. I recommend Pinterest!

Step 4: Identify Common Themes

Now that you have your mood board ready, step back and observe the common themes and motifs that emerge. Look for recurring colors, compositions, and styles. These shared elements will provide valuable guidance when planning your photo shoot and communicating your vision with me!

Step 5: Collaborate with Your Team + Photographer (me!)

Share this with me and consider it a work in progress in the early stages. Remember, photography is a collaborative art form, and I want to help you bring your brand to life!

I recommend taking several days to allow this to unfold.

Work on it first thing in the morning with no distractions! This visual component is a huge piece to the shoot so have fun with it, and let it flow. Think portraits, behind-the-scenes, color, texture, inspiration, personal ritual, fonts, telling your story, location inspo, flat lays and content beyond portraits, etc.