Fashion photographers use mood boards where they clearly mention the theme they are going to carry out in a fashion photography session. A mood board is actually a digital plan for an upcoming shoot that help a professional photographer align with their client and they both can match their objectives for the photo shoot.
Mood boards are an essential component of any photography session since they help to define clearly your project’s vision and aesthetic. Creating an eye-catching mood board might be difficult, but with the correct strategy and tools, it is possible to produce something that looks wonderful.
Here we have gathered a few points that will help you create a perfect and visually appealing mood board along with attractive designs.
Sort Out Your Objectives
First of all, define what the main goals for this fashion photography session are.. Then, you have to define the tastes of your audience, since this will set a leading style, tone, and content of a mood board. Also, align your goals with those of the client by discussing his vision, preferences, or other requirements that would best affect what you want to have communicated through the mood board about the esthetics and the message.
Define Theme and Aesthetic
A good mood board should clearly define the theme and aesthetic you have in your mind about a fashion shoot as it will serve as the foundation for your creative work. A photographer’s personal style and taste is reflected in the mood board they create and will help your client clearly understand what you are thinking about the project.
Make sure you clearly explain all the elements such as color, texture, composition, lighting, shape, and other artistic elements by using clear and straight forward visuals. A good mood board should start with the identification of what you want to achieve in terms of aesthetics. This begins by you reflecting on what you want to achieve through this photography and what sort of audience you are targeting.
Find Images
Attractive and eye-catching images play a significant role in creating a good mood board. But the question arises that where can we find relevant imagery for our mood board. There are infinite resources to check out for images, like countless fashion magazine, online images sites, art exhibitions, Pinterest, Instagram, your surroundings.
Research and Find Inspiration
Inspiration is the base of any creative project and finding it includes digging into extreme diverse sources. Begin by drilling down into those all-important fashion magazines filled with the latest trends, styles, and beautiful imagery bound to get you thinking. Next, there are art exhibitions which give a different dimension of art styles, color palettes, and composition elements that can determine the look and feel of your mood board.
This is where Pinterest and Instagram come in. Follow professionals such as photography and designers, as well as photographers and fashion influencers, each time they upload their work and inspirations. Make boards or collections on those platforms, and keep track by saving and categorizing the images that resonate with you.
Do not forget the inspiration that is around you, that is in your everyday lives. Be aware of textures, colours, and patterns around you. Organize your research in the mood board into a form that would be reflective of the scope of your inspiration.
Make it Organized
An effective mood board is created by a well-organized layout. The visuals should be clearly flowing in some visual flow, telling a story or an impression. There has to be a proper and appropriate structure to your board. This will make communicating your vision with clients.
FAQs
What is a mood board and why is it important for fashion photography?
A mood board is a visual representation of the desired aesthetic and atmosphere for a fashion photoshoot.
How do I start creating a mood board?
Begin by defining the goals and target audience for the photoshoot. Then, brainstorm ideas for the theme and aesthetic.
