Pinterest is the ultimate double-edged sword. It’s an incredible source of inspiration, but it can also set unrealistic expectations if not used correctly. Your wedding or portrait session isn't a "remake" of someone else’s life—it’s the premiere of yours. Here is how to use a mood board to enhance, rather than hinder, your shoot.
1. Curate for "Vibe," Not "Verbatim"
When you look at your Pinterest board, don't look at the people; look at the elements.
Do you like the lighting? (e.g., lots of sunset, "golden hour" shots).
Do you like the editing style? (e.g., moody and dark vs. bright and airy).
Do you like the composition? (e.g., lots of wide landscapes where the couple is small). By identifying these themes, we can incorporate the "soul" of those photos into your session while keeping the content unique to you.
2. The Location Reality Check
A photo taken in the foggy streets of London will look fundamentally different than a session in a sunny Southern California vineyard. The environment dictates the light, the colors, and the mood. If your board is full of snowy mountain shots but we’re shooting at the beach, we’ll focus on the intimacy and poses you like, but we’ll adapt them to the warmth and texture of the coast.
3. The "Pinterest Trap"
The danger of a mood board is trying to check off a "shot list." If we spend the whole session trying to perfectly recreate 50 different pins, we miss the spontaneous moments—the way your partner looks at you when you’re not looking, or the way you laugh when a gust of wind catches your hair. These "in-between" moments are always the ones that end up over the fireplace. Use the board as a foundation, then let it go and be present.
4. Communication is Key
Send me your mood board at least a week before our shoot. This gives me time to study your aesthetic preferences. I can then scout locations that match your vision and bring the right lenses to achieve that specific "look." During the shoot, I might even say, "Hey, remember that pin with the movement? Let’s try a version of that here." This collaborative approach ensures we are both on the same page before the first shutter click.
What does a typical session include?
Every package includes a vision board, wardrobe discussions, scenic options, and a clear set of deliverables.
How quickly will I get my photos?
Typical turnaround time is 3-4 weeks. We love sharing in your excitement, so we aim to provide a tease within 2-3 days. We take a holistic approach where communication serves as the bedrock of our client relationship. This means that if we complete post production ahead of schedule, we will deliver your session early.
What sets you apart?
Most photographers treat each session like a checklist - same posses, same filters, same photo presets. We believe that your photos should be as unique as you are, we ensure that every photo session is one-of-a-kind.
How many photos do I get?
Traditionally, photo packages include a set number of photos. We consider this highly inefficient, if you take 50 great photos, why should we make you choose between 10? Instead of giving you a cap, we will give you a minimum. This empowers our clients to expect a minimum number of photos where you look your best!
