Creating Custom Mood Boards for Commercial Photography

 

Whether you’re preparing for a commercial photoshoot for your brand or getting ready for a personal branding photography session for your business, the pre-production process is a crucial part of ensuring the day of the photoshoot goes smoothly.

You might be thinking about the best location for the photoshoot or what to bring for your wardrobe. If you’re getting your photo taken or hiring a model for the photoshoot, you might be stressed about what poses will look the best and the most natural.

Over the course of my career, I’ve embraced my position as a photographer and creative director with one of the most important tools that I have used to lead to a successful photoshoot: a mood board.

Mood board for a beach fashion lifestyle photoshoot in Santa Monica

 

Is A Photography Mood Board Necessary?

While a mood board might not be necessary for all photoshoot projects, it is a good way to establish a starting point so that the client can envision what the final images will look like. The client might have a certain vision for what they want from the photoshoot and it’s your job as the creative director to match that vision with an aesthetic and photography that will align with their brand.

I previously did a lifestyle fashion photoshoot with model Nolan O’Connor and the photoshoot was going to feature a business look and a more street/casual look. I provided him with a mood board that featured poses, wardrobe/accessory ideas, and a location to see if it was something he would be interested in.

Downtown LA (and specifically near the Walt Disney Concert Hall) was the perfect location because there was great steel architecture in the background that was perfect for the more professional shots, and there were small street corners and textured walls close by that worked for the street style.

Ultimately, having the mood board was a great way to establish not only where the photoshoot should take place, but also a coherent timeline of when to feature each outfit since we only had a few hours for sunset and blue hour.

 
Watch campaign advertisment photoshoot on the beach with male model
Male model posing with blue Fossil watch for spec commercial advertisement campaign in Los Angeles
 

WHAT TO ADD IN A MOOD BOARD

What you’ll want to feature in a mood board will depend on the type of shoot you’re planning. But here are some general ideas to keep in mind when planning your own photoshoot, or when working with someone else.

Location: As a photographer who usually works outdoors on location, I always do location scouting to find the best location in my area for a photoshoot. If possible, I’ll try to include a photo of the exact location where the photoshoot will take place and include it in the mood board. 

Models: For commercial lifestyle and personal branding photoshoots, I will include photos featuring models in the mood board. Based on the project, it’s important to take into account the model’s age (is it a project aimed towards young travelers in their 20s, business executives in their 40s, etc.), their wardrobe, examples of posing, etc.

Branding Colors: Sometimes a client you work with will want to align their photoshoot with an existing brand identity and that includes making sure that certain colors are featured in their photoshoot. While this isn’t something I haven’t really come across in my own work, it’s important to take note of this in case this is a crucial point they mention in the strategy call.

 
Male model posing with watch and sunglasses iin Mount Hollywood Los Angeles at sunset
 
 
Male fashion model posing with Curren Watch
Model walking on the beach while wearing blue watch for Los Angeles photoshoot
 

FINAL WORDS

I find that when I provide clients with a mood board (and even bring a digital copy to the shoot), it helps them feel more prepared on what they need to bring for the photoshoot, look at posing ideas they can try when they’re on set, and it gives them a better idea as to how their final photos will look.

I provide custom mood boards for each client in order to make sure their photoshoot goes smoothly and successfully.

Mood boards are one of many factors that go into a branding shoot. So if you haven’t already, I recommend you taking a look at my commercial advertising page, which gives info on what to expect in any kind of commercial shoot.

Until next time!

 
lifestyle, photography tipsBrian Brownlos angeles photograhper, lifestyle photography, los angeles, commercial photography, watch photography, watches, fashion campaign, fashion model, advertisement, advertising photography, fashion photography, mood board, creative director, photography business, photography pre-production, brand photographyComment