How to Plan a Fashion Photoshoot: Key Components for Your Mood Board

Planning a fashion editorial shoot is an exciting journey, but it can also feel a bit daunting. Building a mood board involves thinking through what colours to use and avoid, how to interact with your location, what type of light to choose, and so on...

This article will inform you on why and how you can involve these elements in your mood board for a smooth shooting day!

Here’s how to do it:

1. Generic Moodboard of Inspiration

Kick off your mood board with a few key images that sparked your original concept. These should be visuals that best embody the vibe you're aiming for—think of them as the heartbeat of your project. These images will remind you of your initial idea and keep your creative juices flowing as you develop the rest of your plan.

2. Styling: the colours, the necessities and what to avoid

This section can include things like the colors that reflect the emotions you want to evoke in your shoot. For example, soft blues and pinks can create a serene feel, while vibrant reds and yellows can inject energy and excitement into your shots.

You can also the essential garments and accessories that communicate your theme, and highlight what to avoid to prevent any visual clutter.

If you're collaborating with a stylist, providing this clarity will help them interpret your vision accurately.

3. Makeup and Hair: how to match the mood

You can take certain notes from other makeup and hair looks, you obviously don’t need to match any look perfectly, there can be takeaways from each.

Keep in mind that most fashion editorials lean towards soft, clean looks that enhance rather than overpower the outfits.

Include notes on what you like, what to avoid, and some references for hair and makeup artists. This gives them a solid starting point while still leaving room for creativity.

4. Location Ideas: interplay of location with the theme and how to find them

Your location sets the scene for your entire shoot. Brainstorm potential spots that fit your vision, find the real-life equivalents that are accesible to you for outdoor shoots.

Checking around Google Maps has also been helpful for me.I t’s also wise to jot down alternative locations in case your first choice isn’t available. Believe me, it happens more often than you might think it would - unfortunately been burnt by it.

If it is a studio photoshoot, check if it is equipped with everything you need, from light to backdrops.

Consider how each location adds to your narrative and the aesthetic you want to achieve.

5. Prop Ideas (Optional): how they take your photoshoot to another level
Not every photoshoot has to have props but when it comes to narrative, it is one of those aspects that strengten your theme a lot, enhancing the quality of your photoshoot.

It helps to create engaging and interesting shots and communicate your idea. Both studio/set and outdoor photoshoots benefit highly from props.

If you have little to no budget, keep your props simple but impactful, reflect on your narrative, think about the stylings and the location, and make sure your chosen props interact well with them.

For example, if a look is lacking a colour but adding another garment doesn’t seem to be a great choice adding it as a prop can be a good option!

5. Plan Your Lighting: most important aspect of emotion communication

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Decide whether you want to work with natural light, artificial lighting, or a mix of both. If you choose natural light, think about the time of day when it will be most flattering for your theme. I wouldn’t tell you to use soft light just because it looks ‘more flattering’, it depends on what you want to communicate in your photoshoot, so for example in some cases harsh light might work better.

For artificial light, specify the type (softboxes, LEDs, etc.) and any accessories like diffusers or reflectors that can help create the desired ambiance.

Remember, light can drastically influence the emotions conveyed in your photos.

6. Brainstorm Posing Ideas: plan how to interact with elements

Finally, while you’ll want to leave space for spontaneity, it’s helpful to have some pose ideas in mind. Consider how the model will interact with the styling, location, any props you plan to use, and the overall story you want to tell. Having some reference poses can guide you and your model, making the shoot more efficient and enjoyable.

Conclusion

A well-constructed mood board is your secret weapon for a successful fashion editorial shoot. By incorporating all sections above you create a comprehensive guide that keeps your vision intact. So, roll up your sleeves, get creative, and have fun planning your next big shoot! Happy shooting!

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