How to Create a Mood Board for a Fashion Photoshoot

If you’re planning a fashion photoshoot - whether you’re a model, photographer or stylist - one of the most important prep tools in your kit is a solid, well-thought-out mood board. Trust me, it’s an absolute game-changer. A good mood board does more than just look pretty. It communicates your vision clearly, helps the whole team align creatively, and saves you tons of back-and-forth on shoot day.

So, let’s break it all down.

Here's my step-by-step guide on how to create an impactful fashion shoot mood board, from concept to creation.

Table of Contents

• Why Mood Boards Matter in Fashion Photography

• 6 Steps - The Step-by-Step Process

  • Step 1: Define the Concept or Theme

  • Step 2: Gather Visual Inspiration

  • Step 3: Organise Your Board Logically

  • Step 4: Add Descriptive Notes

  • Step 5: Tailor It to Your Audience

  • Step 6: Share It With Your Team

• My Final Thoughts

Why Mood Boards Matter in Fashion Photography

In the world of fashion photography, planning is everything.

A mood board is like the blueprint for your shoot - a visual reference point that guides everything from the tone and mood to the wardrobe and lighting.

Having worked on countless shoots, I can tell you that when a mood board is well put together, it becomes the central pillar that the entire creative team refers back to. It sets the tone, ensures consistency, and gets everyone hyped and on the same page before you even pick up the camera or step in front of it.

What Can a Mood Board Include?

• Visual references (editorials, campaigns, colour swatches, lighting styles)

• Location inspiration

• Outfit and styling ideas

• Hair and makeup references

• Posing direction

• Textures, props, or materials

6 Steps - The Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Define the Concept or Theme

Start with the "why."

Are you shooting a high-fashion editorial? A clean commercial campaign? A bold, colourful look-book?

Pinning down the concept is the first step. The clearer your theme, the more focused your mood board will be and the more you can zone in when it comes to the potential visuals.

Try to define the following:

• Overall mood (e.g., moody and cinematic, light and airy, bold and experimental)

• Target audience (who is the shoot aimed at?)

• Fashion genre (editorial, streetwear, beauty, lifestyle, luxury, avant-garde, etc.)

It helps to jot down a few key adjectives to describe your vision - this will guide all the visual elements you choose later.

Step 2: Gather Visual Inspiration

Now it’s time to dive into the fun part: the visuals. Use platforms like Pinterest, Instagram, fashion magazines, Google Images search results, and even film stills to find imagery that reflects your concept and aids inspiration.

Look for:

• Fashion editorials that capture the same energy or styling

• Colour palettes that reflect the mood

• Lighting references (golden hour glow, studio lighting, harsh shadows)

• Posing ideas for the model(s)

• Textures and backdrops that suit your shoot (think concrete walls, velvet drapes, windswept cliffs… whatever fits the theme)

Don’t just copy - curate. Pick images that inspire a feeling or atmosphere, not just outfits.

Step 3: Organise Your Board Logically

Once you’ve got your inspiration, don’t just throw it all together. A good mood board is clean and easy to follow.

Organise your visuals into categories, for example:

• Styling (clothing, accessories)

• Hair & Makeup

• Location

• Lighting & Colour Tones

• Mood & Emotion

• Poses & Expressions

You can use tools like Canva, Milanote, or even Google Slides to lay everything out in a clean, visual format.

Pro tip: stick to a consistent visual tone in your layout. If your board looks chaotic, your shoot might feel chaotic too.

Step 4: Add Descriptive Notes

Sometimes, visuals alone aren’t enough. Adding short descriptions or labels to your mood board makes your vision even clearer.

For example:

• "Soft, diffused light with golden tones"

• "Urban backdrop with graffiti textures"

• "Powerful, confident stance with direct eye contact"

These notes are great for helping your team understand exactly what you’re going for - especially when working with a new team or remote collaborators.

Step 5: Tailor It to Your Audience

Who is this shoot for? If you’re a model building your portfolio, your mood board should highlight versatility and range. If you’re working for a brand, make sure your board reflects their style, colours, and tone of voice.

Think of your mood board as part of your pitch. If you’re presenting your shoot idea to a client or brand, they need to see that you understand their aesthetic.

Step 6: Share It With Your Team

Once your mood board is finished, don’t keep it to yourself! Send it to everyone involved in the shoot well in advance - model(s), MUA, stylist, assistant, and even the location rep if necessary.

Ask for feedback or thoughts beforehand to avoid confusion or surprises on the day.

Read: 10 Must-Have Shots for Your Model Portfolio

Bonus Tip: If you’re working on a longer-term fashion project or campaign, it’s worth creating a master mood board that evolves over time. Keep adding to it as inspiration hits or ideas evolve. It becomes an evolving visual diary of your creative direction.

My Final Thoughts

Creating a mood board isn’t about being overly prescriptive. It’s about clarity, collaboration, and creativity. It helps everyone involved in your fashion shoot feel confident and aligned with the vision - and ultimately, it helps you deliver a stronger, more cohesive end result.

Whether you’re a model prepping for your next test shoot or a stylist planning a big brand campaign, a well-made mood board is your best friend. It sets the tone, inspires your team, and acts as your creative compass from start to finish.

Now go and make something beautiful!