Creating a Mood Board for Your Wedding Photographer: Pin It to Win It

wedding photographysan diego wedding photography

Jun 12

Planning a wedding can feel a lot like trying to nail Jell-O to a wall—exciting but messy. One minute you’re scrolling Pinterest, dreaming of your perfect day, and the next, you're drowning in a sea of endless options. Enter the mood board: your lifeline to communicating your vision to your wedding photographer without losing your mind (or your cool).

lesbian wearing white suit. Close up of hand with gold ring

Why Mood Boards Matter

A mood board isn’t just arts and crafts for the style-obsessed—it's a strategic tool. It translates your wildest and often inarticulate dreams into something visually concrete. Want a wedding that screams boho-chic without saying "I literally bought every Mason jar from the local craft store"? A mood board gets you there.

black woman with tattoos in wedding dress sitting on gold chair

blonde man sitting in chair playing guitar

floor image of black woman in wedding dress

man with blonde hair sitting in chair with suit

black woman with curly hair wearing wedding dress sitting in gold chair

Step 1: Start With Inspiration

Begin your mood board adventure by gathering inspiration. And by gathering, I mean pinning like a mad person. Dive into Pinterest, Instagram, and your favorite wedding blogs. Look for color schemes, photography styles, lighting, poses, and anything else that catches your eye. Yes, even that over-the-top floral arch that costs more than your car—it’s all about the vibe, not the budget, right?

Step 2: Organize Your Chaos

Now that you’ve pinned everything short of the actual wedding guests, it’s time to make sense of it all. Organize your finds into categories like "poses," "settings," "themes," and "details." This will not only keep you sane but will also make it easier to explain your vision to your photographer. They’re good, but they’re not mind readers.

Step 3: Choose Your MVPs

Select the most vital pins—those images that make you say, “Yes! This is it!” These are the non-negotiable elements that define the essence of your desired wedding photography. Think of it as forming your wedding dream team, where only the best ideas make the cut.

Step 4: Bring It Together

Now, compile these MVPs into a physical or digital mood board. Tools like Canva, Pinterest, or even a good old-fashioned corkboard can help you visualize your concept. This mood board will be your guiding light and a handy point of reference when you feel overwhelmed or when Aunt Linda suggests something outrageous.

black man with dread wearing suit on the left with woman wearing wedding dress on the right. Palm trees in the background

recently married couple in elevator. bride wearing wedding dress. Groom is wearing all black suit

Step 5: Collaborate and Refine

With your mood board in hand, schedule a chat with your photographer. This is where the magic happens. Share your board and discuss how these ideas can translate into your wedding photos. Be open to suggestions—sometimes logistics and professional insight can turn a good idea into a great one.

brides reflection in mirror. bride looking down wearing wedding dress

black and white editorial photo of couple. bride wearing wedding dress. groom with white tux with black bow tie

Closing the Deal

Remember, a mood board is more than just pretty pictures; it’s a communication bridge between your dreams and your photographer’s lens. It ensures you’re both shooting for the same stars—literally. So, pin with purpose, organize like a boss, and collaborate like you’re producing the next big blockbuster—your blockbuster wedding.

So there you have it, pinners! Get ready to create a mood board that’ll make your wedding photographer cry tears of joy—or at least keep them from crying tears of frustration. Happy pinning!