Creating moodboards for styled portraits is how I start for all of my editorial style photoshoots. I typically create these for my Senior Squad. They’re a group of high school juniors who join my team in early spring. We do editorial style photoshoots throughout the year and in general have a whole lot of fun. I’ve also begun submitting editorial photoshoots for publication. Are you on my VIP list to know about model calls for these editorial photoshoots?

Where does inspiration come from?

I’m giving you a peek at how I create a styled photoshoot beginning with the concept and moodboard. It always, always starts with inspiration. I’ve got a beach photoshoot coming up in a couple of weeks and love photographing at the beach. Location was my inspiration for this upcoming senior squad shoot.

Creating a moodboard

I then develop a moodboard. I go to Pinterest, surf the web and go back to other similar photoshoots I’ve done. I screenshot anything that grabs me. I never overthink it and go with my gut. I then start culling, winnowing it down to 5-7 images that tell a story.

Editing for a concise look

If It doesn’t visually work, it’s usually because I have competing looks or a feel to the board. I walk away from the moodboard and come back to it. When I return to it with a fresh look I immediately know which direction I want to take the photoshoot and edit out the images that don’t work.

At this point I’ve got a concise look and feel. I then create a color palette and place it on the board. The final step is adding words and phrases along with several “looks” that I’ll want to capture during the photoshoot.

Creating moodboards for styled portraits is where it all begins. This is the moodboard I’ve sent to my senior girls for our shoot in a couple of weeks. The next step is pulling clothing. I’m saving that for another post.

What do you think of the moodboard?

Is there anything else you’d like to know about creating an editorial styled photoshoot?

Comment below.