For the newly engaged + overwhelmed fiances
How To Plan A Wedding Photography Moodboard
Your wedding photos should feel like you—a true reflection of your love story, style, and personality. One of the best ways to ensure your photographer captures your vision is by creating a wedding photography moodboard. I recommend this to EVERY COUPLE. Whether you’re drawn to dreamy film-like tones, candid storytelling, or a mix of editorial and documentary styles, a well-curated moodboard can help bring your wedding day aesthetic to life. Here’s how to plan your wedding photography moodboard effectively.
Creating Your Mood Board
1. Start a Draft Board on Pinterest
Before diving into specifics, create a draft board on Pinterest and freely add photos. Don’t be too picky—whatever catches your eye, add it! This will help you get a sense of the styles, colors, and compositions you’re naturally drawn to.
2. Categorize Your Board into Sections
Once you have a collection of images, refine your board by organizing it into sections. Consider creating categories like:
- POSES – Ideas for natural, candid, or editorial-style portraits
- EDITING – The color tones and overall aesthetic you love
- BLACK AND WHITE – If you’re drawn to monochrome photography what do you like about it in black and white? close ups? or do you want a whole gallery in black and white?
- STYLISTIC/VIBES – General mood and creative direction. Motion blur, crooked, film photos, high flash would all land in this category.
- LIGHTING – If you love specific types of lighting, such as golden hour or moody indoor shots
If an image doesn’t fit into any category, it may not align with your vision, so consider removing it.
If your photographer doesn’t ask you for a pinterest board or inspiration, be weary. This is SO important to me and my couples I could not imagine shooting a wedding without it.
COMPOSITION is one last section that I ask to be added so I can add my own inspiration to it. This is fun because you can go through and delete what you hate but see photography from my eyes too. It leads to a beautiful camaraderie between us and united vision.
Now what?
4. Consider Your Wedding Venue and Season
Your wedding location and season will influence how your photos turn out. If you’re getting married in a bright summer vineyard versus a cozy winter lodge, consider how lighting and surroundings play a role. Choose images that reflect the setting of your actual wedding for the most accurate inspiration.
5. Share Your Moodboard with Your Photographer
Once you’ve finalized your moodboard, send it to your photographer! A great photographer will take inspiration from your board while still bringing their artistic touch to your wedding day. Be open to their creative interpretation while communicating what resonates with you.
6. Trust the Process & Enjoy Your Day
The best wedding photos happen when you feel comfortable and trust your photographer. Your moodboard is a guide—not a shot list—so allow room for spontaneity and authentic moments to unfold naturally.
By taking the time to plan your wedding photography moodboard, you’re setting the stage for images that truly feel like you. Happy planning!
Ready To Plan Your Wedding?
Choose your photographer after you start curating your wedding photos. This will lead you to the right person with the right mindset. Experience, art, client experience, editing will all lead you to the right person. I hope it’s me but if it’s not, have the best wedding day!
