Whether you’re planning a personal photoshoot, branding session, or creative project, having a clear vision makes all the difference. But how do you figure out what style suits you best?
The key is finding inspiration—exploring different visuals, identifying what resonates with you, and curating a collection of references. This guide will show you exactly how to do that using Google Images, Pinterest, and Instagram.
By the end, you’ll have a mood board of ideas that reflect your unique style, ready to share with me so we can create something incredible together.
1. Every Photographer Has a Style – But Most Can Adapt
Most photographers can cater to your vision, but it’s important to remember that every photographer has their own “comfortable” or “known” style—the way they naturally approach lighting, editing, and composition.
When choosing a photographer, ask yourself:
✔️ Do their past shoots align with what I want?
✔️ Can they adapt to a different style if needed?
✔️ Do I like the way they use light, color, and framing?
A good approach is to discuss your ideas with your photographer, show them your inspiration, and see what they suggest. Sometimes they may even recommend a slightly different approach that enhances your vision!
2. Use Google Images to Explore Styles
Google Images is a great starting point for broad inspiration. Try searching for different photography styles and themes:
🔍 “Golden hour portrait photography”
🔍 “Cinematic editorial fashion shoot”
🔍 “Moody black and white street photography”
Once you find an image you like, click on it and scroll down—Google will suggest similar images to refine your search even further.
💡 Pro Tip: If you have a specific location or vibe in mind, include it in your search, like “London rooftop portrait”, “Vintage film aesthetic”, or “Dark & moody musician photoshoot.”
3. Build a Pinterest Mood Board
Pinterest is my most used app for inspiration, and it’s a favourite for many other photographers as well, thanks to how easy it is to organize and refine ideas. Here’s how to use it effectively:
📌 Search for keywords like “cinematic portrait lighting” or “urban streetwear photography.”
📌 Create a Pinterest board and start saving images that match your vision.
📌 Browse related images and add anything that aligns with your ideal style.
Once your board is ready, share it with me to help bring your ideas to life!
4. Explore Instagram for Inspiration
Instagram is filled with incredible photography, but the key is knowing where to look. Try these steps:
📷 Search relevant hashtags like #editorialphotography #darkandmoody #brandingportraits
📷 Follow photographers, brands, and magazines that match your aesthetic
📷 Use the Save feature (the bookmark icon) to create a personal inspiration folder
If you find something you love, send it my way! The more I understand your vision, the better I can tailor the shoot to your style.
5. Narrow Down Your Inspiration to the Top 5
Once you’ve gathered a variety of images, it’s a great idea to narrow it down to your top 5 inspiration images. This will help you really zero in on what you want and eliminate any confusion.
🔥 Think of these as your “Must-Have” shots—images that represent the key elements you want to see in your shoot. Whether it’s the lighting, composition, colour palette, or overall vibe, these top 5 will guide the vision for your photos.
💡 Pro Tip: Having your “Must Have” images as a reference helps both you and the photographer align on expectations. These could be elements that absolutely need to be captured in your shoot, ensuring you’re 100% satisfied with the final result!
6. Bring Your Vision to Life
Once you’ve gathered your inspiration, take a step back and look for common themes. Ask yourself:
✨ What colours and lighting styles stand out?
✨ What emotions do these images convey?
✨ What poses, settings or details keep appearing?
Having a clear visual direction ensures that your photos truly represent you. So take some time, explore, and let’s make your shoot unforgettable!
And if you have something unique in mind, I’m all ears! I love experimenting with new ideas and creating amazing visuals alongside my clients. Let’s bring your vision to life in ways you haven’t even imagined yet.
When you’re happy with your selection, send your ideas my way so we can create something amazing together!
📩 Email: leo@lthp.co.uk
📱 WhatsApp: 07897260225
📸 Socials: @LTHPVisuals
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