Have you ever found yourself in need of fresh photography inspiration? Whatever shoot you’re planning, however big or small, there’s one thing that’s always in my creativity toolbox. My inspo board.

Think of this board like your muse. Like a professional scrapbook filled with ideas from a variety of sources that will add some creative fuel to your photography vibe. Neat right?

Whether you’re planning a DIY shoot or thinking of hiring a professional like me, an inspiration or “mood” board can really help pin down the nitty gritty of your aesthetic. It helps you take a fresh wide angled look at what you’re trying to achieve. It’s idea generation at a whole new flipping awesome level. And let’s face it, you really need to have your concept on-pointe before you even think about taking that lens cap off.

If you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone and produce better, even stronger visuals, here are 6 ways to help you to get those ideas flowing.

1. Visit the Mindset of the Customer

A good inspo board is of course full of stuff that you like. Things that inspire you, images that work as shorthand for the direction you want your photo shoot to take. But what about your target audience? Who do you want to attract with your photography and why would they like it?

Your board should include visuals that attract your target demographic so that the imagery really speaks to them. Understanding your audience can help shape the context and environment of your work. It can even help throw a different approach in to the mix too.

Getting into the mindset of your target audience can reveal a wealth of untapped ideas. So, consider what makes your audience tick. What brands do they like, where do they shop? Profile your target consumer and then you can hone in on the job of seducing them.

Woman drinking a hot drink looking at her laptop. Photo taken by Georgie Glass Photography for Potyque CBD

2. Peruse Pinterest

I LOVE Pinterest. Not only is it a huge digital pinboard full of trends, but it’s also a treasure trove of inspiration! If you prefer to create a digital ideas board then Pinterest is defo a place you should be scrolling through. Having everything in one place really does help get your thoughts organised and your ideas vibing together!

You can create multiple boards depending on how you feel. From aesthetics that inspire you, to browsing alternative techniques or simply collating images you’re drawn to.

If you’re planning a shoot, then set up a board for ideas on props, locations and colours. Anything that catches your eye. The more you pin, the richer your board will be.

You may even see some style patterns emerge. My top tip? Make sure you browse things out of your comfort zone. So, take a leap, explore new looks, check out different artists and consider styles that aren’t your norm. Who knows, it might give you that extra creative boost you were looking for!

Two women holding books in front of their faces with just their eyes showing. Photo taken by Georgie Glass Photography

3. Pull Ideas from Print

I love browsing through magazines and tearing out anything that appeals to me. My inspo folders are normally bursting with random collections of imagery, words and phrases I’ve seen that have jumped out at me. Even coffee table books are a great source of inspiration (don’t worry, I don’t rip them up!) if I see something I like I’ll take a photo and add it to my folder. That way, when I’m looking for ideas, I’ve already got a pre-prepared batch of goodies to browse through.

It helps me get my mind working best when I’m looking through things I’ve already selected and admired. These little gems that I’ve put aside to consider later, can sometimes be the starting point for a new idea or angle. It helps me set myself up in a positive way and 100% helps me improve the thinking around my own work.

Photo of laptop and plants on a desk. Photo taken by Georgie Glass Photography for The Flower Lounge Didsbury

4. Explore Free Photography Sites like Unsplash, Pexels & Behance

Exploring other people’s work is a simple yet effective way to fuel your own photo inspo. A little disclaimer here - it’s not about replicating what you see others do, it’s about using their work to feed a new way of thinking about your own. Attending exhibitions or scrolling through free photography sites that are full to the brim with amazing work and edgy new techniques, all can help you re-evaluate and re-consider the flavour of your own shoot.

These are perfect places to give you a creative boost and lead you down new paths of creative enquiry.
Think of it like a mental workout where you can really stretch your imagination! Ahh bliss.

5. Browse through Brands You Love

It goes without saying that looking at brands you love for inspiration is a great way to really consider what it is they are doing that is so appealing. Work out which brands you think are really nailing their imagery and have a look around on their website. Make notes about things you like and why you like them and collect the imagery that appeals to you.

Likewise, consider the brands your target audience loves. Why do you think they align with their values? Are there any angles that you can translate to your work? Looking at what other brands are doing can help you make a mental gear change when you’re looking for fresh new approach on things!

Woman browsing through record collection in shop. Photo taken by Georgie Glass Photography

6. Music and Mood Oh My!

Music is a wonderful source of inspiration - yes even for a photographer! At its heart, photography is about creating a mood by visual storytelling. Music can paint you a picture in your mind so don’t forget to use all your senses when you’re on the hunt for some fresh thinking. Putting on some tunes, listening to the lyrics and letting your mind wander is a great way to ignite a creative spark!

Planning a photo shoot can be incredibly difficult especially if you’ve lost your inspo mo-jo. Having an inspiration board is one simple way to give your creativity a chance to breathe. It gives you time, space and freedom to pick out unusual materials and imagery, to explore and broaden your thinking and connect dots to new areas you wouldn’t have necessarily connected before.

These boards are a wonderful way to fuel some heavy ideas and reinvigorate your creativity or to use as a helpful resource to share with your photographer. Remember though, your board is a source of inspiration to fuel your own ideation process. Whether you’re doing the shoot yourself or hiring a professional, always choose a photographer because you love their work, not someone to replicate the work of others.
So, what are you waiting for? Do yourself a creative favour and take time out to play. Get more ideas, get better ideas. Allow yourself to extend and enhance your thinking about your own visuals.

I promise, it will be worth it!

Georgie x

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