Before every boudoir photoshoot, I ask my clients to put together an inspiration board. This step is one of my favorite parts of the planning process because it allows us to start with a visual foundation. Your board helps me understand your personal style, the moods you’re drawn to, and the emotions you want your photos to capture. The end goal? Photos that feel authentic and unique to you.
As a San Diego boudoir photographer, I know it can be difficult to put your style into words. An inspiration board makes it so much easier — and it’s fun!
Why Create an Inspiration Board?
Your board helps answer questions like:
- Do you love anonymous images that show off the body?
- Are you more drawn to portraits that highlight expression?
- Do you prefer editorial, fashion-forward looks?
- Are you intrigued by moody silhouettes or natural candid moments?
By gathering visuals, you’ll begin to see patterns in what inspires you. It’s less about copying specific photos and more about discovering the style, mood, and energy you love most.
How to Build Your Board
You don’t need to spend hours on this — 20 to 30 minutes is plenty. Think of it as a creative exercise rather than a homework assignment. And most importantly, have fun with it!
Here are some easy ways to get started:
- Pinterest — I’ve created a couple dozen prebuilt boards with different moods and styles to help spark inspiration. You can browse those or explore anywhere else on Pinterest.
- Magazines or Screenshots — Tear out pages or save images to a folder on your phone.
- Canva or Collages — If you enjoy design, put your favorite images together on one board.
Remember — this is not about finding exact photos to copy. It’s about gathering ideas that feel like you.
A Gentle Reminder
When you’re building your board, try to turn off fear and overthinking. Don’t say things like:
- “That’s so beautiful, but I could never pull that off!”
- “I wish I could look like that.”
Spoiler: you already can. You are gorgeous exactly as you are — and I can’t wait to prove it to you.
Your job is simply to save photography that speaks to your style. That might be the pose or outfit, but it might also be something intangible like the mood, energy, or emotion of the image.
What Happens Next
Once you’ve pinned a dozen or so images, I’ll review your board along with your prep guide and questionnaire. This helps me create a clear visual of your style and ensures that your photoshoot reflects your unique personality. From there, I’ll take it all off your plate and design a session that feels fully personalized to you.
Final Thoughts
Your inspiration board is a tool to help us collaborate, clarify your vision, and create photographs that are uniquely yours. Use it to explore, play, and discover what excites you. By the time you step into my San Diego boudoir studio, you’ll feel confident knowing we have a shared vision — and you’ll leave with images that feel completely and beautifully authentic.
Ready to start building your inspiration board? Browse my Pinterest boards for ideas, save what resonates with you, and let’s create a boudoir session that reflects your true style.
