How to use this template
Follow this step-by-step guide to learn the modern process of creating a photography moodboard in Milanote, a free tool used by top creatives.
Choose a direction for your photoshoot
Moodboards can be used to plan the final images you want to photograph, or they can be more about exploring the mood of a photoshoot. Picking a keyword, theme, color or style is a great way to define a direction for your moodboard.
Create a new board for each moodboard direction.
Create a new board
Drag a board out from the toolbar. Give it a name, then double click to open it.
Choose a moodboard template.
Choose a template
Each new board gives you the options to start with a beautiful template.
Collect existing material
Now that you've established the direction for your moodboard, add any existing material you have—this could be images from previous photoshoots or references your client has provided.
Drag files from your computer.
Upload a file or document
Click the "Upload file" button or just drag a file onto your board. You can add images, logos, documents, videos, audio and much more.
Add inspiring imagery
The imagery you bring into your moodboard is what helps to shape the look and feel of your photoshoot. Images can define things like tone, cropping, lighting and color. Use Milanote's built-in image library, draw from previous photoshoots or search for visual elements from around the web.
Use the built-in image library.
Use the built-in image library
Search over 500,000 beautiful photos powered by Unsplash then drag images straight onto your board.
Install the Milanote Web Clipper
Save images from other websites straight to your board.
Save content from the web
Roll over an image (or highlight text), click Save, then choose the destination in Milanote. Return to your board and find the content in the "Unsorted" column on the right.
Add color swatches
Color can be a great way to express a particular feel, personality or energy. As painter Johannes Itten said, “Color is life.”
Tools like Kuler can be a great starting point for finding colors that complement the brand you're working with. Another trick is to pick colors directly from the images you've added to the board.
Add a color swatch to a board.
Add a color swatch
Drag a Note card onto your board, enter your colour #HEX code and press enter. E.g. Teal looks like this: #008080
Transform your board from messy to organized
Once you have all your inspiration in one place, start arranging your ideas to create the perfect composition.
Start by exploring layout and introducing hierarchy. Place a key element to anchor your board, and change the size and position of the remaining elements to indicate their importance and relationships to one another.
Resize your images to add hierarchy.
Resize images
Drag the corner of an image to resize it. Double-click the corner to return it to its original size.
Crop images.
Crop images
Double-click an image and press edit to crop or rotate it.
Communicate your vision with others
A moodboard helps you communicate the look and feel of a photoshoot with a team and clients early on. Collect suggestions and feedback from collaborators so you can bring together ideas, inspire and stay on track on the day of photoshoot.
Invite someone else to edit to your board.
Invite editors to your board
Open the "Editors" menu from the title bar of your board. Add email addresses of the people you'd like to collaborate with—they'll receive an invitation via email.
Collaborate in real time.
Collaborate in real time.
When multiple people on your team edit a board at once you'll see their updates appear in real-time.