Welcome back to another episode of The Photographer’s Couch! I’m your host, Megan Joli, a portrait photographer based in North Carolina.

Today we’re diving into a topic that so many photographers and clients bump into: Pinterest boards. We love them, we hate them, and sometimes… they set us up for unrealistic expectations.

Why Pinterest Can Be Helpful

I actually appreciate when clients share a Pinterest board with me. It:

• Shows me the vibe they’re drawn to.
• Helps me understand what locations, poses, and moods inspire them.
• Gives me insight into their personality before the session even begins.

Especially with high school seniors, seeing a board of poses and looks can help me gauge if they’re shy and reserved or bold and adventurous.

The Pinterest Problem

But here’s the truth: Pinterest is filled with the final product of countless different sessions. What clients don’t always see is:

• The specific lighting, location, and time of year.
• The differences in body type, height, or styling.
• The photographer’s unique editing style and artistic approach.

That means a board filled with moody shots, bright airy photos, and artsy poses can send mixed signals—because I can’t be all of those photographers at once.

My Approach as a Photographer

When you hire me, you’re not hiring me to replicate someone else’s Pinterest board—you’re hiring me for my style, my vibe, and my vision.

So while I love seeing what you pin:

• I’ll use it as inspiration.
• I’ll consider it when planning your session.
• But your photos will always reflect your energy, your personality, and my style.

Think of it as creating your own Pinterest board in real life.

Why This Matters for Clients and Photographers

• For clients: Share boards freely, but know your final gallery will be unique to you—not a copy of someone else’s session.
• For photographers: Set clear expectations. Pinterest is a tool, not a shot list. Your clients should be coming to you because they love your style.

Takeaway

Pinterest is a great starting point, but it’s not the finish line. The real magic happens when you bring yourself to the session—and trust your photographer to capture your story in their own artistic way.

✨ Thanks for listening! I’d love to know: do you use Pinterest for session inspiration? Drop me a message and let me know how you use it.

See you next time on The Photographer’s Couch!