Pinterest is one of those platforms people tend to love… and also feel frustrated by.

We pin outfits, locations, poses, and ideas. We create boards full of beautiful images. And then, often, we never look at them again — or we come back expecting real life to look exactly like what we pinned.

As a photographer, I actually do appreciate when clients send me Pinterest boards. They’re helpful in one very important way: they show me your vibe. They help me understand what you’re drawn to, what feels like you, and what kind of energy you’re hoping for in your photos.

But Pinterest isn’t the plan — it’s the inspiration.

What Pinterest Doesn’t Show You

Pinterest is filled with finished images from hundreds of different sessions, photographers, seasons, and locations. What you don’t see are all the variables that made those images possible:

• The exact lighting conditions

• The time of year

• The location and how the sun moved that day

• The body type, height, and comfort level of the person being photographed

• The relationship between the photographer and the client

• The photographer’s editing style and creative choices

When you scroll Pinterest, it’s easy to think, “I like this photo — I want this exact thing.” And that makes total sense. But photography doesn’t work like copying a recipe.

Every session is built around you.

Why Style Matters More Than the Pin

When you hire a photographer, you’re not just hiring someone with a camera. You’re choosing their style, perspective, and approach.

I can absolutely take inspiration from things you love — poses, mood, movement, or overall feeling — and translate that into my own work. But your photos are never meant to look exactly like someone else’s. They’re meant to look like your story, your energy, and your connection.

That’s actually what makes them meaningful.

Pinterest boards are helpful as a starting point, not a final blueprint.

Where Pinterest Is Helpful

There are times Pinterest is especially useful — and I want to be clear about that.

For high school seniors, Pinterest boards can be great for:

• Understanding how bold or reserved someone feels

• Seeing posing styles they’re comfortable with

• Getting a sense of confidence level and personality

For families or business owners, boards can help show:

• Whether you prefer candid moments or more structured images

• Neutral tones vs. bold colors

• Relaxed vs. polished energy

All of that helps me plan — locations, timing, and how I guide you during your session.

The Most Important Thing to Remember

Your session isn’t about recreating Pinterest photos.

It’s about creating images that feel like you — not someone else’s highlight reel.

Pinterest can inspire ideas, but your photos will always reflect:

• Your personality

• Your connection

• Your comfort level

• My style as your photographer

And that’s exactly how it should be.

A Quick Pinterest Note From Me

If you do love Pinterest (or want to start using it more intentionally), I’ve recently started using Pinterest more for my business — sharing session inspiration, photo ideas, and helpful content for families, seniors, and small business owners.