How many outfits should I bring to my photo shoot?
Three.
I’m sort of joking, or at least making that a far-too-simple answer. This is one of the topics that we spend the most time discussing pre-session, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer: It depends on the kind of session you’re doing and what you want your photos to say about you.
But if you want a starting point: for a full custom portrait session, I typically recommend bringing at least three outfits.
Not because more is better, but because the right amount of variety allows us to tell a fuller, more honest story of who you are.
Why Three Outfits Is a Sweet Spot
Most of my sessions are built around intention. Whether you’re here for maternity portraits or personal branding, we don’t just show up and take photos. We talk about who you are, what you want to express, and how you want to feel when you see your images. From there, your outfits become tools to help tell that story.
Three thoughtfully chosen outfits usually gives us:
Enough variety to create a dynamic, meaningful gallery
Different emotional tones or “versions” of you
A more complete story that actually fills an album (which is what most clients want)
You’re a multi-faceted person. One or two outfits is rarely enough to capture that fully.
What Happens When You Bring Too Many Outfits
You may have noticed this in life already, but more isn’t necessarily better.
When clients show up with too many options, I’ve seen it lead to:
Overwhelm and decision fatigue
Loss of focus during the session
Time spent choosing instead of creating
Disappointment over outfits that never get worn
It can also just be… a lot. Physically and mentally.
And when sessions go too long, they can stop being enjoyable. This is counter to what we’re trying to achieve (happy, meaningful experiences and memories only).
What Happens When You Don’t Bring Enough
On the other hand, not bringing enough variety can limit your gallery more than people expect.
I’ve seen sessions where images start to feel repetitive, we don’t have enough variety and range to tell a full story, and your album feels a little incomplete or one-note.
The goal isn’t just “a few good photos,” it’s a collection that reflects the different sides of you.
What Actually Makes an Outfit Work in Photos
This is where advice online can fall flat. It covers broad and general examples, but ignores style and intention.
In my studio, we’re not just picking “nice clothes.” We’re choosing pieces that photograph beautifully and support your story.
Here’s what tends to work best:
✔ Texture
Leather, denim, ruffles, feathers, faux fur—these create depth and interest, especially in black-and-white imagery.
✔ Proper fit
Not too tight, not too loose. Clothing should support your shape instead of fighting it.
✔ Minimal distractions
No logos or elements that pull attention away from your face.
✔ Purposeful selection
What you wear should connect directly to how you want to be seen.
Because at the end of the day, the clothing supports the image—but you are always the focus.
Think in “Versions of You,” Not Just Outfits
This is where things shift from “what should I wear?” to something much more meaningful.
During your consultation, we’ll talk about the qualities you want to express.
And your outfits become a way to bring those to life.
Strength, for example, doesn’t look just one way.
It could be:
A structured power suit
Workout gear
A soft, grounded nude portrait
Each one tells a different truth about you.
A Real Example: When Wardrobe Changes Everything
One of my clients, Jan, came in feeling disconnected from herself.
She almost didn’t even come to her session, but she pushed herself to show up and brought dresses she loved but could never find a reason to wear anymore, let alone give herself the permission to wear them.
During her session, something shifted.
When she saw herself in camera, fully embodied, confidently carrying those gowns, it reminded her of who she already was.
Her confidence didn’t come from the dresses.
The dresses gave her a way to see herself clearly again.
And When It Doesn’t Work…
I’ve also seen the opposite.
One client chose garments that were slightly too small. They created visible panty lines and tension in the fabric. Lumps and bumps that only existed due to incorrect fit.
When she saw her images, she felt disappointed and disconnected from them. Her clothing was working against her. The distractions the clothing created were working against our intended purpose of self-celebration and self-acceptance.
In contrast, the images we created in a different outfit (one that fit beautifully and felt aligned with her) were strong, powerful, and completely different emotionally.
Fit and intention matter more than people think.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own.
When you book your portrait session with me, you’ll receive a Wardrobe Guide in your e-mail inbox. This guide will give you general tips and tricks about how to choose silhouettes and garments for impact and purpose. Also, you can download the Crush Your Session Guide for more photo shoot tips before you even book!
Then during your consultation (in person or over Zoom), we:
Talk through what you want to express
Go through your closet together
Narrow down your best options
Build outfits intentionally
Create a mood board if needed
This is how we create alignment and build a satisfying and fulfilling portrait experience and final gallery.
The One Rule I Actually Believe In
You’ve probably heard this before, and I even mentioned this idea earlier in this blog post:
“Avoid busy patterns.”
Yes, that is good advice in general, but here’s what I actually believe:
Your portraits should reflect who you really are.
If you love bold prints…
If people know you for your style…
We can and should absolutely incorporate that.
Through layering, styling, and how we frame the image, we can make it work without losing the focus on you.
Because the goal isn’t to follow rules, it’s to create images that feel like you.
So… How Many Outfits Should You Bring?
If you want the simple answer, start with three intentional outfits, but more importantly, bring pieces that help tell your story.
Because the right outfits don’t just change how your photos look.
They change how you see yourself in them.
Want to chat more about what this could look like for you?
Click here to book your custom photo session in Red Deer now.