I’m often asked about outfit changes during portrait shoots. “Can I change what I’m wearing while we’re shooting together?” Yes, absolutely.
In fact, I encourage it.
One of the easiest ways to get more value from a portrait shoot is to bring a few different outfit options. Not because we need to turn the session into a fashion show, but because clothing makes a big difference to the feel of the final images.
A change of outfit can make a portrait feel more relaxed, more professional, more creative, more approachable, more polished, or more personal.
It also gives us variety. And variety matters.
Because the goal of a good portrait session is not to take the same photo over and over again with slightly different expressions, angles and lighting. The goal is to create a useful set of images that gives you options.
Images you can use for your website, LinkedIn, Instagram, speaker bio, press profile, email signature, marketing material, or wherever else you need to show up properly.
How many outfits should I bring?
For most portrait and headshot sessions, three to five outfits is the sweet spot.
That gives us enough range without overcomplicating the shoot.
You might bring one smarter option, one more relaxed option, and one that feels a bit more personal. If the shoot is for your business or personal brand, we might also consider your brand colours, your website, your work environment, and where the finished images are likely to be used.
You don’t need to arrive with everything perfectly worked out.
It helps if you have a few ideas, such as “I definitely want to wear this jacket” or “I feel really good in this shirt”. That gives us a starting point.
But you don’t need to make all the decisions before the shoot.
An early part of my process is looking through the outfit options together and agreeing on a loose plan. Some clothes look better in real life than they do on camera. Some colours work beautifully against one backdrop but not another. Some outfits feel right for one lighting setup but wrong for the next.
That’s where having options helps.
What should I avoid wearing?
Simple usually works best.
That doesn’t mean boring. It means the outfit should support the portrait, not take over the portrait.
Busy patterns, loud colours, large logos, shiny fabrics and fussy details can all pull attention away from your face. And your face is where the connection happens.
We humans are quite simple when we look at photos. Our eyes go to faces first. That is where we read trust, confidence, warmth, authority and personality.
If your outfit is shouting louder than your expression, it can get in the way.
That’s why I tend to favour a more minimal approach. Black, white, navy, grey, earthy tones, pastels and simple layers often photograph really well. Texture can work beautifully too, as long as it doesn’t become too distracting.
The aim isn’t to hide your personality. It’s to make sure the clothes complement you, rather than compete with you.
Should I buy something new for my shoot?
Not necessarily.
In fact, I would be careful about wearing something brand new unless you have already tried it properly.
A portrait shoot isn’t the best time to discover that a shirt pulls strangely when you sit down, a dress needs constant adjusting, or a jacket feels too tight across the shoulders.
Bring clothes you are comfortable wearing. Better still, bring clothes that make you feel confident. That confidence shows.
If you feel awkward in what you’re wearing, it can affect how you hold yourself. If you feel good, we have a much better starting point.
Is it better to bring too much or too little?
Too much is better than too little.
You don’t need to bring your entire wardrobe, but I would much rather have a few extra options to choose from than be stuck with one outfit that isn’t quite working.
Sometimes the outfit you thought would be the strongest isn’t the one that works best on camera.
And sometimes the safe option becomes the standout.
That’s why we look through everything at the start and make a plan together.
Where can I change during the shoot?
At my studio, you can change privately.
Some clients change in the studio while I step out next door. The studio door locks, and there are blinds for privacy. There’s also a bathroom at the end of the hall if you would rather use that.
So yes, outfit changes are normal, expected and built into the way I work. There’s no awkwardness around it.
Why outfit changes help the shoot itself
Here’s something I probably shouldn’t admit too loudly.
Outfit changes aren’t just about the clothes. They’re also a useful tactic during the shoot.
A change of outfit gives us a natural pause. It breaks up the session. It gives you a moment to reset, breathe, and step back into the room with a slightly different energy.
That can be incredibly helpful, especially if you’re slightly nervous at the start.
The first outfit might be the one you think you should wear. The second or third might be the one you actually relax into.
And once you feel comfortable, the photos usually get much better.
Alongside outfit changes, I’ll also adjust lighting, change backdrops, move you into different poses, and guide you throughout. All of those small changes help build a stronger, more varied set of images.
Variety adds value.
What should your outfit do in a portrait?
This depends on the purpose of the shoot.
A corporate headshot might need to feel credible and professional. A personal brand portrait might need more warmth and personality. A creative portrait might allow more room to play.
But in every case, the outfit should help tell the right story without stealing attention.
It should feel like you.
Not a costume. Not a disguise. Not something you think you are supposed to wear because everyone else in your industry does.
The best outfit is usually the one that helps you stand a little taller and forget about what you are wearing.
That’s when we can focus on expression, posture, connection and presence.
So, can you change outfits during a portrait shoot?
Yes.
Please do.
Bring three to five options. Keep things fairly simple. Avoid anything too loud or distracting. Choose clothes that fit well, feel good, and reflect how you want to be seen.
And don’t worry about getting it perfect before you arrive.
We’ll look through the options together, make a plan, and create a set of portraits with enough variety to be genuinely useful.
Because a strong portrait shoot should give you more than one good photo.
It should give you options.
