STYLING & PLANNING

Can We Change Outfits During the Photoshoot or Is It Too Time-Consuming?

July 10, 2025  •  Mohidin T.  •  13 Min Read
Couple with casual vs formal beach outfits
Quick Answer

Yes, but limit it to 1-2 changes max. A full outfit swap takes 15 minutes (eating into shooting time). Smart couples use the "Layering Hack"—changing just a shirt or adding a jacket—to get a new look in under 2 minutes.

Variety is great, but not at the expense of sunset light. The sun doesn't wait for you to change. Here is the realistic breakdown of how outfit changes impact your session timeline.

Section 1: The Time Cost Calculator

Time Cost: Full Wardrobe Change

Walking to Car/Restroom 5 Mins
Changing Clothes 7 Mins
Touch-ups (Hair/Makeup) 5 Mins
Walking Back to Spot 5 Mins
TOTAL TIME LOST 22 Minutes

Section 2: Smart Strategies for Speed

Don't lose 20 minutes. Use these pro tactics:

1. The Layer Method

Wear a tank top under a blouse. Remove blouse = instant new look. (Time: 30 seconds)

2. The "Top Only" Swap

Keep the same jeans/pants. Change the shirt only. Men can do this easily in public. (Time: 2 mins)

3. The Car Change

Park close to the shoot location. Use the car as a changing room to save walking time. (Time: 10 mins)

Section 3: When to Change

Real Client Stories

The 3-Outfit Mistake

A couple brought 3 full outfits for a 1-hour session. They spent 40 minutes changing and only 20 minutes shooting. They got very few photos. Lesson: Less is more.

The Layering Win

Priya wore a dress with a denim jacket. Halfway through, she ditched the jacket and let her hair down. Two distinct vibes, zero time lost. Lesson: Accessories change the look.

Conclusion

One outfit change is perfect for a 90-minute session. Two is pushing it. Plan your outfits to be easy to swap, and prioritize shooting time over wardrobe time.

At Goan Element, we help you plan your outfits during the pre-shoot consultation to maximize efficiency.

Plan Your Wardrobe

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