Why Your Fashion Photography Portfolio Shouldn’t Try to Show Everything
Why Your Portfolio Doesn’t Need to Prove You Can Do It All
One of the biggest fears I see among fashion photographers, especially when they’re just starting out, is the belief that their portfolio needs to show everything.
E-commerce. Lookbooks. Campaigns. Behind-the-scenes coverage. Studio lighting. Location work. Film. Digital. You name it.
There’s this pressure to be a jack-of-all-trades to “tick all the boxes” and appeal to every potential client.
But here’s the truth: that mindset is a trap.
You Don’t Need to Be Good at Everything, Just Great at Something
Clients aren’t looking for generalists. They’re looking for someone who owns their niche.
They want to hire the person who is amazing at the type of work they need, not someone who's okay at 10 different things. That’s why it’s not only okay to not include everything in your portfolio, it’s actually better.
If you have no interest in shooting basic e-comm work, don’t put it in your portfolio. You’re not doing yourself any favours by showing work that you don’t enjoy or don’t want to get hired for.
And if e-comm is the type of work you love? Amazing. Highlight it.
The key is intentionality.
Your Portfolio Should Tell Your Story
Your portfolio isn’t just a visual CV, it’s a curated representation of your creative identity.
Think of it as a story. Every image you include should reflect the kind of work you want to do more of, the brands you want to attract, and the direction you want your career to go.
It should feel focused, cohesive, and distinctly you.
Because at the end of the day, you don’t need to prove yourself to everyone. Just the right people.
Need Help Curating a Portfolio That Gets You Hired?
If you’re in the thick of refining your portfolio, or you feel overwhelmed trying to decide what to include, you're not alone. This is one of the core areas we focus on inside the Fashion Photography Club.
Fashion Photography Club is my membership for photographers who want to build thriving, intentional careers—with support, structure, and community every step of the way.
Inside the club, you’ll get:
Personalised feedback on your portfolio
Strategic advice on what to include (and what to let go of)
Monthly trainings and creative prompts to keep you growing
A private community of like-minded photographers
Real-world guidance on getting hired for the work you want to be doing
We’re not about chasing trends or trying to be everything to everyone. We’re about helping you refine your craft, own your voice, and attract clients who genuinely resonate with your style.
Ready to build a portfolio that opens doors?
Join the waitlist for the Fashion Photography Club and get access when doors open next.
You don’t need more work in your portfolio. You need the right work—and the confidence to show it.
