Is It Vain to Have a Bunch of Pictures of Yourself?

(Spoiler: No. And here's why it might just be the most powerful thing you do.)

Let’s get straight to the question so many women are quietly wondering:

Is It Vain to Have Pictures of Yourself?—especially more than just one?

The short answer? No.

The real answer? Keep reading. This might change how you see yourself forever.

The Lie We We're Fed: That Being Seen Is Selfish

For generations, women were told to be modest, humble, and selfless. That to love how we looked—or even just be comfortable being photographed—was somehow shallow or vain.

I see this often in my portrait studio near The Villages, FL. Women will walk in, brave enough to finally step in front of the camera, and still whisper…

“Is it vain to have this many pictures of me?” “I’m not a model.” “I don’t need more than a headshot… do I?”

A Moment That Stuck With Me

Not long ago, I was photographing a woman who had been through more than most—someone with a powerful story of resilience and healing. During our time together, she quietly shared that a family member didn’t really understand why she was doing this session just for herself.

Later, as she looked through her portraits, she said something that’s echoed in my mind ever since: “Maybe it’s vain to want so many of these…”

My heart sank. Not because she said it—but because so many of us believe it.

You’re Not One-Dimensional. Your Photos Shouldn’t Be Either.

One photo can capture a moment. But you? You’re made of many.

You are bold and soft. Playful and powerful. Wise and still curious. You’ve lived through seasons that shaped you—and a single image can’t possibly tell that entire story.

That’s why more than one photo isn’t excessive. It’s necessary.

Each portrait reflects a different part of you:

• A subtle change in your expression tells a new truth.

• A shift in lighting or composition evokes a different emotion.

• A change of wardrobe reclaims a new role.

• A new pose reveals a quiet strength or a burst of joy.

You are multifaceted. You are more than one look, one season, one expression. And you are worth more than one photo.

Every image becomes a brushstroke in the masterpiece of your legacy.

Why One Photo Is Never Enough

If you’ve ever planned a memorial service, you know the frantic scramble—digging through old boxes, scanning faded prints, screenshotting Facebook photos, and desperately wishing there were more. More images. More expressions. More moments captured.

This isn't morbid. It’s real. And it’s a love letter to the people who love you.

Because while that one perfect headshot is great, it doesn’t show your laugh. It doesn’t show your quiet strength, your playfulness, or the way your eyes crinkle when you’re truly at ease.

One photo can’t carry all of that. One photo is a headline—but you, my friend, are a full story.

So no, it’s not vain to have multiple portraits of yourself.

It’s powerful. It’s honest. It’s human.

Your legacy deserves more than a single image.

And frankly, so do you.

Let’s Set the Record Straight: It’s Not Vanity. It’s Legacy.

Photos of yourself are more than proof you existed. They’re proof you lived. That you loved. That you mattered.

Whether you’re taking personal portraits to mark a milestone or branding photos to show up confidently in your business—these images are part of your legacy.

And your legacy deserves to be seen.

Why It's Not Vain to Have Photos of Yourself

Let’s break it down:

1. Visibility isn’t vanity. Being seen is brave. For women, especially those told their worth is tied to being small, quiet, or selfless, visibility is radical.

2. Portraits are part of healing. So many clients tell me they finally saw themselves with kind eyes after their session. That alone makes it worth it.

3. It’s a celebration. Your face. Your story. Your resilience. You don’t need an excuse to be documented—you need a reason not to wait.

4. It’s a gift to your family. Your children and grandchildren won’t look back and wish they had fewer photos of you. They’ll wish they had more.

From One Woman to Another

This belief that it’s vain to have photos of yourself? It’s outdated. It’s untrue. And it’s keeping too many women from showing up boldly.

I want to give you permission (not that you need it):

✨ To see yourself as worthy of being photographed.

✨ To enjoy having images you love.

✨ To stop shrinking and start shining.

Ready to Be Seen?

If you’re in The Villages, Ocala, or Central Florida area and you’re ready to stop hiding and start celebrating the woman you’ve become—let’s create something unforgettable.

📸 Book a Discovery Call to talk about your vision.

💌 Want to know more about the Her Legacy Campaign? Click here.

🖼️ Curious what your session could look like? See the portfolio.

You deserve more than one photo. You deserve to be remembered, celebrated, and seen—exactly as you are.

And in case you thought I don't practice what I preach...

💌 Ready to tell your story? Let’s create portraits that reflect every side of who you are. Contact me here to book your session—because your legacy deserves more than just one frame.