Hi there! I’m Kimberly Reynolds, and as a professional photographer, I know that one of the most exciting—yet sometimes daunting—moments in your career is when you start thinking about evolving your editing style. Maybe you're feeling like your current style no longer resonates with you, or perhaps you’ve noticed shifts in photography trends that you want to explore. The big question is: Should you make the change?
I’ve been in this position before, and I totally get how overwhelming it can feel to consider changing your editing style. It’s a huge decision that can impact everything from your brand identity to client expectations. But don’t worry! I’m here to break it down for you so you can make an informed choice about whether this is the right move for you.
1. Why You Might Want to Change Your Editing Style
Before diving into whether it's a good or bad idea, let’s take a look at why you might be contemplating a change in the first place.
Your Personal Growth as an Artist: As a photographer, you evolve over time. Your technical skills improve, your creativity deepens, and your understanding of light, composition, and storytelling grows. Your editing style should reflect this personal evolution. If you feel that your current editing approach no longer aligns with where you are as an artist, it’s natural to want to explore something new.
Trends and Market Demand: Photography trends are constantly shifting. Styles like moody tones, rich color palettes, or vintage film looks are often more popular at different times. While it’s essential to stay true to yourself as a photographer, paying attention to evolving trends in your niche (wedding photography, portrait photography, commercial work, etc.) can help you stay competitive and relevant in the market.
Client Feedback: Sometimes, your clients might express interest in a different look. Whether they’ve seen a style that they like on Pinterest or Instagram or they’re looking for something more unique, feedback from clients can be a big motivator. However, it's important to balance this with your own artistic vision.
2. The Pros of Changing Your Editing Style
There are definitely some benefits to experimenting with or fully changing your editing style. Let’s break down the positives:
Fresh Energy and Excitement: A new editing style can inject a new level of energy and excitement into your photography. It’s a way to reignite your passion for the craft and move away from any creative burnout you may be experiencing. Plus, a new look could attract new types of clients who are drawn to your updated aesthetic.
Attracting a New Audience: If your previous style wasn’t connecting with the audience you hoped for, a change could open the door to a different demographic. For example, a more vibrant, light-and-airy editing style could attract a different crowd than a dark, moody, or dramatic one. If your business is built around a certain client base, evolving your editing style could align more with their needs and desires.
Growth and Adaptation: Photography is an art form, and art is all about growth and change. Trying a new editing style helps you push boundaries, learn new techniques, and experiment with different moods. It keeps you from getting stuck in a creative rut and allows you to develop as both an artist and a professional.
3. The Cons of Changing Your Editing Style
While there are plenty of reasons to embrace a new editing style, there are some potential downsides to consider as well.
Disrupting Brand Consistency: One of the most significant challenges is the potential disruption of your brand identity. If you’ve spent years cultivating a specific editing style that clients recognize and love, making a drastic change could confuse your audience. A sudden shift might make it harder for people to connect your new images to your established brand.
Client Confusion or Resistance: If your clients are used to a particular style—say, light, airy images for weddings or a clean, high-contrast look for portraits—they might not respond well to a dramatic shift. This could lead to a dip in bookings or cause some of your existing clients to feel disconnected from your work. They might even wonder if you still “get” their needs or expectations.
Time and Effort Investment: Changing your editing style takes time and effort, especially if you’ve built an established workflow that’s tied to your current style. You may need to adjust your entire post-processing routine, create new presets, or invest in learning new software or techniques. This requires not only technical learning but also the mental and creative space to explore different possibilities.
4. How Clients Might React to a Change in Editing Style
When you change your editing style, the way your clients perceive you can vary depending on how you manage the transition.
The Positive Reaction: If you’re able to maintain the essence of what you offer (high-quality, professional images), your clients might embrace the change. For example, some clients may even appreciate the fresh direction and creativity. If you communicate clearly about the shift, they may trust you as an artist and even be excited to see how you push the envelope.
The Negative Reaction: On the other hand, clients who specifically booked you for your signature style might feel disappointed or confused by the new look. It's essential to manage client expectations. If they hired you for a certain aesthetic, they may feel that a dramatic shift in editing could compromise their vision. This is especially true if you’ve already built a portfolio based on a specific look.
5. How to Make the Transition Smoothly
If you do decide to change your editing style, here are some steps you can take to ensure the transition is smooth for both you and your clients:
Gradual Change: Instead of completely overhauling your editing style overnight, consider easing into it. Start by experimenting with small tweaks to your existing style and gradually shift your editing approach. This will help you gauge client reactions and adjust accordingly.
Update Your Portfolio and Website: If you’re making a significant change, update your portfolio, website, and social media to reflect your new editing style. Be transparent about your changes, and explain your reasoning to your audience. Sharing behind-the-scenes processes or discussing your creative journey can help them connect with your growth as an artist.
Communicate with Clients: If you’re working with existing clients, let them know about the transition in advance. Share samples of your new style with them, and be sure to ask if they have any concerns. It’s always easier to make the shift when clients are part of the conversation.
Stay True to Your Core Values: While editing style can evolve, remember that your core values as a photographer—whether that’s capturing emotion, telling a story, or focusing on high-quality composition—should remain consistent. A change in editing shouldn’t feel like a departure from your essence; it should feel like an expansion of your creative vision.
6. Is It Worth Changing Your Editing Style?
At the end of the day, the decision to change your editing style depends on where you are in your photography career and what you feel aligns with your goals. If you're truly passionate about exploring a new style and believe it better reflects your current vision, go for it! Just be mindful of how you manage the change with clients and how it may affect your brand identity.
Photography is about constant growth and evolution, so as long as you stay authentic to your artistic voice, a change in editing style can be a powerful tool to help you stand out and connect with new audiences.
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