DEAR DEVLIN: Should I change My Wedding Photography Editing Style?
Should I change My Wedding Photography Editing Style?
Dear Devlin,
Should I change my wedding photography editing style? I do love my tones and it’s quite distinctive, but the lack of bookings make me wonder whether enough couples do to book me? Are my colours a turn off?
Going grey in Greenside



“Ask yourself: is it really your wedding photography editing style causing the drop in bookings, or could it be another factor – like your marketing, pricing, or visibility? ”
Dear Going Grey in Greenside,
First off, let me say that having a distinctive wedding photography editing style often sets us apart in a saturated market – so it’s not necessarily a bad thing. The fact that you love your tones and have developed a specific aesthetic means you’ve already done something many photographers struggle with: creating a recognisable brand look. However, it’s completely understandable to wonder if your style might be scaring off potential clients, especially when enquiries are slow. I wonder if you might be comparing yourself to other photographers a little too much? Social media is great but it’s also awful because we see so much other photographers’ work. Before you throw your preset in the bin, here are a few things to consider:
1. Identify the Real Issue
Ask yourself: is it really your wedding photography editing style causing the drop in bookings, or could it be another factor – like your marketing, pricing, or visibility? Sometimes, we see fewer bookings because we’re not reaching our ideal audience, or our packages don’t align with market expectations. Before you overhaul your editing, take a moment to audit the rest of your business approach. Is your website up to date? Are you actively marketing to the right couples? Is your social media presence inviting and relevant?
2. Stay True to Your Brand – Within Reason
If your style is something you truly love, it’ll show through in your work and attract couples who appreciate it. That said, you can always offer small variations without ditching your signature look entirely. Consider a “core style” plus one or two alternative tweaks that you can choose from if it suits a wedding better. That way, you remain consistent but show potential flexibility for couples who might want slightly different colour treatments.
3. Communicate Your Vision Clearly
Make sure couples know you’re capable of adapting your wedding photography editing style if they have specific requests. Update your portfolio to showcase subtle differences—perhaps one wedding edited in a slightly lighter tone, another with your signature style. On your website or social media, be upfront: “My signature look is X, but I’m happy to discuss minor changes to best fit your vision.” This can reassure clients who love 90% of what you do but worry about that last 10%.

4. Hone In On Your Ideal Client
A lull in bookings may tempt you to try pleasing everyone – but that often waters down what makes you unique. Instead, focus on attracting the couples who will love your tones. Position your marketing and messaging to speak directly to their tastes, showing why your editing style elevates their day rather than simply following trends.
5. Conduct Market Research
If you’re truly uncertain whether your tones are the problem, consider a bit of informal research – particularly relevant in the wake of the “Sepia Bride” viral incident, which led many photographers and clients to question editing styles.
- Social Media Polls: Post two versions of the same photo (your original tones vs. a potential new style) in Stories. Ask your followers which they prefer.
- Peer Groups: Share the same comparison in photographer communities or trusted groups to get professional opinions.
6. Style vs. Fashion in Wedding Photography Editing
Right now, there’s a noticeable shift in editing trends toward more neutral tones, and plenty of photographers are jumping on social media to announce that they already offer exactly that. Over my own 25 years in the industry, I’ve transitioned through a few different editing styles, but I’ve always done it gradually so my portfolio never looks jarring or inconsistent.
I like to think of it this way: style is how you shoot, and fashion is how you edit. Fashion always changes, and that’s perfectly natural. If you’re genuinely falling out of love with your current edit, take it as a cue to evolve. But if you still feel strongly connected to your signature look, then fight to find the clients who appreciate it as much as you do.
6. Don’t Panic – Adjust if Needed
It’s natural to second-guess your style when bookings slow, especially in an uncertain market. Before you ditch a look you love, gather data. Track how new enquiries come in, ask for feedback from peers or past clients, and see if you can make small adjustments to address any minor concerns. You might find that clarifying your brand message or showing slightly more variety is enough to spark fresh interest without a complete style overhaul.
Ultimately, the style you’re passionate about is part of what makes your photography uniquely yours.
If your colours light you up, that energy resonates with the right clients – and those are the ones you’ll be happiest working with. Just make sure you’re positioning yourself where those couples can find you, understand your look, and fall in love with it.

OUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO LIGHTROOM

IMAGES: Lisa Devlin
DRESSES: Wilden London
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & HAIR: Big Hair Energy
MUA: Jaz Crush
VEILS: Rebecca Anne Designs
ACCESSORIES: The Lucky Sixpence
MODEL: Luna Messino
ASSISTANT: James Pearce
LOCATION: Sunset Studios

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