There’s a saying that every seven to ten years, we become new people. From a scientific point of view, we generate new cells in our entire bodies within that span of time, but on a personal level, we also began to desire new experiences, too. When you start a new career path as a wedding photographer, for example, your initial goals are to get clients and find an editing style that fits you. As years pass, you learn more about yourself and the industry around you. With gained wisdom, you begin to pivot your business strategies and change how you capture your clients. This is when a photo business rebrand becomes essential.

[Read: 3 Ways Photographers Can Market For a New Reality]

Why Rebrand Your Photo Business

Branding elevates your services in the eyes of the clients that you want to book you. It can take a while for some photographers to get where they want to be in this regard. Trust me, I didn’t think so until I realized that the clientele I wanted to reach was different than the masses in the wedding industry: modern, refined couples who also have a keen sense of adventure.

[Read: The 3 Building Blocks of Branding For Your Ideal Client]

Rebranding a business can make anyone nervous. You need to create a brand that reflects you, your style and your ideal clients, and there are so many details that can’t be overlooked because they all play an essential role.

When to Rebrand Your Photo Business

I recently rebranded, and yes, I was nervous about it! My husband and I had been a duo photography team formerly known as Allie & John Photography for quite some time. After giving birth to an adventurous baby girl, we had to pivot focus. John still photographs weddings from time to time, but he now mainly deals with the business side of things while I, as lead photographer, spearhead the creative side.

[Read: How to Brand Your Photo Business for Real Client Connection]

In the beginning of this year, I rebranded the look of the business but kept the Allie & John Photography name. Then in early summer, I was encouraged by many of my peers in the industry to voice my rebrand and make it me. I changed the name to Alicia Rinka Photography and decided to rebrand again, with a style that more closely reflects my desire for fashionable, refined couples who love adventure.

In reality, it took me a year to change my business name and rebrand to Alicia Rinka Photography. John has always advocated for me to be at the forefront of my business, because I was the creative with visions to grow and refine the business. I wanted that, but I was nervous venturing out as a solo photographer rather than as a duo. 

[Read: 8 Common Branding Pitfalls in Wedding and Portrait Photography]

How to Rebrand Your Photo Business

When rebranding, you have to think about the style you’d like your clients to see, but you also have to think about the design, what images reflect your style, how to market the rebrand and when to launch, all while keeping your audience informed.

Each step, however, stems from the design that represents your new brand. The more cohesive, the better. Having your font, copywriting, social media, marketing materials and even headshots in sync with your brand’s new look is crucial.

5 Tips to Rebrand Your Photo Business

1. Write down the steps you want or need to take. Each step is valuable in showcasing a brand that speaks to ideal clients.

2. Plan on investing quite a bit of time on getting a vision together. Having a visual moodboard can help guide and motivate you to nail down the specific style you’re going for.

3. Don’t shortchange a step if you feel like there are some areas you need help with. Reach out to a creative in the field you are not familiar with.

4. Make sure that a hired creative aligns with your style—the same way clients look for a photographer whose style aligns with theirs. This is important, especially for design!

5. Work on your copywriting. You not only need to be professional, but you should also include copy that makes you look like a total boss!

[Read: How To Infuse Your True Personality Into Your Brand]

There are great creatives ready to help you achieve a beautifully curated brand. I’m still in the process of changing my logo and website design to reflect me. I’ve hired a designer, and I’m working on images to complement my new name.

Yes, it’s a lot of work if you think about it. But after the fact, it is so rewarding to see a vision come together that you’ve worked so hard to accomplish.

Alicia Rinka is a wedding photographer based in Denver, Colorado.

[For more rebranding stories, read about going:
1. from big weddings to tiny elopements
2. from faraway destinations to local weddings
3. from solo photographer to family collective.]