Need advice on asking photographer to change editing style

I booked my photographer in February for my May 2018 wedding so I don't think you booked too early. I would just tell her you noticed the difference and ask what she's doing differently and explain your preference.

My photographer asked what style of editing we liked. She gave us options and showed us the differences. Maybe yours will do something similar, or you can ask her to look at different editing styles.

When we had our meeting with our photographer, he asked us what past weddings we saw on the website that we really liked. I would start out by pointing out some of the weddings that you do like, and then emphasize things like you like light, natural color, and other adjectives that describe what you're going for. It's also possible (I don't know how many different weddings you're looking at in the past year that are dark, so maybe this isn't an option) that all of the things she's done in the last year are supposed to have been dark...if we're just talking weddings, something like the bride and groom were more dramatic or the event was more conducive to darker editing (i.e. nighttime or city weddings). If not, the photographer probably is trying to make herself appeal to a new crowd but I would just emphasize you like things looking light, fresh, and natural, and hopefully she'll get the idea. If you're still concerned, I really wouldn't be above just saying point blank that you don't want the pictures edited like "this, this, and this", but like "this". You are the client, and you will be paying her - probably a lot.

If this is a style she used to use, and the reason you booked her, just ask her if it's possible to do the post work for your wedding that way. As you prefer it over the newer work. Or that you think it's a better match with your particular event. Nothing offensive about that. It would be different if you wanted bright and flowery and the photographer is known for bold and moody. In this case, her approach changed.

Thank you all so much for your comments and thought! I definitely feel more comfortable talking to her about the style.

Thanks again!