Editorial photo shoot
What is Editorial Photography & How to Take Editorial Images
What is editorial photography?
Editorial photography definition
Before we dive into the steps to creating editorial photography we must first answer “What is editorial photography?” After the definition, we'll look at the differences between various types of photography as well as examples and styles of editorial photography.
EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHY DEFINITION
What is editorial photography?
Editorial photography is a type of photography that aims to tell a story or portray a concept. Editorial photography is commonly found in magazines, newspapers, editorial features, and journalism. Unlike commercial photography, editorial photography relies much more on story than it does on a brand. The motive, therefore, is not to sell but rather express and engage.
What is editorial photography used in?
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Editorial features
Difference between commercial and editorial photography
Editorial vs.
Before diving into the fundamental components of shooting editorial style photography, let’s take a look at how it differs from commercial photography.
Both editorial style photography and commercial photography are designed to be printed or posted online. Both are also designed to engage viewers. Where they differ is in their goals.
Check out this video by Tin House Studio that lays down the differences in pay, creative freedom, and goals of editorial style photography and those of commercial photography.
Difference between commercial and editorial photography
To recap, commercial photography aims to persuade consumers into buying into a brand, product, or service. Commercial photography is commonly seen in ad campaigns, entertainment promotions, packaging, and general branding. The result of commercial photography greatly depends on the brand being sold. Consider this example from Nike.
What is editorial photography vs commercial photography?
Editorial style photography, on the other hand, aims to tell a story or portray a concept.
The motive is not to sell, but rather express and engage. Editorial photography is commonly found in magazines, newspapers, editorial features, and journalism. Editorial style photography relies much more on story than it does on a brand.
Among the many Vanity Fair editorial photography examples, this one by Art Streiber aims to tell the story of a pivotal moment in Hollywood. Streiber’s editorial aims to capture a moment in which Jordan Peele and Greta Gerwig both receive adoration for their films Get Out and Lady Bird introducing much needed diversity to the best directors conversation.
Editorial photography examples • Vanity Fair
The crisp editorial photo is set dressed beautifully to tell a story. It also helps to have two powerhouse directors be the subject of the photograph. Now that you understand the difference between commercial and editorial photography, let’s dive into how to create it.
What is editorial style photography?
Begin with the story
The very first step in creating editorial photography is to determine the story that you want to tell.
Editorial photography is almost always composed of a series of photos that tell a story. Therefore, the story will become the blueprint of the rest of your shoot.
There are no limits to the stories told through editorial photography. They can be based on current events, lifestyles, a concept, or even pre-existing stories.
Annie Leibovitz Editorial photography examples
If you are having trouble finding a story to tell, it often helps to start simple. What emotion or concept are you curious enough to explore. Maybe it’s paranoia, anxiety, freedom, or angst? Build a story from these curiosities.
What are editorial photos made of?
Create a mood board
Once you’ve determined your story, it’s time to start putting together your vision of how to tell it. Creating a mood board will help you find inspiration for what you want to capture. They help you develop an overall aesthetic for your shoot.
What is editorial photography created from?
Mood boards not only help you as the photographer, but everyone you will be working with.
It will serve as a reference point for other creatives or models on the shoot. This video by Mango Street lays out how they created the mood board you see above and why creating a mood board is integral to conceptualizing your photoshoot.
What is editorial photography: Conceptualizing
As you can see from the mood board created in the video, visual elements like location, wardrobe, and mood are important to explore. However, mood boards have no rules. They are designed to best serve you and your project’s needs.
Take a look at the mood board we created for an example editorial shoot using the free StudioBinder storyboarding app. Simply upload images and create your own mood board for your editorial photoshoot.
Editorial photoshoot moodboard example
If there are other elements that you specifically envision and are important to the shoot, explore them in your mood board. This could be things like make up, color schemes, lighting styles, or set dressing.
Compile photos and visuals into software like StudioBinder to create your own mood boards for your project.
Editorial fashion photography
Cast your model
Creating your mood board will also inform you on the type of model to cast in your shoot. This does not necessarily mean you will have an idea of what your model will look like per se, but rather how they will perform.
When casting a model for an editorial shoot there are a few things to consider. First is obviously their appearance and how that fits into your vision. Professional photographers have the luxury of working with high profile models, actors, and celebrities.
Editorial photoshoot example
Without this luxury, it’s important to interview and be thorough with your casting. Utilize resources like casting templates and audition forms to stay organized and comprehensive. Be aware that you will be collaborating with this model and directing them. Because of this, communication skills, competence, and experience should factor into your decision.
A great way to start casting is to contact model agencies and send them your mood board. The agency will then provide model comp cards that will give you an idea of what you have to cast from.
It is also important to note that some editorials that lean more towards journalism may not involve casting a model at all. Some editorials aim to capture real people for authenticity. Whether you shoot this way or with a model will depend entirely on the story you are telling as well as your vision.
What are editorial photos?
Assemble a team
The next step in preparing to shoot editorial photography is to assemble a team. This step is completely dependent on the story you are telling and the scale of your production.
When it comes to professional, big budget productions, teams can be massive. Just take a look at this behind the scenes video of a Vogue editorial shoot.
Behind the Scenes of Vogue Editorial fashion photography
Of course, we aren’t all shooting for Vogue and we may have smaller budgets to work with.
So it’s important to determine what roles you need.
Whether it be make up stylists, camera assistants to hold up reflectors, or a wardrobe stylist for multiple wardrobe changes, your team may differ from shoot to shoot.
Great editorial photography can still be achieved with minimal team members or none at all. It’s just important to know your restraints prior to planning your shoot so that you can work within your means.
What is editorial style photography?
Determine a location
Depending on what story you are capturing, location can be everything. The first decision you must make is if you will be shooting in a studio or on location. Some shoots will require the controlled setting of a studio with solid backdrops. It’s essential to understand how to manage your shooting locations if your shoot entails multiple locations.
What is editorial photography? • Studios
If you do opt for a studio, find a reasonably priced one that best serves your needs.
This may come down to space, affordability, or studio location.
Other editorial shoots will rely on specific locations with complex sets. Refer to your mood board to hone in on the location you will need. These on location shoots will be determined by the story you are telling.
What is editorial photography on location by Oscar Munar
If you shoot on location, utilize online resources to find rentable spaces or locations of other photoshoots you admire. Learn how to scout a location and plan to visit these locations prior to shooting to really understand the environment in which you will be shooting.
On location, consider how it works with natural light and what problems may unfold such as weather, permits, or travel.
How to take editorial photos?
Styling
An integral part of expressing your story in editorial photography is styling. Styling is an opportunity to manipulate visual elements of your photograph to better tell your story or portray a concept.
Hair styling and wardrobe can be extremely important for specific editorials. If your story is set during a specific time period or meant to reflect a specific culture, wardrobe styling becomes all the more important. Consider enlisting the help of professional stylists if you can afford to do so.
Types of editorial photography • photo by Oscar Munar
While wardrobe, hair, and make up are important, it is only a part of styling a photograph. Set dressing and props can be an incredibly important part of capturing a story or concept.
Even in more abstract shoots where stories are not as straightforward, styling the set can create a deeper meaning in an image that can capture a viewer's attention.
Types of editorial photography • Photo by Sahar Rana
Again, referring to your moodboard will be critical when styling your editorial photo shoot. Experiment with different styling tools at your disposal like wardrobe and set dressing to really capture the story you are trying to tell.
Your styling, location, and model will all be information to include in your editorial portrait shot list. This will keep you organized and remind you of what your gameplan is when the shoot days finally arrive.
How to shoot editorial photography
Direct the shoot
Most of these tips on shooting editorial photography have more to do with preparation than actual shooting. That’s because in editorial photography, preparation is everything.
Once the actual shoot arrives, the main thing to remember is to trust your instincts and direct the shoot. As the photographer, you conceptualized this idea and put it together. Be the leader on the shoot that can direct the ship in the right direction.
Take a look at how Annie Leibovitz, renowned photographer, directs her editorial shoot for Vogue. Note how she directs her team and the model confidently, but still collaborates creatively to produce the best images.
Annie Leibovitz BTS • What is editorial photography
Direct your model and team appropriately so that all hands work toward the same vision.
Be open to using tools like music, your moodboard, and your communication skills to set the mood on set.
Editorial photography is one of the best places for a photographer to most freely express their artistic visions. Hopefully some of these tips have inspired you to create your own editorial and explore your artistic curiosities as a photographer.
UP NEXTPortrait photography tipsEditorial photography aims to tell a story through a series of still images. Oftentimes, these images will be portraits within an editorial If these are the type of editorial images you are shooting, check out our next article. We dive into tips and techniques on how to shoot great portrait photography.
Up Next: Portrait Photography Tips →
What Is The Difference Between an Editorial Photoshoot and Commercial Photoshoot? — Olivia Bossert Education
Business TipsFashion Photography TipsPhotographyPhotography TipsPhotoshoot Preparation
Written By Olivia Bossert
As a photographer, I'm always being asked questions about my job and how things work.
One of the questions that keeps popping up is: what the difference between an editorial shoot and a commercial shoot? So rather than assume that everyone knows what those things mean, I thought it would be worth taking a few minutes to properly explain what they are!
Editorial Shoots:
They Tell A Story: Editorial's are the kinds of images that you see in the pages of Vogue, for example (or Atlas!). They're stories that a creative team have come up with, and executed.
For Magazines: These types of images tend to be created with the intention of getting them published in a magazine or on a blog. Sometimes a magazine commissions a photographer directly to create the images, other times photographers and a creative team create the images first, and then submit them to publications.
Freedom for The Team: Editorials don't have a lot of rules on them. It's a chance for photographers, make up artists, hair stylists and clothing stylists to let loose, have some fun and get really creative.
These images are often the ones you'll see which are the most daring or different.
There Is Rarely Money: Editorial shoots are always what creatives tend to love to shoot, because they've got so much creative freedom over them, but most of the time there is very little budget in editorial shoots. Magazines have little to no budget to offer photographers for their shoots, and as I said above, a lot of them are created by a photographer and then sent to magazines. Why do we produce them if we're not being paid? Because we love them, because they add to our portfolio's, because they're a chance for everyone to try something new, and further their techniques!
Commercial Shoots:
For A Brand: Commercial shoots are organised by a brand who are in need of new imagery to market their service/product. These images are most often used as advertising, or for their social media, for example.
There Is Money Involved: For a commercial shoot, there is always a budget.
This means that the brand has set aside money to pay for the images, and the team involved in their photoshoot. Sometimes the budget is small, other times it's big! It completely depends on the brand in question.
Images With A Purpose: These images aren't created just "because." They're created in order to help the brand sell their product or service. That does tend to mean that there is less creative freedom involved, as the brand will have a clear message that they want to convey, and a look their achieving. Most of the time, a brand will approach a photographer and team based on the images in their portfolio because they think that they are a good fit. They often ask photographers to shoot in the way that they would shoot their personal work, but with the brand in mind. So that just goes to show why personal editorial work is so important for photographers to create!
Tell The Story Of The Brand: While editorial photography tends to tell a story as a whole, commercial photography tells the story of the brand.
Organised By The Brand: Editorial's tend to be organised by a photographer who is looking to achieve a certain look. Other times, a make up artist or hair dresser may have an idea in mind in which they collaborate with other creatives. In the case of commercial photography, it is almost always the brand who organise and choose who they want to use for their shoot. They may approach a photographer first who has suggestions on a creative team, but ultimately they are at liberty to choose their team, and organise their day around that.
So there you go! A quick summery of what the differences are between editorial photography and commercial photography. I really hope that's been helpful for those of you who may have wanted some clarity. Let me know in the comments below if you have more questions, and I'll get back to you.
brandcommercialcreativitiydifferenceeditorialmagazinemarketingmoneyphotographyphotoshootstory
Olivia Bossert https://www.
oliviabossert.com
What is editorial photography?
Superb editorial photography is impossible to ignore. It is she who can turn a person from a “magazine flipper” into a full-fledged reader. The style of the image should be crisp and the subject should be clear.
In this article, photographer Christopher Bryan-Smith dives into the world of editorial photography, explaining what it is and what a photographer should be thinking about.
Photographer: Nicole Angelova
So what is editorial photography? nine0010
Editorial photography is the art of creating images for magazines. The role of an editorial photographer is to create images that express the purpose of the article. Do not confuse editorial and commercial photography. Editorial photography is not a product sale. It's about selling a story.
Editorial photos must be clear and concise. And not only to correspond to history, but also to elevate it. The editor will provide a short description for the work.
The photographer then has to create images that match the journalist's words. Editors may know what they want, but the photographer is given the freedom to express his ideas. nine0003
Photographer Gemma Chua-Tran
There is no single style for editorial photography. The photographer needs to interpret the story and express it in their own way. It could be documentary photography or creating a scene in a studio.
Photographer: Oladimeji Odunsi
Editorial Photography Styles
No photography style suits all editorials. Grab a copy of Vogue or Vanity Fair and you'll see many different genres of photography on their pages. nine0003
The summary will influence the style of the final editorial shots. An article about a recent political event will require a more realistic style. A segment of an interview or biography - something closer to a portrait photograph. Some editorial sessions are filmed on elaborately dressed studio sets. Other photographers use real locations for more candid editorial images.
Models also play a big role in editorial photo shoots. The images are stylized, and the models must match the style of shooting and the plot. The image should be the door to the article. The style of editorial photography should match the content. nine0003
Photographer: Clarissa Karbungko
Working with the brief
The editor dictates the brief to the photographer. It is not always possible for a photographer to choose a subject or subject. The editor will mark the story. Sometimes a photographer creates a story that consists of both words and images. And these articles are sold in publications and printed in full. But this is more typical for photojournalism and travel photography.
Stick to the short description. Even if it's the photographer's own story, their intent must be clear. Editorial images should reflect the concepts in the story. nine0003
Photographers-editors are often given a lot of creative control. They are given a purpose.
But only they decide how to get to this goal.
Photographer: Isi Parente
A quick guide to editorial photography
Editorial summaries are often not as simple as they might seem. If the main topic is tomatoes, the first thing you can do is buy some beautiful ripe vegetables from the market. But photographers-editors need to think critically. What does the article say about tomatoes? And how can they express these ideas in their photographs? Is the tomato a hero or a villain in this case? Tomato can be a symbol of a healthy lifestyle. Or maybe it's a pawn in the battle between store-bought and homemade. But forget commercial photography - it's not advertising! The photographer-editor needs to dig deep and uncover the true meaning of the subject. It's not about selling products, it's about telling a story and depicting a concept. nine0003
Photographer: Markus Liste
Editorial photography concepts
Editorial fashion photography is the best place to start learning about conceptual thinking.
Designers don't sell individual pieces of clothing - they represent concepts. Runway wear is not for sale. But the ideas they express seep into street fashion.
Since the 1990s, the fashion industry has moved away from traditional advertising. Brands now have an approach to editorial fashion photography without a logo. It's not about clothes anymore, it's about lifestyle. If you scroll through Vogue, you'll see that it's not just a bunch of ads. You won't see the price tag in the editorial image. And it can be hard for you to figure out which brand an editorial belongs to. But the images are powerful and striking. nine0003
Photographer: Alvin Balemes
Featured in editorial photography
Photographers use visual language to tell a compelling story. Every little thing is thought out. An editorial may only require one image, so it should say it all.
It is important to avoid clichés and stereotypes. When it comes to Paris, using the image of the Eiffel Tower may seem a little ridiculous.
Instead, it could be arranged, for example, in the style of a French beer bar. An individual object may resemble a scene from a movie or book. The way the room is lit takes us to another season. nine0003
Locations also have this effect. Some scenes may be evocative or associated with a lifestyle or culture.
Photographer: Farhan Abas
Editorial photography budget
Editorial budgets are often small, especially compared to advertising campaigns. Publications order editorials, but they have no money. A limited budget will push the photographer to be creative. They have less studio time and fewer accessories. Skills and techniques should compensate for the lack of finances. nine0003
Photographer: Kyle Cleveland
Equipment needed for editorial photography
An editorial photographer needs a clear picture of the set in their head before they arrive. You need to prepare all the props. Many editorial shoots require a tripod.
This gives the photographer more freedom. They will have more exposure flexibility if lighting is an issue.
Preparing to shoot in editorial photography
Time in the studio will be limited, so you must be ready to take the necessary shots. The concept should be clearly defined and everyone should know their role. nine0003
The editorial photographer will not be the only one on set. It could be a whole team of people. And they all follow the instructions of the photographer. There may be decorators, and models, and makeup artists. As a creative director, the photographer has to be in control, making sure everyone knows what everyone needs to do. If the editorial photoshoot is on location, there will be logistical issues. The staff will need transportation and you cannot guarantee that the weather will not change.
Licensing in editorial photography
Licensing of editorial and commercial photography differs. If an editorial photographer licenses photographs for an editorial, they may not use them commercially.
They cannot use photos from a published editorial for promotional photos. Even if it's the same post.
Photos with editorial license can later be used as stock photos. nine0003
Photographer: Gemma Chua-Tran
Conclusion
This is not commercial photography or photojournalism. Editorial photography is a discipline in its own right. Publishers don't have big budgets to shoot editorial photos. But they give the photographer more creative freedom. These photographers use their visual language to enhance the articles they work with. An editorial assignment must be completed, but the rules are usually vague.
Exploring microstock: what is editorial photography?
What are editorial licenses?
“Editorial licensed image may be used to illustrate news and timelines. It can also be used to illustrate objects of public value, including in the following areas: art, business, culture, health and fitness, lifestyle, social events, technology and travel,” Shutterstock states in its policies.
nine0003
Photographs sold by microstocks with an editorial license are more limited in how and where they can be published, while commercial photographs can be used more widely, but there are more restrictions on their content.
An image sold with an editorial license may only be used in news or general publications such as;
- textbooks
- magazines
- newspapers
- blogs
What is the difference between editorial and commercial photography?
The biggest difference with is that editorial photos do not require model or property releases. You can submit photographs of people to your portfolio for editorial use without releases.
If you are submitting photographs of people for commercial use, signed model releases are required.
The second difference in is the use of brands. In editorial photos, brands on clothing or equipment can be left out. But in commercial photographs, logos must be followed.
If an inspector sees any part of a brand, logo, or trademark, your photo will not be accepted. nine0003 Screenshot from Shutterstock for "Nike". All photos are licensed editorial.
Are there any restrictions on the types of photos you can upload?
Every microstock has rules that you should be aware of before you start working with the stock. There, without fail, you will see information about which photos the stock accepts, and which ones you can not even try to upload.
The law in most countries allows you to photograph anything you like from a public space. However, in doing so, you must not infringe on the rights of others or violate their privacy. Shooting military installations, power plants, and other critical infrastructure can sometimes get you into trouble. Be sure to read local laws before shooting subjects. nine0003
How do I know which photos will be sold?
It's hard to predict how well editorial photos will sell.
If you have a good photograph of an interesting or international event, it will likely sell well. If you were the only photographer to capture this amazing event, then it will certainly sell better. However, such situations are extremely rare.
Carry your camera with you wherever you go, increasing your chances of capturing interesting shots. nine0003
If you are in a foreign country, check the local holidays. Such photographs will be sold annually, because. editorial offices of newspapers and magazines need to cover such events in advance.
If your home country hosts a world-class event (for example, in 2018 Russia hosted the World Cup), it is also worth filming this event, showing fans, tourists, and a general holiday. In this case, it is better not to delay sending photos to the stock, because. they are important here and now, while the event is still relevant. But there is a possibility that these pictures will be bought before the next similar event. nine0003
You need to put together a small portfolio, analyze which editorial photos sell more often, and be ready for the next event, already knowing what the buyer needs.
How many stocks can I upload editorial photos to?
You can upload photos to only one stock, but exclusively, or upload photos to several stocks at once, but you may spend a little more time, because. you will need to study or remember the rules of all stocks for uploading editorial materials. nine0003
What else is important?
When describing editorial materials, the generally accepted format "City, region/country - month day year: description" must be followed. If the exact date is not known, a tentative month and year, or a tentative year, may be given.
For large and well-known cities such as Moscow, it is not necessary to indicate the country in the name.
When creating the description, ask the following questions:
- Where and when was this image taken? nine0130
- Who is in the picture?
- What is happening in the image?
- How or why did this event happen?
- Add names if necessary.
Learn more
