What is Editorial Photography?
Editorial photography, sports photography, portrait photography, lifestyle, event, commercial, stock, fashion…these are just a handful of the many types of photography that involve people as subjects. So what does it all mean? When I say we are an editorial style studio what am I talking about? I will leave the definition of each of the above mentioned styles of photography to Google and focus on the type of photography that is the style of our studio.
It is so important to know your photographers style or the style they aspire to. This way you will have a better idea of what to expect in the final image/artwork and if it is what you are looking for. It is always a good idea to see examples of their previous work related to the subject matter and final use of the image that you intend to be photographed.
My studio specializes in senior photography. We spend our time, money and resources learning, teaching and competing in this very specific market. We also photograph models, children, newborns, maternity, musicians, products, and some stock. A lot of it we are able to keep true to our “editorial style” however sometimes a more traditional style is required for the purpose of the image. That said, I would not shoot a senior then same way I would shoot a model or product or child. So you see it is very important to see an artists’ work that is relative to your subject.
So back to the original topic, editorial photography or photo illustration. Most commonly mistaken for commercial and fashion photography. Commercial photography is seen everywhere, we are bombarded with imagery everyday that main purpose is to sell us a product. The creative freedom in commercial (advertisement) photography it very limited if not nonexistent. The images are shot on a very basic background, usually just white or black.
Fashion photography is selling a life style. The clothing or product is used in the image to convey a life style. The images are much more dramatic and the lighting is usually much more complex then commercial photography. While the purpose of fashion photography is still selling it is much more subtle as the life style is the selling point and the product/brand is simply conveyed as necessary to achieve said lifestyle. Creative freedom may or may not be less constringent as commercial photography depending on the client or campaign.
Finally editorial/photo illustration in the most basic definition of the term it refers to photography commissioned for magazines, books to illustrate the written word. This is not the definition of editorial style however. Editorial style refers to artwork that tells a story or communicates a concept or idea. A very strong editorial image will evoke a feeling in the viewer and should be able to stand alone, without explanation. Atmosphere, lighting, composition…the elements and principles of design play an important role in weaviing a visual tale. Editorial photography often allows for a vastly larger opportunity for creative freedom.
