Editorial style photography is commonly found in magazines. Instead of trying to sell something, this style of photography aims to portray a concept and engage the audience. For example, you will find editorial style photography on the front cover photo of a magazine or in the photos accompanying articles.

You might wonder what the difference is between editorial photography and other kinds of photography, such as fashion and commercial photography.

The motive of both fashion and commercial photography is to sell a product, whereas editorial photography is about telling a story. Unlike commercial photography, fashion photography emphasises the mood and styling of the image, not the actual garments.

Here's a behind-the-scenes editorial photoshoot tutorial by photographer Elaine Torres which gives a simple yet very effective introduction to creating an editorial look with your photos.

Below is the wonderfully eccentric and surreal editorial collection by photographer Magic Owen and PurplePort model Gem, illustrating 7 key points to consider when designing a show-stopping editorial photoshoot.

#1. Location

Instagram - Art Director/Photo/Retouch: magicowenphotography, Stylist: msbeaux, Model: gemmahuh, Hair: annevecksalons, Corset | emiahcouture, Mua: vickylin.makeup, Paper Flowers: tissue_blossoms. Complete editorial https://www.hungertv.com/editorial/young-blood-five-new-editorials-for-hunger-tv-7/

Location can play a big role in creating a narrative in your photos, but it needn't always be a loud and grand environment, simple and subtle can work in your favour as well. With the powers of photo editing comes the possibility of making any location work for your editorial look. Here's a useful Fstoppers article on the topic.

Fstoppers.com - How to edit every ugly location to look like an editorial

#2. Set Design

Instagram - Photographer/art direction magicowenphotography, Stylist: msbeaux, Model gemmahuh, Hair annevecksalons, MUA vickylin.makeup., PR i.deapr., Collar, ring velveteccentric. Complete editorial https://www.hungertv.com/editorial/young-blood-five-new-editorials-for-hunger-tv-7/

This is an area where you can really have fun and get creative! The transformative power of set design is really something to be in awe of, a small bland room can become a surreal world of your own making. One doesn't always have to go all out, of course, simple touches can leave a lasting impact on your final images too. 

Be amazed by these mind-boggling small studio set designs by Artist JeeYoung Lee in this Fstoppers article

Fstoppers.com - Incredible small studio set design by artist JeeYoung Lee

#3. Wardrobe

Instagram - Art Director/Photo/Retouch: magicowenphotography, Stylist: msbeaux, Model: gemmahuh, Hair: annevecksalons, Mua: vickylin.makeup, Paper Flowers: tissue_blossoms. Complete editorial https://www.hungertv.com/editorial/young-blood-five-new-editorials-for-hunger-tv-7/

Always make sure your wardrobe is spot on, the type of garments on the model really dictates the tone of your image, think about cohesiveness and how these garments will flow together when part of your editorial photo collection. Having themes within your wardrobe choices can really put the wow factor into your work.

#4. Models

Instagram - Art Director/Photo/Retouch: magicowenphotography, Stylist: msbeaux, Model: gemmahuh, Hair: annevecksalons, Corset | emiahcouture, Mua: vickylin.makeup, Paper Flowers: tissue_blossoms. Complete editorial https://www.hungertv.com/editorial/young-blood-five-new-editorials-for-hunger-tv-7/

Approach models whose look will complement your photoshoot idea, communicate your goals for the photoshoot( i.e. share your mood board with your models), tell them the name of the magazine you're thinking of submitting to and even share music that reflects the vibes that you're after.

If you're not so experienced with photography or editorial photography, it would be advisable to shoot with an experienced model with relevant editorial modelling history! You're looking for someone comfortable and confident using their body in editorial poses.

#5. Hairstyling

Instagram - Art Director/Photo/Retouch: magicowenphotography, Stylist: msbeaux, Model: gemmahuh, Hair: annevecksalons, Mua: vickylin.makeup, Paper Flowers: tissue_blossoms

Generally, if you're wanting a professional, finished look, then finding yourself a hairstylist is a must. These professionals work hair magic, and they can transform your images and take them to the next level.

Have a look at this inspirational editorial hair collection: Pinterest - Editorial Hair

#6. Makeup

Instagram - Art Director/Photo/Retouch: magicowenphotography, Stylist: msbeaux, Model: gemmahuh, Hair: annevecksalons, Mua: vickylin.makeup, Paper Flowers: tissue_blossoms

Makeup artists are called artists for a reason! These beauty professionals enhance and accentuate your models and play a key role in deciding the look and feel of your image. If you're after that magazine spread or cover, then definitely find yourself an MUA.

#7. Photography

Instagram - Art Director/Photo/Retouch: magicowenphotography, Stylist: msbeaux, Model: gemmahuh, Hair: annevecksalons, Corset | emiahcouture, Mua: vickylin.makeup, Paper Flowers: tissue_blossoms. Complete editorial https://www.hungertv.com/editorial/young-blood-five-new-editorials-for-hunger-tv-7/

Make sure all your equipment is prepared and packed properly. Bring along necessary tools to make repairs if need be. Have handy kit bag items such as gaffa tape, a-clamps, batteries, shoe covers, Rosco cinefoil, etc. Also, be sure to make time for set up and pre-lighting. 

Here's some advice from photographer Clay Cook in this 500px article: 500px.com - From planning to post a step by step journey through an editorial photoshoot with Clay Cook:

"The beauty of editorial work is that is doesn’t have to be perfect. The best advice I can give a new editorial photographer is to focus on the subject matter before the technicalities of the photograph. Make sure the clothing looks great and the model is in motion or posed to flatter her overall look. Although time can be a concern, don’t be afraid to slow down and work on the scene before you snap the shutter. Get it right in-camera and you’ll save yourself hours of post-processing work.

I’ve made a lot of mistakes as a photographer, but just make sure that your team has been briefed and everyone is on the same page. There is nothing worse than a dis-organized mess with 10 people standing around awaiting direction the day of."

Check out this Fstoppers interview/tutorial with Clay Cook on editorial and fashion photography.

If you'd like to do some further reading, here are some more relevant articles:

We hope you enjoyed this blog post, be sure to leave a love and a comment in the comment section if you did! 

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