Editorial photography is a genre that involves creating images to illustrate and enhance the narrative of written content, typically for magazines, newspapers, books, and online publications. The essence of editorial photography lies in its ability to tell a story or convey a message in tandem with textual elements. In essence, when we ask "What is editorial photography?" we are referring to a style of photography that is used primarily to inform and engage readers in editorial content.
The definition of editorial photography encompasses a range of subjects, from candid shots of celebrities and models in lifestyle spreads to more journalistic photographs that accompany news articles and investigative pieces. Unlike commercial photography, which is often centered around advertising and selling products,
Editorial Style Photography is more about context, providing a visual dimension to the narrative, and not necessarily aimed at promoting sales directly.
Editorial photography examples can be as diverse as the stories they help to tell. A fashion magazine might feature high-fashion editorial photography to showcase the latest clothing trends within a certain theme or setting, while a travel magazine may use editorial images to take the reader on a visual journey to far-flung locales. The photographs are carefully curated to fit the publication’s aesthetic and tone, ensuring that the visual flow aligns with the editorial content.