What is editorial photography?
Editorial styling is clean, clear, graphic and impactful. Often minimalist, but never boring, this look uses negative space with confidence, giving every prop room to breathe. It often leaves areas of the composition intentionally open, creating space for magazine titles and copy to sit naturally within the image.
What backdrop should I use for editorial photography?
Choosing the right photography backdrop plays a big part in achieving this look. When large areas of the frame are left open, it becomes a much more noticeable part of the composition – so colour, texture and tone really matter.
Styling tips
- When choosing your backdrop pick one that complements the subject without dominating the frame.
- Try limiting the composition to three elements. If in doubt, take something away.
- Keep layering subtle by working with similar colours and tones.
- Treat action
– hands, movement or pouring
– as a main element rather than adding extra props around it.
Shooting tips
- Use a shallow depth of field to isolate your subject and draw the eye to key details.
- Use a macro lens, around 85–105mm, to capture those finer details up close.
- Notice how your photography backdrop responds to light and shadow. Let the light fall away across empty areas to create subtle depth, and use black foamcore as negative fill to deepen shadows and add shape.
I hope this inspires you to try editorial styling. With a few well-chosen elements, enough breathing room and the right food and product photography backdrop, you can create images that feel clean, confident and considered.
