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.
Commonly seen in magazines and advertising shoots, editorial food and product photography often leaves areas of the composition intentionally open, creating space for titles, headlines or copy to sit naturally within the image.
Choosing the right photography backdrop plays a big part in achieving this look. When large areas of the frame are left open, the backdrop becomes a much more noticeable part of the composition, so colour, texture and tone all matter.
Styling tips
-
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.
-
Choose a food or product photography backdrop that complements the subject without competing for attention.
Shooting tips
-
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.
-
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 finer details up close.
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.