Editorial styling is clean, clear, graphic and impactful - often minimalist, but never boring, using negative space with effortless confidence.
Editorial images almost always need space for text - that's why this type of image has empty areas - it makes it easier to run titles across it. But that doesn't mean editorial images are only good for magazine spreads - this style is ideal for creating a strong portfolio of food and product imagery.
Editorial styling guides you towards simple but strong compositions with minimal elements in the layout. And whatever your preferred style - modern, moody, soft, layered, vintage, pretty - all these can still be made to look editorial if you keep some space.
A editorial style image of just three elements, shot on our Safe vinyl photography backdrop
Photography tips for editorial captures
- add interest in the negative space by allowing the light to fall away or feather across
- experiment with really short focal depths when the hero is clear and simply framed
- create direction/flow with your lighting by playing with bounce (white) and fill (black) cards
- go macro - try a 85-105mm lens
Styling tips for editorial compositions
- try using only three elements
- if in doubt - take it away! Less is more in editorial styling
- if you love layering, keep it subtle by using similar tones
- if adding action (hands, moving elements etc) consider this one element and don't overlap with other props (only the backdrop)
- select your backdrop carefully - this will be a big element in your image as you'll want to be leaving a lot of negative space
Editorial product styling on the Seville vinyl photography backdrop
Editing ideas for editorial photography
- use masks on the backdrop/negative space if you need to make it more consistent
- use gradients to add interest to flat areas
- try layering titles and text across your image - where would it go? If there isn't any space for text, you haven't nailed the editorial look yet!
Beautiful lemons shot in an overhead editorial style by Anna Janecka on our Ariel vinyl photography backdrop
I hope this has inspired you to try editorial styling, a quick and effective approach that achieves striking results with just a few props!
Oh so elegant styling by Suze at Gourmet Glow leaving lots of negative space. Shot on our June vinyl photography backdrop