EP - Create Editorial Portraits (Lesson)

Create Editorial Portraits

Now that you know what an editorial portrait is and you’ve learned about some editorial photographers, it’s time for you to go on assignment! So what exactly goes into planning an editorial photo shoot?   

Everything matters: hair, make-up, clothing, props, location, pose, lighting, composition. It all matters. And the point is to tell a story. Here’s an overly simplified way to break down professional, commercial photography:

Commercial Photography aims to sell a product. It’s determined by what the brand needs and is designed to increase sales. It tells a story about the brand. Fashion Photography sells a lifestyle. The focus is on atmosphere and style, clothes are an accessory to that lifestyle. They are elaborately styled, lit and dramatic. Editorial Photography tells a story. Any story. The goal is not bound by selling something but instead to create meaning.

Planning your Editorial Shoot

To be successful, you must first create a brief. This is a summary of all of the details of the photo shoot. If you had been hired by a magazine, you would meet with them to create the brief together. But since you’re working as your own editor, you get to decide everything. Begin by deciding on a subject, researching that subject, and defining a story that you want to tell through your photographs. Then create a mood board of inspiration to help you define all of the other details: location, lighting, mood, aesthetic, etc. Assemble all of this information in your journal to create a brief. 

Tips for being successful on your editorial shoot:

    1. Research your subject. The more you know, the better.
    2. Create a mood board in your journal. Look for inspiration and use it to guide you in planning and execution.
    3. Work out the details. Plan, plan, plan, plan. And then follow your plan.
    4. Focus on the story.
    5. Always be respectful.
    6. Develop your own style. Don’t rely too heavily on your mood board inspiration. Leave room to be yourself!
    7. Embrace your flexible side. No matter how much you plan, something will change. Roll with it.
    8. Post-Processing – stay true to your mood and make sure it enhances the story.

Next you will plan your editorial shoot in your Editorial VVJ.  

Good Luck!

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