Creating Editorial Wedding Photography

As a Kent Wedding Photographer, I’m often asked to capture the memories of a couple’s special day in a way that’s both personal and artistic. For me, this means authentic documentary and editorial portraits. In this blog post, I’ll explain what editorial photography is. I’ll also share how I go about creating editorial wedding photography: my process.

What is Editorial Photography?

Editorial photography is a style of photography that focuses on telling a story through images. It’s often classed as photographs in magazines to convey a narrative or theme. Yet many photographers will say they “tell your story”, editorial photography involves more of an eye for aesthetics and fashion.

I used to shoot fashion photography: by collaborating with a creative team we would make something artistic. Working for modelling agencies to show off models pushed me to capture different angles to show potential. Stock imagery for Lightstock is something I am involved with, selling numerous photographs across the globe for media use. Now as a creative I love creating editorial wedding photography.

High Street Examples of Editorial Photography

To help you understand I would say in the average high street Zara demonstrates a prime example of editorial. The clothes which they are selling are usually displayed with varying compositions in terms of photography, starting with something artistic. Compare this with M&S, it’s usually a little more obvious to the product, less artistic.

In the context of wedding photography, editorial photography means creating images that are fashionable and modern. Combine this with documentary photography, you have the authentic memories but also the aesthetic portraits.

So, the process of creating editorial photography is characterized by:

• A focus on less obvious storytelling through imagery
• A more artistic and nuanced approach to composition
• Attention to detail and texture
• Expert use of light and shadow to create mood and atmosphere (natural light & off camera flash)
• A focus on modern capturing of the moment rather than just documenting the events

However, not every photographer is into editorial wedding photography (others might even be into traditional wedding photography). Some photographers (who I respect and love) choose not to shoot any photos in portrait orientation. You’ll see all the photographs in this blog post are portrait as this is usually the orientation in a magazine.

How do I do this as an Editorial Wedding Photographer?

Furthermore, to create editorial wedding photography, I follow a specific process that ensures each image is not only visually stunning but also tells a story. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at my process:

1. Pre-Planning: Before the wedding, I meet with the couple to discuss their vision, style, and what they want to achieve through their wedding photography. This helps me understand their personalities, interests, and love story, which informs my approach to capturing their day. This is the documentary part of it.
2. Observation: On the wedding day, I’m always on the lookout for moments that tell the story of the couple’s love and relationship. This can involve giving the couple time and space on a couple shoot or noticing heartfelt moments between parents and children.
3. Composition: Subsequently when framing my shots, I look for ways to create interesting composition and leading lines. I also pay attention to lighting, using natural light or artificial light to add depth and texture to my images.
4. Candid Capturing: I believe that some of the most powerful moments in life are those that are unplanned and unposed. I always try to capture candid moments that reveal the couple’s personalities and emotions. This doesn’t mean lacking direction which some people may think. It involves prompts or getting the couple to talk about meaningful things. It’s in the gentle direction that authentic moments develop.
5. Attention to Detail: From flowers to fabrics, details can make or break an image. I take time to study each detail and incorporate them into my compositions to create visually appealing images.
6. Post-Processing: After the wedding in post-processing, I focus on enhancing the mood and atmosphere of each image rather than just correcting light & shadow. This might involve adjusting colours, curves, or even the lovely help of photoshop.

For a more in depth behind the scenes, have a look at this couple shoot showcase.

The Results

When you combine these elements – pre-planning, observation, composition, candid capturing, attention to detail, and post-processing – you get editorial wedding photography. You see, these images are not just moments of the day, they are artistic and modern.

If you’re planning your own wedding I hope this post has given you insight into the niche of editorial wedding photography. If you’re interested in learning more about my approach or would like to book your own wedding photography, feel free to reach out.

About Tom Keenan Photography

Hello, I’m Tom Keenan, a Kent-based wedding photographer specialising in authentic + timeless luxury weddings in a documentary style. With a focus on documentary photography & editorial portraits, I create original photography that reflects the beauty of your special day. If you’re looking for a photographer who can deliver documentary wedding photography and natural, stylish portraits with a touch of editorial flair, I’d love to work with you.