This article discusses the differences between editorial photography and portraits, providing examples to illustrate each type. Editorial photography tells an overall story or evokes emotion through the interaction of subject, lighting, composition and negative space. Portraits focus more on showcasing the individual subject. The images analyzed show how complex editing and composition can reflect different emotions depending on whether the goal is editorial storytelling or showcasing a subject.

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Editorial photography or amazing portraits? An amateur
photographer’s guide
HIGHLIGHT PHOTO TECHNIQUE AND TECHNOLOGY
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by : JOHN WARNER | APRIL 10, 2021
One of the most common mistakes in photography that people try to highlight the meaning behind every single photo. Many individuals start
their photography journey often look for things like nature scenes to build an understanding of how to use their camera. Others however that
have a little understanding are sometimes looking for more. This hunger for becoming a better photographer can be in uenced by what’s
illustrated online, through social media and even what you see at art galleries. For the most part, editorial photography is having a signi cant
impact on the industry, and many new photographers are taking ight with this industry concept.
It is important to note what exactly editorial photography is though. Many have their own de nition, but one that we can all agree on is the
subject matter. Editorial photography evokes a meaning/ story behind the overall photo. On the other hand, commercial photography, or in
this case, simple portraits can focus more on the individual or the product showcased. Many photographers make the industry mistake in
labeling photos that appear to be dramatic as editorial when they don’t follow the one universal rule of overall composite story telling.
These two images are a great example of how complex editing and composition can re ect the proper emotions and meaning behind
editorial and subject-centered photography. The image on the left by Robin Elise Maaya can be de ned as an editorial due to the elements
around the subject creating emotion. This is done by adjusting the aperture, angle, lighting, and subject positions. Although the subject can
be interesting, editorial photography is about the interaction between positive space, negative space and how the subject can blend well or
contrast well enough to evoke emotion over materials.
Photo by Robin Elise Maaya. Photo and edit by Ilijah Simpson and John Warner.
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The image on the right was taken by Ilijah Simpson and edited by John Warner. Although this photo includes very detailed editing, it is
fashion-centered. The editing itself is not the only main focus, because the position of the subject, coinciding with the negative space makes
the subject the only focal point. Then, the frame causes the subject to appear to be levitating. Overall the image is not geared to evoking
emotion, it is geared towards causing a reaction.
These notes can seem to be vague, but the details of the images are the giveaway. If you want to learn more about the different forms of
photography, you can always try connecting with different departments at SCAD.
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