Editorial Wedding Photography: What It Is and Whether It Suits Your Day

Editorial wedding photography borrows from fashion and magazine photography. Instead of waiting for moments to happen, the photographer directs, composes and lights images to create something polished and distinctive. Done well, the results look like a fashion shoot, with you as the subject.

This guide explains what editorial photography is, how it compares with other styles, and whether it suits you. For an overview of all styles, see our wedding photography styles guide, and for general advice on choosing a supplier, our guide to choosing a wedding photographer.

What is editorial wedding photography?

It is a style defined by planning and direction. Typical features include:

• Directed poses and compositions, with the photographer guiding you where to stand and how to move.
• Considered locations and lighting, chosen for impact.
• A strong visual identity, such as bold colour, dramatic light or architectural backdrops.
• Attention to detail, including outfits, accessories, flowers and styling.
• A smaller number of heavily composed images rather than a large number of candid ones.

Many editorial photographers also cover the day in a documentary style, so you receive both polished portraits and candid moments.

How does it differ from other styles?

Our guide to documentary wedding photography explains the candid approach in more detail.

What happens on the day?

You can expect:

1. A planning conversation before the day about your look, locations and priorities.
2. A longer portrait session than usual, often with time set aside for directed shots.
3. Requests to pose or move, with guidance to help you feel natural.
4. Attention to light, which may mean portraits at a particular time of day.
5. Styling details, such as photographing flowers, rings, shoes and stationery as composed still life.
6. A mix of coverage, including candid images of the ceremony and reception.

Is it right for you?

Editorial photography may suit you if:

• You love fashion, art or magazine imagery.
• You are comfortable being directed and photographed.
• You have a venue or setting with strong visual character.
• You value fewer, more striking images over a large, candid collection.
• You are happy to set aside time for portraits.

It may be less suited if you dislike posing, want a purely natural record of the day or have a tight timeline with little room for portraits.

How to choose an editorial photographer

• Look at full galleries, not only highlight images, to see how they handle a whole day.
• Check consistency. Do their images share a recognisable style and quality?
• Ask how they direct. A good editorial photographer makes you feel at ease, not stiff.
• Ask about timings. How much portrait time do they need, and how does it fit your schedule?
• Discuss styling. Do they advise on outfits, locations and flowers?
• Check what is included, such as hours, edited images, second shooter and albums.
• Confirm they are right for your venue. Some venues have restrictions on lighting, drones or access.

Use our wedding photography photo list to agree which shots matter to you.

Planning tips

• Share mood boards and examples of images you like.
• Build time into the day for portraits, and tell your caterer and venue.
• Consider an engagement or pre-wedding shoot to practise being directed. See our pre-wedding photography guide.
• Check your outfit and hair for the style you want.
• Think about the weather and a backup location.

Cost

Editorial photographers often charge for the planning, styling and time involved. Compare quotes on the same inclusions, using our guide to wedding photographer costs.

Frequently asked questions