Editorial photography refers to images that appear alongside the text in print or online publications. These images are created to help tell a story or support the narrative in the text, focusing on establishing a specific mood or tone for the accompanying article or piece.
Understanding Editorial Photography
Based on definitions, editorial photography serves a crucial role in visual storytelling within publications. It's not just about taking a picture; it's about creating an image that complements and enhances the written content.
Here's a breakdown of its key characteristics:
- Purpose: Editorial-style images are fundamentally created to support a narrative or tell a story presented in the text. They are illustrative rather than purely artistic or promotional.
- Placement: These photographs are found alongside text in various publications.
- Mediums: They appear in both print and online publications.
- Function: The focus is on contributing to the overall mood and tone of the piece, making the story more engaging and understandable for the reader.
Key Aspects of Editorial Photography
Editorial photography is distinct from other forms like commercial photography (selling a product) or fine art photography (self-expression). Its primary function is narrative support.
- Supporting the Narrative: The image must be relevant to the story being told. A photograph illustrating an article about climate change might show melting ice caps, while a lifestyle piece might feature candid shots of people interacting.
- Setting the Mood/Tone: A hard-hitting news story might feature gritty, realistic imagery, while a feature on travel might use bright, inviting photographs to convey excitement and relaxation.
- Appearing Alongside Text: The photograph is intended to be viewed with the article, magazine spread, or blog post it accompanies. It rarely stands alone.
Where You Find Editorial Photography
Editorial photography is prevalent across a wide range of publications:
- Magazines (fashion, lifestyle, news, science, etc.)
- Newspapers
- Online blogs and articles
- Books (often as illustrations)
- Digital publications and e-zines
Characteristics Summarized
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Appears alongside text |
| Medium | Found in print or online publications |
| Core Purpose | Helps tell a story or supports the narrative in the text |
| Visual Aim | Creates a specific mood or tone for the piece |
In essence, editorial photography is visual content commissioned or selected specifically to enhance and contextualize written content for a reading audience.
