What Is Editorial Photography?
A Simple Definition
Editorial photography is a style of photography created to support a story. Instead of selling a product or promoting a brand, editorial images illustrate an idea, event, person, or narrative—usually for magazines, newspapers, online publications, or long-form storytelling.
In short: editorial photography exists to tell a story, not to advertise something.
Don’t Confuse Editorial Photography With “Editorial-Use Stock Photos”
This is one of the most common misunderstandings in the photography world, especially for clients who browse stock agencies.
What Stock Agencies Call “Editorial Photos”
Stock agencies use the term editorial very differently. When you see “editorial-use only” on a stock photo, it usually means:
- The image contains people without model releases
- The image contains trademarks, logos, or branded products
- The image shows real-world scenes that can’t legally be used in advertising
- The photo can only be used in news, commentary, or educational contexts
These images are labeled “editorial” for legal reasons, not because they were created for a specific story.
What Real Editorial Photography Is
True editorial photography is:
- Created for a specific story
- Assigned by an editor, publication, or client
- Tailored to the subject, location, and narrative
- Part of a larger journalistic or storytelling process
It’s not generic. It’s not staged for stock. It’s not created for mass licensing. It’s crafted intentionally to support a written piece.
Why the Confusion Happens
Both types of images:
- Cannot be used in advertising
- May look natural or documentary
- Often show real people and real environments
But the purpose behind them is completely different.
Stock “editorial” = legal category
Real editorial photography = storytelling category
What Makes Editorial Photography Different?
1. It’s Story-Driven
Every editorial image is connected to a written story. The photos help the reader understand who the story is about, where it takes place, what happened, and why it matters.
2. It’s Authentic and Real
Editorial photography often captures real people in real environments. Even when portraits are posed, they’re designed to feel natural and connected to the subject’s world.
3. It Allows Creative Interpretation
Editorial work gives the photographer room to interpret the story visually through composition, lighting, color, and mood.
4. It’s Not Advertising
Editorial = tells a story
Commercial = sells a product or service
Common Types of Editorial Photography
- News & photojournalism
- Editorial portraits
- Lifestyle & feature stories
- Documentary projects
Where Editorial Photography Appears
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Online publications
- Nonprofits
- Books
- Long-form digital storytelling
How Editorial Photography Is Created
- Research and understanding of the story
- On-location shooting in real environments
- Authentic interaction with subjects
- Editing for tone that matches the narrative
Why Editorial Photography Matters
Editorial photography helps readers connect emotionally with a story. It adds context, depth, and humanity. A well-made editorial image can reveal character, show environment, highlight emotion, and draw the viewer into the narrative.
My Approach to Editorial Photography
As a photojournalist and editorial photographer, I focus on creating images that feel honest and grounded in reality. Whether I’m covering a news event or photographing someone in their workspace, my goal is always the same: tell the story clearly and truthfully.
I work quickly, adapt to changing environments, and look for moments that reveal personality, context, and emotion. Editorial photography is about connection—and that’s what I aim to capture in every assignment.
Need Editorial Photography for Your Publication or Project?
If you need storytelling images for a magazine, newspaper, website, or organization, I’d be happy to talk about your assignment.