Weddings are a celebration of love, and what better way to celebrate that love than through editorial wedding photography? Editorial wedding photography is a unique style that goes beyond traditional snapshots. It tells a story, evokes emotions, and captures the essence of the day in a timeless manner. If you’re a photographer aspiring to master the art of editorial wedding photography, or a couple looking to ensure your wedding album tells your story in the most captivating way, this guide is for you.

Understand the Essence of Editorial Style: Editorial wedding photography is all about storytelling and creating visually stunning images that could grace the pages of a high-end magazine. It often involves carefully curated shots that focus on composition, lighting, and emotions. To achieve this style, it’s crucial to understand the fundamentals of composition, lighting techniques, and storytelling through imagery.

Plan Ahead: Before the big day arrives, meet with the couple to understand their vision, preferences, and the overall theme of the wedding. Discuss locations, timing, and any specific shots they desire. Planning ahead allows you to anticipate potential challenges and ensures a smooth execution on the day of the wedding. I also ask my couples if they have Pinterest folder they could share with me, so I can study the type of shots they are after.

Capture Emotions: Editorial wedding photography is not just about capturing moments; it’s about capturing emotions. Be observant and ready to capture candid moments of joy, love, laughter, and even tears. These genuine emotions are what make wedding photos truly unforgettable. Capture movement – the moments in-between. Sometimes I play around with my camera settings and set a slightly slower shutter speed for example to express movement.

Direct, Don’t Pose: Instead of stiff, posed shots, aim to direct your subjects in a way that feels natural and authentic. Provide gentle guidance and prompts to evoke genuine reactions and emotions. Encourage the couple to interact with each other and their surroundings to capture those intimate moments authentically.

Pay Attention to Details: Editorial wedding photography is all about the little details that make the day unique. Focus on capturing intricate details such as the wedding dress, floral arrangements, decor, and personalised touches that reflect the couple’s personalities.

Post-processing is where you can add the final touches to elevate your images to editorial perfection. Experiment with different editing styles, colour grading techniques, and presets to achieve the desired look and feel. However, remember to maintain consistency throughout the wedding album for a cohesive aesthetic.

Ultimately, editorial wedding photography is about telling a compelling story that reflects the love, joy, and emotions of the day. Each photo should contribute to the narrative, creating a visual journey that transports viewers back to the magic of the wedding day.