A romantic black-and-white editorial style wedding photography portrait of a couple embracing in front of an elegant stone architecture, exuding timeless sophistication and cinematic allure.

Editorial Style Wedding Photography

Editorial style photography is becoming increasingly popular in the wedding industry for its polished, artistic, and magazine-worthy appeal. Unlike traditional candid shots seen in documentary style, editorial wedding photography focuses on curated moments, elegant compositions, and high-fashion aesthetics often seen in fashion magazines. This approach requires the right techniques, vision, and gear to bring the concept to life. In this article, we will provide editorial style wedding photography tips to help you master the art of this sophisticated approach.

What You Will Learn:

  • How to plan and collaborate with couples for an editorial-style wedding shoot.
  • The importance of location scouting and how to find the best settings.
  • Posing techniques that bring out natural elegance and high-fashion aesthetics.
  • The role of lighting in creating polished, magazine-quality images.
  • How Tamron lenses like the 28-75mm G2, 35-150mm, 70-180mm G2, and 17-28mm enhance editorial wedding photography.

Pro Tips for Editorial Style Wedding Photography

A stunning bride in an off-the-shoulder lace gown stands elegantly in a softly lit chapel, framed by towering stained glass windows, showcasing the essence of editorial style wedding photography with a timeless and sophisticated composition.
©TNK Photo with Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD

1. Plan and Collaborate with the Couple

Editorial photography requires careful planning before the wedding day. Collaborate with the couple to understand their vision, preferred aesthetics, and any specific shots they want. Discuss wardrobe choices, themes, and styling to ensure a cohesive visual narrative.

Pro Tip: Create mood boards and shot lists to stay organized and aligned with the couple’s expectations. Using Pinterest or professional planning software can help refine the artistic direction.

2. Scout the Location for Inspiration

The setting plays a crucial role in editorial photography. Scout the venue in advance to find the best backdrops, lighting conditions, and unique architectural elements. Luxury hotels, historical buildings, and scenic outdoor locations often provide an ideal backdrop for editorial shots.

Pro Tip: Use natural elements like grand staircases, large windows, and scenic outdoor views to add drama to your shots. Wide-angle lenses like the Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 can help capture the grandeur of these locations.

3. Direct Your Subjects with Confidence

A captivating black-and-white editorial style wedding photography portrait of a couple sharing an intimate moment against the backdrop of grand gothic architecture, evoking a timeless and cinematic romance.
©TNK Photo with Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD

Unlike documentary photography, editorial style involves guiding your subjects for posed yet natural-looking shots. Provide clear instructions while ensuring the couple feels comfortable and engaged in the moment.

Pro Tip: Use prompts like “look towards the horizon” or “gently hold hands and walk slowly” for effortless elegance. The Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 G2 is ideal for mid-range compositions that balance intimacy and grandeur.

4. Focus on Fashion and Details

Editorial wedding photography often highlights fashion-forward attire and intricate details. Pay close attention to the couple’s outfits, accessories, and decor elements. Elegant gowns, intricate lacework, and high-end jewelry can elevate the editorial feel.

Pro Tip: Capture close-ups of wedding dresses, jewelry, floral arrangements, and table settings for a complete editorial aesthetic. A telephoto zoom like the Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 G2 is excellent for isolating details with a beautiful bokeh effect.

5. Master Lighting Techniques

A bride stands gracefully in a dimly lit room, her elegant gown cascading behind her as her reflection in a grand mirror captures the essence of editorial style wedding photography, blending dramatic lighting with timeless sophistication.
©TNK Photo with Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD

Lighting is key to achieving that high-end editorial look. Utilize natural light, off-camera flashes, and reflectors to enhance your images. Soft directional light, whether from window light or golden hour sun, creates a dreamy, cinematic effect.

Pro Tip: Golden hour provides soft, flattering light perfect for romantic editorial shots. A fast aperture lens like the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 helps maximize light intake for stunning results.

6. Edit for a Polished Finish

Post-processing is essential in editorial photography. Focus on color grading, skin retouching, and enhancing contrasts to achieve a refined, magazine-quality finish. Maintain consistency in tones and hues to ensure a cohesive editorial story.

Pro Tip: Use tools like Lightroom and Photoshop for detailed retouching while maintaining a natural look. Adjust sharpness, contrast, and skin tones to create a flawless yet realistic result.

Final Thoughts on Our Pro Tips for Editorial Style Wedding Photography

Mastering editorial wedding photography style requires creativity, attention to detail, and technical expertise. As an editorial wedding photographer, by planning meticulously, directing with confidence, and refining your editing skills, you can produce stunning editorial wedding photos that capture the essence of elegance and sophistication.

Pairing your artistic approach with high-performance lenses like the Tamron17-28mm, 28-75mm G2, 35-150mm, and 70-180mm G2, ensures you have the best tools to achieve breathtaking, editorial-quality wedding photography.

Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top