There is a lot of confusion as to the exact nature of the job of an editorial photographer.

A group of people might say that an editorial photographer would be someone who takes pictures of subject matter that may later be printed in magazines, newspapers, and/or books. Others may claim that the editorial photographer does this but also uses their photographs to provide the visual images in advertisements.

As such, it is a bit difficult to specifically categorize the work done by an editorial photographer.

What exactly does the editorial photographer do?

The editorial photographer does provide the pictures accompanying the texts of any published material, except materials for promotional, advertising, and/or corporate use. Other photographers handle photography jobs for those purposes.

Careerwise, being an editorial photographer is not a very lucrative occupation. An editorial photographer knows this. Nevertheless, his or her low-paying occupation as an editorial photographer can be used as a stepping stone for career advancement in the photography job market.

The skills and techniques that the editorial photographer acquires while doing this job can be transferable to other fields of photography. An editorial photographer may wish to improve his or her portfolio so as to land a more lucrative job later as a commercial photographer. In the field of photography, editorial photos are considered “respectable” because they are usually printed in established and well-known publications.

Usually, the editorial photographer is given free reign over the creative concept of editorial photo shoots, as well as a credit byline. These benefits are advantageous for one’s portfolio, considering that the portfolio of a photographer whose works are printed in well-known published material often impresses potential clients.

Thus, even if others may veer away from becoming an editorial photographer because they think the income is not enough to pay the rent, there are still people who consider that being an editorial photographer of either a fashion magazine or a newspaper is a good investment to a more lucrative career.

What does an editorial photographer do?

People usually have misconceptions as to the actual job description of an editorial photographer. Often, the work of an editorial photographer is confused with that of any other type of photographer. For example, although the works of both editorial and commercial photographers are found in printed material, such as magazines and newspaper, these serve different functions.

Essentially, photographs taken by an editorial photographer accompany the text of an article. Sometimes, too, the work of an editorial photographer would serve as a magazine’s cover. These works are not intended for advertising or commercial use.

On the other hand, the work of a commercial photographer would always accompany advertisements for products and services that can also be seen in the pages of magazines.

Although the editorial photographer is given more creative freedom and credit byline in his or her work, the fees that the editorial photographer receives for the type of photography he or she does is almost often lower when compared with that of commercial work. However, the driving force why an editorial photographer would wish to continue doing the job even if it does not pay the rent is that, with editorial photography, one gets more exposure. Exposure means so much in a work environment where thousands of photographers compete for clients.

Being an editorial photographer can also be a launching pad if one wishes to advance his or her career in photography. For example, if one’s real goal is to become a fashion photographer then working as an editorial photographer for a fashion magazine would be a good way to assemble one’s portfolio to show to potential clients. Moreover, the pictures taken by an editorial photographer, which are published in magazines, actually add prestige to the portfolio. Clients will be more than willing to engage the services of a photographer whose works can also be viewed in notable publications.

An editorial photographer may be paid a little to do what he or she does. However, editorial photographs in one’s portfolio are a wonderful investment for one’s career.

Planning to work as an editorial photographer? The job entails more than knowledge of basic photography and requires other skills. Here we will look at the nature, advantages as well as the disadvantages of editorial photography.

Working in this field of photography will require you to work with book authors, magazines, and newspaper writers in order to enhance an event or story. In commercial photography, the intention of a photographer is to promote a certain product. In the case of editorial photography, you need to highlight the topic in the limelight.

As an editorial photographer, you have the option to be a freelancer or become employed with a specific organization. Your work will also involve a mix of fine art as well as commercial photography. Aside from that, you need to have an excellent understanding of the topic as well as its history. It is your job to make readers grasp the meaning of the story you are capturing.

Editorial photographers can practice creative freedom in taking pictures. Commercial photography should see to it that their work coincides with the marketing strategy of the company. In contrast, editorial photography involves more freedom to use artistic abilities and vision.

Another advantage of being in this field of photography is that you can find a place that caters to your line of interest. For instance, if you are more geared towards nature, you can apply in magazines or companies that cater to nature. Whatever field you find fascinating, there will surely be a place for you.

Editorial photographers integrate commercial and fine art photography in the performance of their jobs. This can help boost not only your income but also your artistry. However, you need to be persistent and should be equally talented. Having a good portfolio to back up your work can make it easier for you to find a job in this field.

Editorial Photographer | Singapore

Editorial Photographer | Singapore