Editorial Portraiture

Editorial Portraiture is the art of photographing individuals to illustrate stories. This genre of photography has been described as it being more important to get your subject in the right frame of mind to shoot the picture rather than framing the shot. It is about telling the story of the individual through the photo.

One of the UK’s best editiorial portraiture photographer is Ben McMachon. Ben has had his work published in world-renowed magazines such as Vogue. He states that he is “trying to tell something about the people he shoots so that magazine readers can relate to them.” and this is the one thing all of his shots have him common.

McMachon has photographed huge literary figures such as Nobel-Prize winners, famous artists, international footballers and legendary designers. He has said in the past that one of the main problems he comes across during his work is getting the subject in the shot to look like themselves. Many people attempt to come across in a way that isn’t a true reflection of themselves, often to hide aspects of their personality, but Ben believes that editiorial portrait photography is about capturing these things.

Three tips outlined by Ben to help take editorial portraits are to know your kit, communicate with the subject and to be confident in addressing them.

Ben uses the Nikon D850 camera with a 50mm or an 85mm lens and prefers a camera which is compact and easy to use whilst communicating with the subject.

Fashion photographer, James Nader, is another very well-known expert in Editorial Portraiture. He was born in the UK and has branched out his work to many areas of Europe. James has a unique editorial style which includes edgy interpretations of many what otherwise would be standard shots. He captures intimate and personal moments of an individual and portrays them in a way that viewers can understand and feel the photograph and in some cases relate to.

In the shot above, James uses monochrome as he feels like it speaks more in black and white. James said ” I loved the natural relaxed pose and presence of the model and the look through the large window places her. Where and what with why are the messages that I like to present even in my commercial fashion. – a story creates interest I think.”

The photo above is an example of James Nader’s colour work. “The light behind the lens in this case is a simple LED. “This enables a cinematic look to the image. Creative and dynamic lighting but simple and elegant allows the subject to shine through.” said James.

Zena Holloway is a UK Editorial Photographer well-known for her unique photos of people in underwater environments. She has worked with Artists, Olympians and even new-born babies.

Zena has been known to direct her subjects along themes of universal human experience such as romance, love, loss and intimacy.

After researching editorial portraiture and informing myself on some of the pioneers in the industry, I feel more creative and ready to start thinking about ideas for my project. I would like to shoot people with an interesting story such as someone who has been on the streets in the past and has pulled themselves through to now having a stable job and home. Another idea I have had is shooting somebody who has excelled in a certain profession that many find unusual.

I would attempt to get similar results to those who are experts in the field by familiarising myself with a suitable and effective camera so it becomes second nature using the effects and correct settings for a shoot. Also I would ensure that I get to know the subject well so I could shoot them in a way in which people can view the photo and understand or even relate to them in a personal way.