Simple Step-by-Step Guide For Editorial Posing

The step-by-step guide for editorial posing is relatively simple, but it is also in-depth.

  1. Pre-light/expose for your scene (bright and airy vs. dramatic, etc.)
  2. Start w/ posing objects (select/add objects like chairs)
    1. If chairs are not ideal, don’t worry. Chances are the subjects in the frame will conceal most of the chairs when the group is posed)
  3. Place primary subjects (couple)
  4. Rough position group on each side
    1. Getting people into an approximate position while working out the pose helps keep things in motion and working towards the final pose
  5. Build poses (each pose varies)
  6. Watch overlap/touchpoints
  7. Test balance
    1. You may not have an even number of people on each side of the couple, but the group can be balanced with careful spacing and positioning
    2. Don’t confuse balance with symmetry
  8. Adjust positions/re-balance
    1. Ensure that subjects in the frame are not mirroring one another with the exact same hand positions, poses, etc. Instead, direct the subjects into a variety of poses
    2. When lighting the group, try to light top-down from higher up to avoid casting shadows from one subject to the next
  9. Direct for look, shoot
  10. Change look/repeat
    1. Get multiple expressions in one scene to deliver a wider variety of images at the end of the day

When it comes to the editorial images that you will want to capture, there are four primary shots that you will create in the editorial style:

1. Wedding party

2. Bride’s immediate family

3. Groom’s immediate family

4. Both immediate sides

Fitting editorial shots in the timeline should only add a maximum of 30-40 minutes, though this can be reduced drastically depending on the group and situation.