An editorial style getting ready session is all about telling a story. It feels natural, calm, and stylish. Instead of forced poses, you capture real moments that feel polished and timeless.
This approach helps your photos look like they belong in a magazine. With the right light, details, and timing, you create images that feel elegant and effortless.
Plan the Story Before You Shoot
Planning your story before the shoot is the first step to a successful editorial-style getting ready session. Without a clear vision, photos can end up feeling random or disconnected. The goal is to transform everyday moments into a cohesive, intentional visual story; perfectly captured by a skilled Toronto wedding photographer.
Understand the Mood and Style
Before you even pick up your camera, think about the overall mood you want for the session. Is it soft and romantic, bold and dramatic, or calm and elegant? Knowing the style will guide your lighting, angles, and even the small details you focus on. Talk with your client about their vision and what feels authentic to them. This ensures your photos match their personality and expectations.
Scout the Location
Location matters a lot for editorial style shots. A clean, clutter-free space helps the subject stand out, and natural light becomes easier to use. Walk through the room before the session starts and notice where windows are, what backgrounds will work, and which corners might create interesting compositions. Planning these details ahead of time makes the shoot run smoothly.
Think Like a Storyteller
An editorial style getting ready session is all about storytelling. Instead of just snapping random poses, think about the narrative. Capture the process of getting ready; putting on shoes, adjusting jewelry, fixing hair—but in a way that feels elegant and natural. Each shot should feel like a page in a story, connecting moments together.
Coordinate with Your Team
If you’re working with makeup artists, stylists, or assistants, make sure everyone knows the plan. Share your vision so they can help create the right mood and support the flow of the session. When everyone is on the same page, the story comes together seamlessly.
Use Natural Light to Set the Mood
Using natural light to set the mood is one of the most important steps in an editorial style getting ready session. Natural light makes skin look soft, colors pop, and the entire scene feel airy and authentic. When you understand how to work with it, your photos instantly feel polished and professional.
Find the Best Light Sources
Start by looking for windows, doors, or other openings that let in soft, natural light. Avoid harsh overhead lights or direct sunlight that can create strong shadows or washed-out colors. Position your subject near the light source so it gently illuminates their face and highlights details like hair, jewelry, or textures in their outfit.
Watch Shadows and Highlights
Natural light is beautiful, but it can be tricky. Pay attention to shadows and highlights while shooting. Soft shadows can add depth, but strong shadows can distract from the subject. Move your camera or adjust your angles to balance the light. Even small changes can make the scene look effortless and editorial.
Use Reflectors When Needed
If parts of your scene are too dark, a simple reflector can bounce light onto the subject. You don’t need expensive equipment; a white wall, piece of foam board, or even a large sheet can do the trick. Reflectors help soften shadows and create a natural, even glow across the frame.
Follow the Light Throughout the Session
Light changes throughout the day, so pay attention to its movement. As the sun shifts, you might need to move the subject or adjust angles to keep the images looking fresh and consistent. Embracing these small changes will make your photos feel dynamic and alive.
Focus on Details That Feel Luxury
Focusing on details that feel luxury is a key part of an editorial style getting ready session. These small touches; like jewelry, textures, or accessories; elevate your photos from ordinary to magazine-worthy. Capturing them thoughtfully makes the session feel intentional and elegant.
Capture Textures and Fabrics
Pay close attention to fabrics and textures. The lace on a dress, the shimmer of a satin robe, or the weave of a stylish bag adds richness to your images. Shoot close-ups to highlight these textures, letting the camera tell the story of the details that make the moment special.
Highlight Accessories
Accessories are more than just finishing touches; they can become focal points in your editorial images. Rings, bracelets, watches, shoes, and hairpieces all tell a story about the subject’s style. Capture these items in natural light and from angles that make them stand out without overpowering the scene.
Keep Backgrounds Simple
Luxury comes from elegance and simplicity. Make sure the background isn’t cluttered or distracting. A clean countertop, a soft-colored wall, or a neatly arranged vanity can make the details pop. Minimal backgrounds help the subject and accessories remain the focus of the image.
Mix Wide Shots and Close-Ups
Don’t just focus on tight details. Combine close-ups of accessories and textures with wider shots that show the overall scene. This mix creates a balanced narrative, showing both the beauty of the environment and the refined details that make the session feel luxurious.
Focusing on details that feel luxury ensures your editorial style getting ready session tells a story of elegance and refinement. These thoughtful touches make every image feel intentional, polished, and effortlessly stylish.
Capture Real Moments, Not Poses
Capturing real moments, not poses, is the heart of an editorial style getting ready session. Instead of stiff smiles or forced positions, the goal is to show authentic emotions, interactions, and small gestures that tell a story. This approach makes your photos feel alive, natural, and timeless.
Let Moments Happen Naturally
The best moments often happen when you step back and let the subject be themselves. Watch as they laugh, adjust their dress, or share a quiet glance with a friend. These unplanned moments feel real and bring warmth to your images. Avoid telling them exactly what to do every second; let the story unfold naturally.
Give Gentle Direction
Even though you want real moments, light guidance can help shape the scene. Suggest small movements like turning toward a window, brushing a hand through their hair, or walking slowly. These tiny cues make the action look effortless while keeping your editorial vision intact.
Focus on Interactions
The little interactions between people; friends, family, or the partner; often create the most memorable images. Capture laughter, helping hands, or quiet gestures of support. These genuine moments add depth and emotion, making your photos feel like they belong in a story rather than a posed album.
Watch Expressions and Timing
Timing is everything. Keep an eye on expressions and subtle reactions. Often, the perfect shot is a fleeting smile, a glance down, or a gentle sigh. Being ready to capture these moments ensures your images feel authentic and magazine-quality.
Capturing real moments, not poses, transforms an editorial style getting ready session into a story full of emotion and life. By focusing on authenticity, every shot becomes meaningful, polished, and effortlessly beautiful.
Conclusion
Shooting an editorial style getting ready session is about slowing down and paying attention. Focus on light, details, and real emotions. Keep things simple and intentional. When you tell the story honestly, your images feel refined, meaningful, and beautifully timeless.
