What Is Editorial Photography?

Definition

Editorial photography is photography created to accompany written content in publications such as magazines, newspapers, online news outlets, and books. Unlike commercial photography, which promotes a product or service, editorial photography illustrates a story, concept, or idea.

Examples of Editorial Photography

• Magazine cover and feature spread photos
• News and documentary photography for newspapers
• Travel photography in lifestyle magazines
• Food photography for editorial recipes (vs. advertising)
• Celebrity and portrait features
• Photo essays and long-form journalism visuals

Editorial vs. Commercial Photography

The key distinction is use. Editorial images accompany content and do not require model or property releases in most cases (though ethical and legal standards still apply). Commercial images promote products or services and require releases from everyone visible and for recognizable locations.

Editorial Licensing

Editorial images are typically licensed for 'editorial use only' — meaning they can be used in news, commentary, and educational contexts but not in advertising or promotional materials. Using an editorial-licensed image for advertising can expose you to significant copyright liability.

Is Editorial Photography Well Paid?

Editorial photography rates are typically lower than commercial rates due to limited licensing scope. Magazine editorial work pays $250–$2,500 per assignment for established publications. Digital editorial work (blogs, online media) often pays less. Commercial work for the same subject matter might pay 5–10x more.