Difference Between an Editorial & Advertising Image

Italian Vogue and most Vogue beauty shots are normally Editorial images. Editorial images usually sell viewers a lifestyle rather than a product. Where as an Advertising image will mainly focus on selling the product to the viewers. Editorial photography normally sell a story as the sets are set up in a particular way, make-up, hair and clothing is also styled according to that. Editorial images are often known as beauty photography where as advertising images are known as commercial photography.

When deciding on an advertising image the age group of the target audience is always kept in mind. This is because the image, product and the whole brand image has to appeal to them. Post production is commonly seen as overused in some commercial photography. On the other hand editorial images are not about selling a product, instead are all about themes selling us a story.

Editorial images are always seen as more done up than advertising images in the sense of accessories, settings and styling. When it comes to lighting for the two different types of images, just one lighting set up could be used for a commercial shot. However, up to seven different lighting set ups can be used for editorial shoots depending on the desired look.