Podcast Summary: The Heart & Hustle Podcast - Episode 441

Title: Documentary vs. Editorial Based Posing. What’s the Actual Difference? Let’s Discuss.

Hosts: Evie McLeod & Lindsey Roman

Release Date: July 15, 2025

Introduction to the Topic (00:00 - 03:37)

In Episode 441 of The Heart & Hustle Podcast, hosts Evie McLeod and Lindsey Roman delve into the nuanced differences between documentary and editorial-style photography. Aimed primarily at photographers, the discussion seeks to demystify these often buzzword-laden terms and provide clarity on how to effectively integrate both styles into their work.

Defining Documentary Photography (03:37 - 06:47)

Evie McLeod initiates the discussion by defining documentary photography as a "completely natural, completely hands-off and observational" approach. Lindsey Roman echoes this sentiment, describing it as "observational without interference," where the photographer captures genuine moments without directing the subjects.

Evie McLeod (04:24): "Documentary photography is completely natural, completely hands off and observational. The photographer captures real moments as they happen without interference."

They trace the origins of documentary photography to photojournalism, akin to the iconic, unposed shots like the "Times Square Kiss." However, both agree that in practice, especially within the wedding industry, truly pure documentary photography is rare.

Lindsey Roman (05:18): "I think what we think of documentary photography, like iconic shots, it's like, so who knows if they were posed."

Defining Editorial Photography (06:47 - 09:00)

Transitioning to editorial photography, Lindsey Roman explains it as a style where the photographer provides direction or prompts to create specific outcomes or visions. This approach maintains some control over the aesthetic and composition while evoking genuine reactions.

Lindsey Roman (07:17): "Editorial photography is prompt or direction based. You are giving your clients a direction or a prompt to get a specific outcome or vision."

Evie McLeod adds that editorial photography often carries an "edgy feel," distinguishing it from documentary photography. It encompasses styles that are fashion-forward or fine art, requiring intentional posing and staging.

Evie McLeod (08:25): "At least in the way that it's used, editorial does have that edgy feel to it."

Blurring the Lines: Combining Documentary and Editorial (09:00 - 15:35)

The conversation highlights the interplay between documentary and editorial styles, emphasizing that most photographers employ a blend of both. Evie and Lindsey discuss how even those claiming to be purely documentary often incorporate elements of direction to achieve the desired aesthetic.

Evie McLeod (12:30): "When people call themselves documentary photographers, I think in the majority of times that what they mean is they will set the scene aesthetically… which I would still kind of consider editorial."

They illustrate this with examples from wedding photography, where photographers must anticipate and capture unscripted moments while occasionally steering subjects to enhance the visual narrative.

Lindsey Roman (15:12): "There is a skill that comes with it. Same with editorial. But like it's curating a skill. And I think a really good photographer who blends both needs to cultivate both."

Evolving Approaches and Storytelling (15:35 - 24:43)

Lindsey recounts their initial approach to photography, which involved a structured list of prompts to elicit genuine reactions from clients. Examples include asking couples to "whisper your favorite sandwich ingredients" to capture laughter and natural interactions.

Lindsey Roman (21:13): "One of our prompts was like, whisper your favorite sandwich ingredients in your sexiest voice."

Over time, they transitioned to a more tailored storytelling approach, incorporating clients' unique stories, personalities, and activities to create authentic and meaningful imagery.

Evie McLeod (23:33): "Now it's a lot more truly understanding their story, what their quirks are, what's going on in their life, and just, like, who they are as people."

Tips for Photographers: Defining and Communicating Your Style (24:43 - 35:07)

The hosts emphasize the importance of photographers accurately defining their style to attract the right clients. They advocate for clear communication of whether a photographer leans more towards documentary or editorial, ensuring clients have realistic expectations.

Lindsey Roman (29:29): "Repel and attract. Like, you want to repel the wrong people so that you can attract the right people that you're wanting to book."

They caution against overusing trendy terms like "cinematic," which may become diluted over time, advising photographers to find unique descriptors that accurately reflect their work.

Lindsey Roman (31:52): "Find a unique word if you can."

Evie adds that cinematic styles often incorporate specific editing techniques, such as warm and green hues, but warns that these trends may eventually fade.

Evie McLeod (33:40): "Right now the trend is like cinematic photography… I feel like that's gonna look dated."

Homework: Assessing and Communicating Your Style (35:07 - 36:01)

To conclude, the hosts encourage photographers to critically evaluate their current practices, identify their dominant styles, and effectively communicate these to potential clients. This self-assessment is pivotal in ensuring that photographers attract clients who resonate with their unique approach.

Evie McLeod (35:07): "Think about what you're actively doing. Am I editorial? Do I lean more documentary? Which am I?"

Lindsey Roman (35:37): "Assess your work… and hopefully this gave you some clarity and some ability to really define what you do and what your approach is."

Conclusion

This episode of The Heart & Hustle Podcast offers invaluable insights for photographers striving to refine their style and effectively communicate it to clients. By distinguishing between documentary and editorial photography and exploring the synergy between the two, Evie McLeod and Lindsey Roman provide a comprehensive guide to enhancing both the artistic and business aspects of photography.

Notable Quotes:

• Evie McLeod (04:24): "Documentary photography is completely natural, completely hands off and observational."
• Lindsey Roman (07:17): "Editorial photography is prompt or direction based."
• Lindsey Roman (21:13): "One of our prompts was like, whisper your favorite sandwich ingredients in your sexiest voice."
• Lindsey Roman (29:29): "Repel and attract."
• Evie McLeod (33:40): "Right now the trend is like cinematic photography… I feel like that's gonna look dated."