You've seen those stunning magazine covers. The ones where the model looks effortlessly confident, beautifully lit, and impossibly polished. And you've probably thought, "That could never be me. I'm not photogenic."

Here’s the truth: you don’t need to be a professional model to look like one. With the right photographer, preparation, and mindset, anyone can learn how to get editorial-style photos that look like they belong in a magazine and make you feel like the best version of yourself. Let’s break down exactly how to make that happen.

How to Get Editorial Style Photos (Even If You're Not a Model)

Why You Don't Need Modeling Experience

1. The Power of Professional Expertise

What makes a photo editorial style? The difference between a casual snapshot and a magazine-worthy portrait isn't your modeling background. It's the expertise behind the camera. If you’ve ever wondered what is editorial style photography, it’s this: a creative, story-driven approach that blends artistic direction with authenticity. Professional photographers who specialize in magazine-style portraits know how to direct you into flattering poses that feel natural, use lighting that enhances your best features, create an environment where you feel relaxed and confident, and capture genuine expressions rather than forced smiles.

"Anyone can pick up a camera and click, but a true photographer knows angles, lighting, color, and how to get the right energy flowing from the subject."

2. What Models Actually Do

How to get confident in front of the camera? Well, firstly, it’s important to know that professional models aren't born knowing how to pose. They're trained and directed. During your editorial portrait photography session, your photographer will guide you through every moment: where to place your hands, how to angle your body, where to look, and how to create movement. You're not expected to know any of this beforehand. The magic happens when the photographer adjusts the angles, lighting, music, and posing guidance to reflect your true self, while boosting your confidence.

Understanding Magazine-Style Photography

How to make your photos look editorial? Magazine-style photography is characterized by editorial quality, polished yet natural images that grace the pages of Vogue or Vanity Fair. When exploring types of editorial photography and seeking editorial photography ideas, this style focuses on:

Professional lighting that sculpts and enhances features
Intentional posing that flatters your unique body type
Sophisticated composition and artistic direction
Editorial-quality retouching that maintains authenticity
Images that tell a story about who you are

How the Right Studio Makes All the Difference

1. The Complete Experience I Provide

How to get into editorial photography? At my studio, a truly transformative portrait experience goes far beyond showing up and smiling for the camera. I offer a holistic journey that begins long before you step in front of the lens.

What I provide at every session:

Personalized consultation to understand your vision and goals
Wardrobe guidance and access to my curated studio clothing collection
Access to top-tier professional hair and makeup artists
Expert posing direction throughout your entire session
Professional retouching tailored to your preferences
A reveal session where you see your transformed images

My Five-Step Journey to Magazine-Worthy Portraits

Step 1: Your Complimentary Consultation

Before we begin, we'll connect to ensure we're a perfect fit. This conversation goes beyond logistics. It’s about understanding your personality, hopes, and how you want to be remembered. I'll ask questions like "What are your dreams for these photos?" and "How do you want to present yourself to the world?" These insights guide our entire creative process, ensuring your photoshoot mirrors your unique story, not someone else's vision.

Step 2: Tailored Wardrobe Fitting

How to plan a luxury photoshoot? The right clothing makes an enormous difference. I provide wardrobe consultations via Zoom, FaceTime, or in-person at my studio to help you select outfits that photograph beautifully. You'll also have access to my curated mid-size studio wardrobe collection, eliminating the stress of "what should I wear?"

When you love what you're wearing, it shines through in your photos, elevating the entire experience.

Step 3: Professional Hair and Makeup

On the morning of your session, you’ll have the option to work with a top-tier hair and makeup artist who understands how to get editorial-style photos that feel effortless and elevated. She’ll consult with you to create the exact look and vibe you’re aiming for, enhancing your natural beauty so you step into your shoot feeling confident and fully empowered to own the moment.

Even if you're nervous in front of the camera (and who isn't?), professional styling creates a foundation of confidence that transforms how you carry yourself.

Step 4: Your Photoshoot Experience

This is where preparation meets artistry. I take the time to understand who you are and what you want, creating an experience that feels effortless, freeing, and authentic.

During your session, expect:

Music that sets the right mood and energy
Continuous guidance on posing and expression
Adjustments to lighting and angles specifically for you
A relaxed atmosphere where you can be yourself
Direction that brings out your authentic essence

The question guiding every moment: "When someone looks at your image, what do you want them to see?" I use this insight to create images that genuinely resonate with who you are.

Step 5: Professional Retouching That Stays True to You

After your session, I carefully review each image to select the very best. The level of retouching is entirely your choice, from minimal touch-ups to more polished editorial styling. The goal is always to create images where you look refreshed, glowing, and beautiful as you are, not like a different person.

This detailed process (which takes up to three weeks) ensures every final image meets magazine-quality standards while maintaining your authentic essence.

What This Experience Actually Feels Like

1. More Than Just Photos

What is the Power of Photography? "I've never felt this beautiful." This is what my clients consistently say after their reveal session, the moment they see their transformed portraits for the first time.

The magazine-style portrait experience I provide is fulfilling on multiple levels and provides editorial photography examples that holistically uplift your life.

Emotionally: You're seen, heard, and celebrated for exactly who you are. The process validates that you deserve to feel beautiful and confident.
Spiritually: These images become a reflection of your journey—where you've been and who you're becoming. They capture your essence in a way that words cannot.
Physically: You leave with tangible, professional artwork—wall portraits that light up your home, branding images that elevate your business, or heirloom-quality prints that your family will treasure.

2. The Transformation Beyond the Camera

Can a single photo change your life? Maybe not entirely, but it can transform how you see yourself. Understanding how to get editorial style photos isn’t just about lighting or poses; it’s about revealing the version of you that’s already powerful and radiant. When you see yourself through my lens as someone who truly understands you, something shifts. You begin to own your beauty, your story, and your presence in a way you might never have before.

"Susanna takes the time to evaluate the person and what they are wanting to capture, down to the smallest details. She is professional and caring."

This level of attention, where every detail matters, from understanding your personality to adjusting the lighting for your unique features, is what separates a transformative portrait experience from simply having your photo taken.

Tips for Getting the Most from Your Experience

1. Come Prepared to Be Yourself

The best portraits happen when you relax into the experience rather than trying to perform. Trust that I know how to guide you, and focus on enjoying the moment.

Before your session:

Get adequate rest so you look and feel refreshed
Hydrate well in the days leading up to your shoot
Trust the wardrobe guidance you've received
Arrive with an open mind and willingness to try new things

2. Communicate Your Vision

Be clear about what you want from your portraits. Are these images for yourself, to boost your confidence? For your family, to capture this moment in time? For your business, to elevate your professional brand? Understanding the purpose helps me to create exactly what you need.

3. Trust the Process

You might feel awkward at first, and that's completely normal. Within minutes, as I guide you and you settle into the experience, that awkwardness fades. Give yourself permission to be vulnerable and trust that my expertise will create something extraordinary.

The Investment in Yourself

What is the 20 60 20 rule in photography? This compositional guideline suggests that roughly 20% of the image creates tension or contrast, 60% maintains balance, and 20% provides visual rest, resulting in a harmonious and engaging shot.

Magazine-style portrait experiences work the same way. They are an investment in your confidence, self-image, and in creating artwork that lasts for generations. When you choose to work with me, you're not just paying for photos. You're investing in an experience that helps you see yourself differently, with personalized attention, professional services, and artistic expertise at every step. These aren't snapshots stored on your phone. They're museum-quality portraits that belong on your walls, in your office, or wherever you need a reminder of your strength and beauty.

Ready to Experience Magazine-Style Portraits for Yourself?

You don't need modeling experience, a perfect body, or even confidence in front of the camera. You just need to show up as yourself and trust the process. With my guidance and expertise in how to get editorial style photos, understanding angles, lighting, and how to bring out your authentic energy, you'll walk away with portraits that make you think, "That's really me?"

The first step is a relaxed conversation to explore your vision and see if this experience feels right for you. During your complimentary consultation, we’ll talk about what you hope to capture, walk through the process, and make sure it’s the perfect fit.

I serve clients within 75 miles of Richmond, including Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Oxford, and Dayton.

So, if you’re ready to see yourself in a whole new light, schedule your free consultation and embrace the journey toward portraits that reveal your real, beautiful, confident self.

The world is excited to see your true self, and I'm honored to bring it to light.