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Dave Blake Photography

Visual Narratives, Crafted Globally. Based in Australia.
  • Hello.
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Swimwear
  • Motion
  • Instagram
  • Model Contact Form
  • Services
  • Stories
  • Bio / Contact
 

Dave Blake | Photographer / Director

Represented by Kate Ryan Inc. - emma@kateryaninc.com

Brisbane // Byron Bay // New York

contact@dave-blake.com

Hello,

I’ve spent the last decade chasing light from the backstreets of Paris to the rolling hills of Byron Bay, and I can tell you one thing: editorial photography is storytelling at its finest. Unlike a straight-up product shoot or a pure fashion campaign, an editorial photographer’s job is to craft a narrative. We’re the visual essayists who blend portraiture, still life and location into images that feel like chapters in a magazine spread.

By Dave Blake | July 12, 2025

What Is an Editorial Photographer?

July 12, 2025 in Editorial Photography, Insights

Defining Editorial Photography

At its core, editorial photography is about context and emotion. You’re not just snapping a model in a gown, you’re placing her in a world: a sunlit rooftop in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, a windswept beach north of Byron Bay, or amidst the neon chaos of New York’s Meatpacking District. Every wardrobe choice, every beam of light, every expression is part of a larger story designed to spark curiosity, provoke thought and connect with an audience on a deeper level.

Editorial vs. Commercial & Fashion Photography

  • Commercial: Laser-focused on selling a product or service. Think splashy ads where the brand name, and call-to-action, takes centre stage.

  • Fashion: All about the clothes. These shoots highlight the latest trends and designer details, often with glossy styling and dramatic poses.

  • Editorial: Narrative-driven. Here, garments, props and backdrops serve the bigger picture, whether that’s an article, a theme or a mood.

The Process: Crafting a Narrative

  1. Concept & Collaboration

    I start by sketching moodboards with stylists, art directors and, often, my own assistant, borrowing cues from film, music videos or fine art to set the tone.

  2. Location Scouting

    From Brisbane’s heritage terraces in Teneriffe to hidden coves near Byron Bay, I hunt for spaces that elevate the story. A single wrought-iron gate can become the frame for a couture gown; a weathered surf shack might lend candid charm to a beauty shoot.

  3. Talent Direction

    I guide models to move and emote, sometimes gently whispering prompts, other times playing music to capture a candid laugh. The goal is always authenticity: images that feel lived-in, not staged.

  4. Post-Production

    Back at my Byron Bay studio or late into the night in Brisbane, I fine-tune color, texture and tone so each frame sits seamlessly in the final spread.

Why Hire an Editorial Photographer in Brisbane & Byron Bay?

  • Local Savvy: I know every alley, rooftop and shoreline, so we spend less time scouting and more time shooting.

  • Global Perspective: After projects in New York, Paris and Milan, I’ve learned to translate international techniques into an Australian aesthetic.

  • Story-First Mindset: Whether you’re an agency looking for campaign imagery or a model building a standout portfolio, I shape every detail to serve the story you want to tell.

How to Prepare for Your Editorial Shoot

  • Moodboard Magic: Share your inspirations, films, magazines, travel snaps, so we start on the same page.

  • Wardrobe Versatility: Pack pieces that layer well and transition between setups (a bold jacket over a simple slip dress, for example).

  • Rest & Hydrate: It sounds basic, but a well-rested, hydrated subject makes all the difference when you’re standing in 30°C sun or under strobes till midnight.

Ready to Tell Your Story?

If you’re after more than a pretty picture, if you want imagery that resonates, intrigues and endures, let’s chat. Head over to my Services page to book a consultation, or drop me a line and we’ll map out your next editorial adventure in Brisbane, Byron Bay, or wherever your story takes us.

Tags: editorial photographer, storytelling, location photography, concept development, talent direction, visual narratives, Brisbane, Byron Bay
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