When most people think of a couples session in the desert, they probably picture something soft and boho — flowy dresses, wide-brim hats, and bare feet in the sand. But what happens when you bring a sharp, fashion-forward approach to that same setting? You get something entirely different: an editorial look that feels like it belongs in a magazine, not just a gallery.
As a fashion and editorial wedding photographer, I specialize in merging natural backdrops with elevated styling to create shoots that feel cinematic and curated. This particular session was a quick, creative test shoot of the Sony A7IV (Maybe I’ll post a blog comparing their mirrorless cameras because the colors and dynamic range was so different from past models! Bit of a learning curve) — a chance to play, experiment, and still push toward that polished, fashion-inspired look. Whether you’re a couple looking for something nontraditional or a photographer aiming to elevate your portfolio, here’s how to style your next session like a true fashion editorial.
1. Start With a Concept, Not a Costume
Great fashion editorials always begin with intention — not just aesthetics. Don’t rely on tired trends and tropes of what your theme “could “should” look like. Instead, craft a concept that tells a story or expresses a mood. Something that creates WANT from the viewer— want to buy that item, want to be the model. Maybe it’s inspired by 90s Helmut Lang minimalism in the sand, or post-apocalyptic romance meets Saint Laurent.
Tip: Create a moodboard that pulls from high-fashion editorials, cinema, and even art photography. The more specific your vision, the more elevated the result.
2. Elevate the Wardrobe With Texture and Contrast
Think unexpected pairings: sheer fabrics with structured blazers, silk slips with harness belts, or leather trousers in the middle of a dust-blown landscape. The goal is to bring fashion-level styling to the rawness of the desert.
Consider including:
- Neutral monochrome looks with bold accent pieces (e.g., metallics, snakeskin, deep red)
- Oversized silhouettes or layering for drama
- Accessories like vintage sunglasses, wide belts, or structured bags
- Grooming that’s sleek, editorial, and confident — even in harsh elements
As a fashion photographer, I always tell clients: you’re not dressing for comfort — you’re dressing for the image.
For this session, my client wore a dramatic statement top paired with a sleek, sheer skirt and minimal gold jewelry — including a striking gold fingertip ring (also known as finger armor) that played beautifully against her red nails. Her partner complemented the look with understated neutrals that blended seamlessly with the warm tones and raw backdrop of the Vegas desert.
3. Make Hair and Makeup Editorial, Not Everyday
Forget natural and glowy — this is your chance to go bold. Think matte skin, graphic eyeliner, slicked-back buns, or dry textured waves with a strong center part. Choose hair and makeup that support the overall story, not just the heat of the desert.
If your shoot has a more androgynous or alt edge, lean into dramatic grooming, bold shapes, or minimal but intentional beauty choices.
Because these clients are a real couple — and not just models (Leroy @lilbitsbyleroy and I met at her tattoo popup at The Dustland Bar‘s opening weekend!) — we didn’t opt for the dramatics here and let the minimalist hair and makeup compliment the Nevada desert.
4. Choose a Location That Feels Raw and Cinematic
For these, the desert was our canvas. Classic bar backdrops, abandoned gas stations, rocky cliffs, dry lake beds — these textures all elevate the editorial vibe when paired with high fashion styling as well. Look for contrast: sleek wardrobe against gritty, imperfect surroundings.
Pro tip: Harsh sun at midday can work if you’re going for that i-D Magazine flash look. But golden hour and early morning give a more cinematic softness.
We went with early morning for a softer look before the day got too hot and used the old Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, NV right outside of Las Vegas as one of our backdrops for a classic desert look.
5. Direct With Fashion in Mind & Posing for Shape
Fashion and editorial posing isn’t always about closeness or intimacy — it’s about creating shape, and communicating energy and narrative. Think: asymmetry, tension, and negative space. Sometimes the pose will feel slightly off, even absurd — and that’s exactly what makes it striking and editorial.
Instead of asking your couple to kiss and embrace, you would creatively direct the scene:
- “Perfect, now can you shift your weight entirely to one hip?”
- “Turn your chin past me, not just to the side.”
- “Let your arms feel too long. Elongate.”
- “Pretend you’re on a magazine cover — and you’re over it.”
For this shoot, we brought in a simple wooden chair and played with weight, balance, and power dynamics. One concept had her seated and reclined back while her partner tilted the chair slightly downward — his arms straight, expression neutral, hers locked on the horizon.
It felt like a power shift frozen in stillness.
We later flipped the roles, placing him in the chair while she directed the tension — controlling the tilt, maintaining visual dominance. These kinds of compositional choices bring complexity and a subtle storytelling layer to what might otherwise just be a portrait.
Bottom line:
Posing in editorial work isn’t always comfortable — and it’s not meant to be. It’s meant to make the viewer feel something.
6. Edit for Editorial Impact
Post-processing matters just as much as styling and posing. For a fashion editorial finish, avoid overly warm tones or romantic filters. Instead, try:
- High contrast black and white
- Slight desaturation with neutral palettes
- Clean skin tones, crisp shadows, and emphasis on texture
- A curated gallery that feels consistent and art-directed
This is where your work moves from “pretty couple photos” to editorial artwork.
Final Thoughts
Styling a session like a fashion editorial is about more than just clothes or a location — it’s a statement. A harmonious blend of art direction, aesthetic clarity, and emotional (and sometimes physical) stillness.
Whether you’re a creative couple seeking something untraditional or a photographer building an editorial portfolio, this kind of shoot pushes boundaries and delivers work that feels timeless and intentional — the kind of work you’d proudly submit to a magazine. Although this one was just for practice, I can’t wait to share some thoughtfully curated, editorial photoshoots I’m putting together this year!
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Looking for a fashion and editorial wedding photographer or creative direction for your shoot?
I specialize in cinematic, elevated photos that marry storytelling with style. Reach out to bring your editorial vision to life.
xo
Asia
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