Single Page vs Two-Page Spreads: A Photographer’s Perspective

A spread is two facing pages in a magazine.

The advertisement or editorial feature appears on both left and right pages.

Two-page spreads offer more space for copy or photo content inside of the publication. Since spreads use two pages rather than one, they are the most expensive option for advertisers.

A two-page spread can range between $2,000 to $100,000 or more. This usually depends on the magazine publication and its distribution range.

An editorial portrait photographer needs to know if the magazine photo is a spread or a full-page before the shoot. Photographers should shoot horizontally and consider the gutter. Many forget about it.

The gutter is a crease point where the magazine folds. It’s like a black hole in outer space:

• Photos stretch and bend when they cross this area.
• Details are lost in the center. You could call it a “point of no return.”

Magazine dimensions will determine where the gutter falls. A 9-inch by 11-inch magazine will have a different gutter position than an 8-inch by 8-inch magazine.

The best option for a portrait photographer is to align the gutter with purpose. Place unappealing objects in the middle, like a door frame or wall.

In case of an accident, photographers should leave breathing room around their subject, so they can expand the background in post-production. If the subject lands in the gutter, sometimes the portrait photo is salvageable by cloning the background to make the photo wider.

Some poses work for spreads while others are unflattering. Editorial portrait photographers need to envision a wide frame photo. Typically, this means capturing a ¾ shot of the subject or shooting from a distance.

Remember these helpful tips when trying to create bold editorial photography in a magazine.

A single page is one page in a magazine.

The advertisement or editorial feature appears on either the left or right page. Readers view the content on one page without turning to another.

Single pages have less space for copy and photos, but they are less costly than two-page spreads. Single page photos are the most common option for advertisers and short editorial features in a magazine.

A single page photo is shot with vertical dimensions. Keep this in mind to ensure it fits inside of the magazine.

Portrait photographers should remember to leave some space around their subject. When capturing a vertical photo, it is better to have more room than not enough. Consider the bottom and top of the frame while planning the shot.

As editorial portrait photographers, we recommend a maximum of 3 subjects in a single page photo. More than 3 subjects can complicate the process. Squeezing over 3 subjects into a vertical photo means that photographers lose space on the sides.

Group portrait photography is easier to capture as a spread. On a vertical page, heads can shrink in size and look awkward to viewers.

Let creative direction lead the way when photographing a single page portrait photo for magazines.

A single page and a spread are similar and different in many ways.

Two-page magazine spreads offer more room for creative photography approaches. Though photographers need to account for horizontal dimensions, there is ample space to visually experiment.

Readers tend to pay closer attention to spreads rather than single pages. Spreads break the monotony of page flipping. When readers land on a spread, they glance at the page longer, which is an advantage to advertisers.

If your message is complex, then a spread is the best choice. Remember to keep them simple because spreads fail when they display too many photos.

On the other hand, a single page in a magazine offers less room than a two-page spread. While many interpret this as a disadvantage, a single page is simpler and more direct. Readers can quickly digest a single page.

Since a single page has less space, it leaves less of a visual impact than a spread. While this is a negative aspect of single pages, they are the cheapest option. Less paper equals fewer printing expenses.

Also—remember to request your single page to appear on the right. As readers flip through the issue, the right is where they tend to look first.

Consider the context of the message when deciding between a spread or a single page in a magazine. Each format has their benefits and drawbacks, but only the best commercial photography will make them memorable.

Browse our website for more samples of bold editorial magazine photography throughout the best venues in Philadelphia.

As a commercial photography studio in Philly, we have experience with fitting magazine formats for ads, editorials, and covers. We’ve captured bold portraits at the most iconic venues in the city, ranging from:

• Arthaus Condominiums
• Union Trust
• Ritz Carlton Philadelphia

Location portrait photography experience is important when it comes to shooting for a magazine. If you’re planning for a photoshoot, then learn How to Prepare for Portrait Photography before the session.