Tell us a little bit about your business.
I’m Emily and I am the lead photographer at Empowering You Photography. After studying photography in college, pivoting to become a doctor of physical therapy, traveling the country, and landing back home in Pittsburgh, I finally had the courage to start this business and put all of the skills I spent years harnessing to work. In healthcare, my patients came to me when something was wrong; in this business, clients come to me to celebrate.
As a people person, extrovert, and lover of love, I want to laugh, cry, document, create art, and build beautiful relationships with the people trusting me with their special moments. I specialize in weddings, elopements, and motherhood photography. It brings me indescribable joy to celebrate life’s moments with my clients…many of whom have become lifelong friends.
While my photos will speak for themselves, I also want you to know that so many of my clients choose me because of the experience WITH me. You aren’t just getting photos; you are getting an experience that you’ll remember for a lifetime.
I am also LGBTQ+ friendly. All love is welcome here.
What makes your work unique?
My work will not only capture the way the moment looked, but the way it felt. I strive to create images that are not only beautiful works of art, but tangible pieces of emotion. My work is unique in its ability to transport you back to the moment.
My style is documentarian and storytelling focused with editorial moments mixed in. My work has been described as emotional, honest, joyful, and artistic. I use a lot of movement and intuitive interactions/gestures to make my clients feel comfortable and to capture images that look natural. My photos are true to color with soft warmth and nostalgic tones. With every image, I am asking myself if this is something that would look beautiful framed on your wall. That’s the sort of product you can expect from me!
What is your ideal client like?
My ideal clients are ready to have FUN! They are laid back and trusting of the process. They are attracted to documentarian-styled images with editorial moments. They believe that the ordinary and mundane hold just as much beauty as the big and spectacular. Bonus points if you like Schitt’s Creek & a good Chipotle run.
What is your approach to photography?
My approach to capturing your biggest day comes from my personal experience with grief, if I’m being honest. I lost my mother 10 years ago and even though I was the type to take a million photos, I still wish I had more. I capture your day with that sort of intention and purpose. I want you to have photos of all of the people you love and I want you to see the emotion in their eyes and feel their happiness from the way I capture them smiling at you as you say “I do.” Photos are SUCH a gift and it is an honor to bring that gift to my clients.
On a lighter note, my clients always tell me that I am the perfect balance of laid back to keep you calm, but organized, prompt, and efficient to keep things running smoothly! You’ll never hear me barking orders or yelling at you that we’re late. That just isn’t me! I will, however, be by your side at all times, fixing veils, straightening ties, bustling dresses, dabbing sweat from your forehead as needed, and constantly making sure we are doing things YOUR way, not mine. I am the go-to person on your wedding day, which is why so many of my clients have become like family. We will get to know each other well so that I can capture exactly who you are and accurately document your story through my images. I will also make some solid dad-jokes and very un-athetically run to capture the shot…you’ve been warned.
