Empowering You Photography

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Pittsburgh, PA
Empowering You Photography

I'm Emily - a Pittsburgh-based lifestyle photographer set on capturing the real, the raw, the you. My style is warm, moody, and human.

I specialize in weddings, couples, families, maternity, & newborns.

09/23/2026

Alexandra + Micah 🪩

What didn’t this day have?

We got ready in the bride’s childhood home. I watched her apply her mascara in her old bedroom mirror. She and her sisters gave each other final touches in their parent’s room.

Micah surprised Dra with a custom lining in his jacket that collaged all of the letters she’d written him.

The families joined in the most seamless, loving way.

The party was PARTYING.

I cried, I belly laughed, I danced, & I loved every second of time I got to spend with this couple + their people.

Photographers: EMILY PASTRANA | PITTSBURGH PHOTOGRAPHER w/ Alyssa Michelle Videography
Coordinator: Pittsburgh Wedding Planner
Videographer: 1104 Films
Venue: Rivers Casino Pittsburgh
Florals: Lauren E Work
Band: The Company Band
Makeup: Pittsburgh Makeup Artist | Tara Gehringer Pittsburgh Makeup Artist
Hair: Lauren Rambo
Signage: Allison Kreashko
Dress: Anne Gregory Couture
Suit: David Alan Clothing

Wedding photographer | Pittsburgh wedding | documentarian | bride | authentic love | true to color | editing | lightroom | lovers | groom | photos | Pennsylvania | engaged | engagement photography

09/21/2026

Silvie + Liam.

A love that tested time, grief, change & growth.

Their love runs soul deep & it’s so beautiful to see their playfulness that can easily transition into a shared intimacy that only two people who know & love each other so thoroughly can achieve.

As I was witnessing it in real time, I knew how lucky I was to be a part of their story.

Photographers: EMILY PASTRANA | PITTSBURGH PHOTOGRAPHER w/ Brianna | Destination Wedding Photographer & Videographer
Coordinator: Victoria | Alt Wedding Planning & Design
Venue: Franklin on Penn
Florals: Bramble & Blossom • Pittsburgh Wedding Florist
DJ: Ryan George
Catering: Bistro To Go
Cake + cookies: Bethel Bakery
Makeup: Nicole Kubiesa
Hair: ✨Pittsburgh Bridal Hairstylist✨- Kristy Marie
Signage: Taylor | The Toasted Hostess
Dress: Anthropologie Weddings

Wedding photographer | Pittsburgh wedding | documentarian | bride | authentic love | true to color | editing | lightroom | lovers | groom | photos | Pennsylvania | engaged | engagement photography

09/20/2026

Saying goodbye to their first family home.

This crew fully embraced a true storytelling session & can you even imagine how much more special these will be as the years go on?

I was emotional just watching the girls excitedly show me the things they love to do in their home with their mom & dad.

When we talk about photos that make you feel, it’s ones like these 💛

Wedding photographer | Pittsburgh family photographer | documentarian | family | authentic love | true to color | editing | lightroom | documentary | storytelling photos | photos | Pennsylvania |

08/04/2026

08/01/2026

As I step back into wedding season today, I’m reflecting on how since becoming a mom almost 4 years ago, I’ve been working to find the balance between being a present mom + wife and giving my clients the 110% they deserve from me in both of my businesses.

When I say my schedule is limited, or my wedding calendar is booking fast, that’s why. I allow space that gives me the opportunity to be the best I can for my clients.

I don’t want to be giving you, my clients, bits and pieces of myself. I want to give you my all.

I don’t want half of my mind out the door thinking about my over-booked schedule when I’m picking tomatoes in the garden with my kids.

I love my clients and this job do deeply (sometimes to fault!), that I know I need to be intentional about taking on projects in order to give you everything I’ve got.

When you bring me on to your team, I’m bringing you on to mine, too. On our calls, my kids might be popping in to say hi to you. And you’re letting me spend some of your most special moments with you!!!!! That means we are lifers, baby. I’m cheering you on for the long haul.

Thanks you for allowing me to serve you AND serve them. We’re all family in the end 💕

10000000000x thank you to our earth angel Serena Cavanaugh for spending the evening with us & letting us just be ourselves (& letting me steal some photos to edit for my socials while I wait to put HER magic on my walls!). These will be the images I look back upon with so much joy when the kids are grown & life has taken a new shape. We love you!

07/29/2026

07/09/2026

07/08/2026

Every year, something curious happens.

I close my books. I refer all new inquiries to my amazing friendors. I hold my boundaries relatively strong on this. But for some unknown reason, one email comes through and I decide to take the call.

This year, it was Sarah & Nick. As soon as we phone-met, I knew there was no way I was sitting this one out…and after spending their wedding day with them, I knew I 10000% made the right choice.

Their day was so deeply filled with tradition. There were stunning details. Quiet moments of big importance. Intentional movement & intentional stillness. All while never feeling stiff, hurried or stressful. Every moment was fun. Joyful.

The “getting ready” portion of the day was relaxed. We learned Filipino line dances. We went to the bar for a couple drinks. Our stunning bride even took a cat nap (which I have decided that every bride should do this!?).

Nick & the boys got to spend cherished moments together & the place that means the most to Nick - his church. And of course, they danced & danced & danced through the evening.

S + N leaned in to the fact that their wedding was about the real moments & just encouraged us to capture them as they happened. Because of that, their gallery tells the most beautiful story.

I feel SO lucky to have been a part of their day. I’ll carry the electricity of it forever.

Photo: EMILY PASTRANA | PITTSBURGH PHOTOGRAPHER with Carly K Photography
Venue:
Coordinator: Tiffany and Design
Florist: Lauren E Work
DJ: DJ Hypnotyza
Greek band: The Meraklides
Hair/Makeup: PGH Bridal Hair & Makeup
Videographer: AConti Media

07/07/2026

Lauren + Holden 🌷

These two were a dream come true from the jump.

Lovers (and professionals!) of the arts. They hold a deep understanding of what’s important in love & life.

They shared their hearts with each other in front of their families & friends without fear or reservation.

Holden surprised Lauren with a song that had us fully tearing up.

We danced (a lot), sang, & smiled the day away.

I’d do it over and over again.

Photo: EMILY PASTRANA | PITTSBURGH PHOTOGRAPHER HARLEY JOY PHOTOGRAPHY
Venue: Phipps Weddings and Events
String ensemble: Steven Vance Entertainment
DJ: Fireside Events LLC
Florist: Lilac & Fawn ✿ Pittsburgh Wedding & Event Florist
Makeup: Adrienne Pace
Hair: Molly Hartman
Dresses: MB Bride
Suits: Ticknors Men's Clothier
Catering: Bistro To Go
Cake: Your Sweet Cake Design Studio

06/21/2026

In my line(s) of work, I seem to have a front row seat to how much a girl’s relationship with her father matters.

How much it influences the standards they hold. Their views on the world. Their confidence. Their expectations and so so much more.

These girls hit the jackpot 🤍

Address

Pittsburgh, PA

Website

http://www.empoweringyouphotography.com/

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