Empowering You Photography

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.

08/04/2026

Kinda chic that somebody’s mother can be anything she wants to be.

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

As I step back into wedding season today, I’m reflecting on how since becoming a mom almost 4 years ago, I’ve been worki...
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!

a love that was so effortless to capture 🕊️ cannot wait for their wedding next year! 🥹Wedding photographer | Pittsburgh ...
07/29/2026

a love that was so effortless to capture 🕊️

cannot wait for their wedding next year! 🥹

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

mom + dad loading 🍦 I’ll forever be so emo as I get to document my couples’ engagement, weddings, and their journey into...
07/09/2026

mom + dad loading 🍦

I’ll forever be so emo as I get to document my couples’ engagement, weddings, and their journey into parenthood.

pinch me!!!!!

Wedding photographer | Pittsburgh wedding | documentarian | bride | authentic love | true to color | editing | lightroom | lovers | motherhood | photos | Pennsylvania | maternity photos | pregnant

Every year, something curious happens.I close my books. I refer all new inquiries to my amazing friendors. I hold my bou...
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

Lauren + Holden 🌷These two were a dream come true from the jump.Lovers (and professionals!) of the arts. They hold a dee...
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

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 muc...
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 🤍

Mer + Christian 🖤Here’s what was cool. They did it totally their way.A Catholic ceremony. An intimate dinner in a beauti...
06/13/2026

Mer + Christian 🖤

Here’s what was cool.

They did it totally their way.

A Catholic ceremony. An intimate dinner in a beautiful restaurant.

A saxophone-serenaded cocktail hour post-dinner as their friends arrived to party into the night.

I love that the flow of this day was uniquely designed to feature what was most important to Meredith & Christian.

Need I repeat myself? The best weddings are the ones that are done the way YOU want 🤍

Photographer: EMILY PASTRANA | PITTSBURGH PHOTOGRAPHER w/ Alyssa Michelle Videography
Venue: Acqua Di Dea 🔱
Coordinator: Wedding Planning and Design
Transportation: A-1 Mr Limo
DJ: Burning River Entertainment
Florals & Decor: 𝓐𝓶𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓕𝓵𝓸𝓻𝓪𝓵 & 𝓓𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓻💐
Bridal hair:
Dress:

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

05/27/2026

Sydney + Anthony 🖤

Overcast in the most romantic way.

Quiet moments.

Stillness to really take it in.

And the party STILL packed a punch.

I love these two 🤍

Photographer: w/
Venue:
Ceremony + Reception Florals:
Dress:
DJ / Photo Booth / official:
Content creator:
Makeup: .w
Hair:

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

POV: you won’t let a rainy day get in the way of your love 🌧️ 💛Wedding photographer | Pittsburgh wedding | documentarian...
05/05/2026

POV: you won’t let a rainy day get in the way of your love 🌧️ 💛

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

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Pittsburgh, PA

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