Emily Pastrana - preset collection

working with these two came so easily. they were so willing to let me witness their love for each other. they managed the line between pretending I wasn’t there but still letting me in to get to know them better with such ease. as we were shooting I stopped & said to them “I know this is my first time meeting you in person, but these photos really feel like you...” …and it was all because they let me see the real them…& I freaking love my new friends 🥹 I can’t wait to show you part II & I really can’t wait for their wedding day 💛 wedding photographer | engaged | documentarian | storytelling | journalistic | nostalgic | lovers | Pittsburgh | presets | Lightroom | editing | authentic | love

They shared their first kiss lying in the grass. They love literature. They love each other so honestly & without judgment. They’ve found safety & comfort within each other. They exchanged the most beautiful vows I’ve ever heard. They smiled, laughed, danced, & took moments of quiet to take it all in. Every single moment felt special, no matter how big or small. 10 slides simply isn’t enough, but it’s a start. I feel so lucky to have been a part of it. Here’s to K & L 🍃 Photographer: @em__powering Venue: @willowbrookwedding Hair: @lindsayelizabethc__ Florist: Cialella & Carney DJ: Farone Brothers Coordinator: Mary Stubrich wedding photographer | engaged | documentarian | storytelling | journalistic | nostalgic | lovers | Pittsburgh | presets | Lightroom | editing | authentic | love

this one’s for the bump ✨ Motherhood | mom life | maternity photographer | pregnancy photos | pregnant | documentarian | journalistic | authentic

the main goal of this session, per the couple, was for it to feel like “them.” ….& I’m grateful AF because that is ALWAYS my goal & it’s such a treat when clients really want to capture their authentic love. they love their hometown, they love a dive bar, & Chase loves to skateboard. so we went to their hometown, hit up their favorite bar, then skated the night away. it was perfect in every way. wedding photographer | engaged | documentarian | storytelling | journalistic | nostalgic | lovers | Pittsburgh | presets | Lightroom | editing | authentic | love

Meg + Greger pt II 🎂 A literal perfect cut of cake. Dancing under twinkle lights on a summer night. Stealing away for sunset photos & a photo-op with John Deer. A father/daughter dance that had me in tears. & of course @djunderdog ‘s mixes were absolute 🔥🔥🔥 Photographers: @em__powering @the__pas Venue: @oaklodgepa Cake: @tastybakerypa Florals: @armfulofflowers Gown: @blancdeblancbridal DJ: @djunderdog Makeup: @bongiorno.bella Hair: @kristiegutonski_ Pittsburgh wedding photographer | elopement | lifestyle | documentary | storytelling | presets | Lightroom | editing | authentic | love

mir + jake pt II ⚡️ a ceremony that simultaneously was a perfect fit for the couple & could probably change the world if everyone got to listen. a choreographed family dance (it was epic). running in the rain at sunset. so many cookies that they had to put a second table in another room. just the coolest kind of day you’d ever want to be a part of. Photographer: @em__powering @the__pas Venue: @cadenceatthestrip Florals: @finchandthesprout DJ: @djjoshp412 with @plentyagency Violinist: @stevenvanceentertainment Rentals: @alloccasionpartyrentals Catering: @commonpleacatering Pittsburgh wedding photographer | elopement | lifestyle | documentary | storytelling | presets | Lightroom | editing | authentic | love | rights | inclusivity

motherhood is magic. Pittsburgh wedding photographer | elopement | lifestyle | documentary | storytelling | presets | Lightroom | editing | authentic | love | family photos | motherhood unfiltered | pregnancy | maternity photos

when I decided to shift my regular sessions to storytelling sessions, this is what I dreamed of. I knew we were capturing the most magical art the second we began. we moved slowly, we played, looked for deer, stopped for milk breaks, & followed his lead. & we did all of this (part I at least!) in a single corner of their home. you don’t need to overthink it to create beautiful, emotional images. here’s your sign 💛 Pittsburgh wedding photographer | elopement | lifestyle | documentary | storytelling | presets | Lightroom | editing | authentic | love | family photos | motherhood unfiltered | first birthday

When Kara got out of the car, she said “I don’t even care if Jett’s poke ball is in every photo. I just want him to have fun!” …and this was the result. we just let him have fun & I captured it. and it’s all because Alex & Kara approached the day with no pressure on themselves or their kids! As a photographer herself, Kara knows how stressed families can get on family photo day - especially with a toddler! We are all so worried that their hair may fall out place, their toy may be in the photo, the perfect “pose” may never be attained. So if you’re looking at these photos & loving them, remember this for your session: we didn’t really use poses, very rarely did we barter with Jett to look at the camera or to smile, we didn’t have many moments of standing still. And here’s what we got. It’s beautiful and it’s REAL. And they didn’t walk away feeling like they just ran a marathon or that it was the “dreaded photo day.” They walked away feeling like they just had a fun night playing outside because that’s what it was - with a beautifully selected wardrobe 😉 Pittsburgh wedding photographer | elopement | lifestyle | documentary | storytelling | presets | Lightroom | editing | authentic | love | family photos | motherhood unfiltered | newborn

been a minute since I gave you some preset before + afters !!!! the @empoweredpresets are available at the link in my bio !!!! soft warmth, true tones, perfect greens, light grain….oh, & the black & white preset of your dreams.

during this session, I was literally thinking to myself that I was living my dream. Capturing motherhood in the golden sun with soft movements, sweet smiles, & oh so much love. I love that A+Q are never afraid to close their eyes and breathe into a moment. It allows for the most warming & authentic images of their love story. What an honor it is to capture them for the third time as they await their sweet pea 💛 *all edited with @empoweredpresets !!* presets | Lightroom | new parents | lifestyle photographer | wedding | Pittsburgh | documentary | photo editing | Pennsylvania | motherhood | maternity

imagine… it’s superbowl Sunday. you have a hockey game in the middle of the day. a Super Bowl party later. …& you squeeze in the most goldeny-golden hour photoshoot EVER in the dead of winter 🤌🏼 Tara + Bobby (and Whiskey!!) were SUCH troupers & I mean…just swipe to enjoy the magic they brought ✨ all edited with the @empoweredpresets !! Pittsburgh wedding photographer | elopement | lifestyle | documentary | storytelling | presets | Lightroom | editing | authentic | love | couples