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Emily Hall Photography

Emily Hall Photography offers wedding, portrait, and boudoir photography in Oregon and Washington.

emilyhallphotography.com | facebook | Instagram  | 503.383.9579

[HI. I’M EMILY.]

I’m an editorial style photographer based in the Willamette Valley of Oregon.

When I was a kid, I knew I wanted to change the world when I grew up. After graduating high school, I spent most of my gift money on camera gear (so I could pursue my favorite hobby in my free time) and confidently headed off to a pre-med program, with zero doubt in my mind that I could be a pediatric oncologist with an amazing bedside manner.

Because you’re reading this bio on a photography website, it’s safe to say that this story didn’t go the way I thought it would. I’m really glad about that. Somewhere along the way, on my rocky journey towards self-acceptance, I came to understand that while doing the thing I loved doing in my spare time didn’t change the whole world a big, bold way, documenting moments and families was a far deeper and more meaningful pursuit than I had ever given it credit for.

I believe that the most important part of my job is to capture your story and to tell it in a way that makes it undeniably clear to you that your story is special. Because it is. My favorite part about the time I spend with my clients is having this job where I get this special window into their lives. I ask questions about hopes and dreams and goals and love. It’s awesome.

I have never been a ‘large posed portrait over the fireplace’ type of photographer. I used to feel the pressure to create that image for clients, and always felt as though I fell short with the somewhat messier reality of the portraits I created. But real life is a little bit messy, and those ‘real’ moments are the ones I want to preserve. Most people have a ‘picture day’ smile. And, when we look at pictures of our loved ones, we know the difference between that smile and the real one. When you look at your portraits, what is really truly important to me on photo day is that you have fun together. And that when you look back on the images from picture day, you see true joy, and you remember the fun you had. Take a look at an old picture. What memories immediately pop into your head? Because as weird as it sounds, that is a really important aspect of your pictures.

When I photograph couples, I almost always ask what brought them together, and what they first noticed about each other. Most of the time, partners seem surprised by each other’s responses, and I get to see this unexpected burst of ‘new love’ level emotion. And I always ask about first dates and marriage proposals. Some are hilarious, many involve a lot of the “real life” moments that you never see in rom-coms, but the story always leads to the wedding day that I get to photograph.

When I chat with high school seniors during their portrait sessions, I am often inspired by the amazing ways that they want to change the world. And, when I encounter that senior who goes pale when I ask what their goals are, I love getting to tell them that I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life even after completing a college degree program, and that it’s OK not to know yet. There is still plenty of time to figure out how to change the world.

And, in closing, since this is the “about me” bio portion…
I live in Albany, Oregon with this great guy named Steven, our daughters Rose & Sonia, and our four cats – Kitty Kitty, Rufus, Oscar, and Doozer. We’re a messy, imperfect bunch, but we make a pretty great team.

 

(Image courtesy of Erica Ann Photography)

 

  • December 12, 2012 - 3:21 PM

    Selena Parnon - Best photographer ever! Really makes you feel comfortable, and then turns out some of the greatest shots that capture all of your essence! When I need pictures I go to Emily every time.ReplyCancel

  • December 12, 2012 - 3:54 PM

    Wendy McLaren - Emily Hall has an amazing talent not only for capturing beautiful shots of you and your loved ones, but also for making you feel at ease in front of the lens. Her shoots are incredibly fun and very family and kid friendly. Emily is affordable and high quality! Call her today, you will never regret that you did!ReplyCancel

  • December 12, 2012 - 5:35 PM

    Janice Conway - Emily took the photos for my daughter’s college graduation – from announcements to the celebration partry. She has such a great eye for just the right settings to capture the personality of the person. Her photos are not just posed pictures – they are truly memories frozen in time. Highly recommend her!!ReplyCancel

  • December 12, 2012 - 5:48 PM

    Matt - Emily is fantastic! Everytime we get the pictures after the photo shoot we are amazed. We will never use anyone else, guaranteed! She can capture the essence of who you are better than anyone I’ve ever seen. We can’t wait for our next shoot.ReplyCancel

  • December 12, 2012 - 7:36 PM

    September - I have watched Emily grow over the years and I have to say I am so proud of her and her work. She does amazing photography and is a pleasure to work with. When anyone asks me if I know a great photographer I always recommend Emily. You will not be disappointed!ReplyCancel

  • December 12, 2012 - 7:44 PM

    Bunn Salarzon - It was through photography that I met this once-shy and quiet gal who slowly yet surely blossomed into a chatterbox in no time! We got to work together a few times, and let me tell you: She’ll literally bend over backwards to make you happy. That’s what she did for me at a wedding where I really needed that extra support. She was always there. Even before I could finish a request she zoomed over to get it done. She helped me so much to ensure my clients were happy. One of the guests even got her on the dance floor for a little ballroom dance! Yes, we have proof! Proof that Emily is AH-MAY-ZING! And she makes the best homemade scones fresh out of the oven!!ReplyCancel

  • December 12, 2012 - 8:28 PM

    Maggie Hall - Emily’s slogan “Because moments matter” is very appropriately used. She once explained to me that she likes to make the photo sessions fun and relaxed because she wants to capture MOMENTS, not just faces. When I look back on our photos and think of that day, I am not analyzing my flaws, but remembering the special time I had with sweet man and amazing sister. Priceless.ReplyCancel

  • December 12, 2012 - 9:19 PM

    Ronell Schaffner - Emily is amazing! Emily has given me some treasured photographs of my kids but more importantly some wonderful memories with my family! She captures the true essence of who you are and makes it look effortless. I can’t brag about her enough!ReplyCancel

  • February 26, 2013 - 3:28 PM

    Bryn - First of all, I love each and every one of my wedding photos! From the planned shots to the candid snaps. Leading up to the wedding Emily was very communicative and organized. We even had a Pinterest Board to visually organize all my ideas. I primarily wanted candid shots, so she was kept VERY busy all day long. The photos prove that she was practically in two places at once! We hired Emily to stay late into the night for the reception/late night party. It’s so fun to have pictures of our wedding guests having a great time on the dance floor! Caught so many extra memories by extending the hours. Prior to the wedding I also had Emily shoot my Boudoir session, which I equally was thrilled with. All around, Emily is very professional and a very talented photographer.ReplyCancel

  • November 17, 2016 - 10:33 PM

    Rachael - Emily is fantastic! She makes the chaos of wedding photos a fun and easy experience, for everyone. Clearly a seasoned pro, she doesn’t miss a single shot – posed or candid. Our photos turned out so beautifully, we were truly lucky to find her!ReplyCancel

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