a kaleidoscopic eye

for wild and fluorescent love

Always searching for that fleeting magic, Jenn’s playful photos are colorful, bright, bold, and full of joy. She captures with intention, creating timeless imagery that transcends clichés and trends.

ABOUT JENN

Rooted in a foundation of photojournalism, Jenn Emerling mindfully works in the pursuit of joy, combining her documentary approach with a hint of magical realism. Authentic storytelling is at the core of Jenn’s photography—her intuitive eye pays close attention to ephemeral beauty unfolding on your wedding day, resulting in layered, heartfelt imagery that stands the test of time. Jenn prioritizes a relaxed and bespoke photography experience for her clients, seeking to reflect the unique and diverse personalities she is lucky enough to encounter.

From Big Sur to Bulgaria, Jenn’s career has taken her to a myriad of locations around the globe and garnered acclaim from Brides Magazine, which named her one of the top wedding photographers in the world. When not photographing love stories, Jenn’s documentary work is commissioned by various editorial clients such as National Geographic, Booking.com, The Guardian, Wall Street Journal, The 19th, The Yosemite Conservancy, and more. Her latest personal project is photographing quirky UFO tourist attractions throughout the Southwest, and renovating her bright blue 1927 craftsman home with her husband, Roque, and dog, Max.

FAQs

How did you get into wedding photography?

I often say that wedding photography is the best surprise of my career. When I began freelancing as a photojournalist in 2008, the economy was a hot mess, so I was open to any and all gigs. This led me to shoot alongside some top-tier wedding photographers nationwide and get my foot in the biz. I quickly found that I was uniquely tailored for this line of work, as the foundation of storytelling I had in photojournalism overlapped perfectly with the world of weddings: anticipating the moment, paying close attention to little details, thinking on your feet, and mastering the art of portraiture in every kind of lighting scenario.

By photographing weddings, I found a way to tap into the pure, unfiltered happiness that we all universally share through the life milestone known as partnership, and I’ve been so lucky to work with countless couples who connect deeply with my worldview. So many of my clients have become lifelong friends as a result of me documenting the best day of their lives, and building these relationships is truly my most important takeaway from this profession. I pour my entire heart into my work and I feel feelings so big, so even if you don’t see me, I’m usually crying during your parents’ toasts and laughing uproariously at your best friends getting weird on the dance floor.

Photography is the best tool I have to share in the humorous, blissful, complex, ordinary and extraordinary nature of humanity.

How long have you been a wedding photographer?

13 years as of 2024.

What is your approach?

My approach is 80 percent Beyoncé, 20 percent Julie Andrews – but, like, with a camera strapped to my body. The foundation of how I work is all about storytelling: I’m always searching for those monumental inklings of pure joy that you'll want to revisit and share with friends and family forever.

During our portrait sessions, I'll set up a comfortable situation where I can tap into your personalities and have that je ne sais quoi reflected in your photos. We'll do traditional family photos, too, because your Great Aunt Nellie is gonna want them on her mantle. I like to make those quick and painless for everyone so you can get back to shaking your groove thang to ABBA's "Dancing Queen."

What inspires you?

Juicy light. Folk art. Maximalism. Wide open spaces throughout the American West. Cute grandparents. Lovers who are unapologetically them.

Do you shoot film?

Sure do! 35mm film can be added to any photo package if analog is your deal. I primarily shoot on Kodak Gold and Ilford HP5 film stock, but for the right clients, I like to bust out psychedelic / experimental / rainbow tinted film as seen throughout my portfolio.

Do you shoot all weddings solo?

I shoot the majority of my weddings solo, yes. This is where my photojournalism background comes in handy: I am your non-annoying fly on the wall, immersing myself in your event as the storyteller for your day. Most of the couples I work with prefer the intimate nature of one photographer, as they appreciate that I'm quick on my feet, fully present, and nimble-minded with a camera.

A second photographer is recommended for larger weddings (over 150 guests) and can absolutely be added on for an additional fee. In this case, we'll work as a team; the second shooter is able to capture different angles and cover more ground than an N-Sync dance routine ever did in their heyday. If you’re keen on adding a second shooter to your photo package, I'd be happy to discuss it with you to find out if it's the right fit for your wedding.

Do you have any recs for videographers?

YES! I work with some amazing videographers that I would be more than happy to connect you with. I always appreciate it when my couples ask this, because when the photo + video team are in harmony and not stepping on each other's toes, it results in a beautiful waltz instead of an awkward middle school dance!

Are you fully insured?

Yep. I am a fully insured business professional and I also come prepared for every wedding with back up equipment. If your venue requires proof of insurance, I am happy to pass that on to the appropriate contacts, upon request.