Emily Sawyer Santangelo | Photographer & Designer

View my Work

watch out for that one

is an ongoing mixed media series exploring movement, restraint, and choice.

A person taking a photograph of a woman standing inside a photography studio with a white backdrop.
A woman with dark hair and tattoos on her arm, sitting against a pink background, wearing a light gray button-up shirt and jeans, resting her chin on her hand and looking at the camera.
Text that says "Iley" in pink cursive font on a black background.

I’m Emily.

Over the years I’ve worn many creative hats: graphic designer, wedding calligrapher, product photographer, but a constant in my practice has always been dance. I grew up dancing and have always been drawn to movement. When I started my photography journey 15 years ago, dance was always a piece of me I returned to over and over. I am grateful today to work with both large dance groups and individuals, photographing their incredible artistry. Photographing dance has kept me connected to such an integral part of me in the best way.

My private dance photography sessions are about you, your story, your passion, your unique energy. With a little help from your certified hype girl (that’s me), we create images that celebrate your most authentic self.

You being you. That is art.

Book with Emily

  • Studio owners, teachers, and dancers. I offer group and individual portrait sessions that help studios and individuals showcase their talent with polished images ready for marketing, auditions, and keepsakes.

  • Recitals, dress rehearsals, and showcases photographed with the eye of a dancer. Eight years of experience capturing movement, emotion, and the in-between moments backstage that make a performance unforgettable.

  • Not everything I do is dance (shocked?)

    Product Photography: Amazon and Shopify-ready images that sell.

    Graphic Design: flyers, branding, stationery, wedding signage, calligraphy

Words from some amazing dancers

  • Emily's presence and demeanor is very warm and inviting, she instantly creates a safe and comfortable environment on her set. She is a fantastic collaborator; I came in with an idea that I wanted to convey and Emily immediately had so many creative suggestions to make it happen. With a deep understanding of dance movement, she is able to capture any dancer's most beautiful moments.

    Nina, Dancer

  • Thank you. I feel so lucky to get this experience (twice!!) and to have your talent and care responsible for healing something in me I never would have dreamed could be healed, nevermind in front of a camera.

    Danielle, Dancer

  • Honestly I would just tell anyone who dances, whether they are experienced or just starting out, to book a session. I think when we learn choreo it is so easy to get stuck in your own head and compare yourself to others in the room, but with the photo sessions it is all about YOURSELF and feeling confident. There's something really beautiful and strong about realizing your own control over your body and how far you have come no matter where you are on your dance journey.

    Amy, Dancer

  • There is nothing more vulnerable than creativity, and to be able to express that through movement and in front of the camera takes immense strength. To be seen and heard in this way was such a powerful and cathartic experience.

    Tori, Dancer