Story-driven photography.

It is not just about posing. It is about presence. Images rooted in story, honesty, and connection so what matters most feels seen.

Woman with black hair and glasses smiling, resting her chin on her hands, wearing jewelry, a watch, and black clothing, against a dark background.
Rashida Saunders portrait in orange dress
A young woman in a blue dress and tiara is dancing with a young man in a light blue shirt and gray tie, striking a pose with arms outstretched, during a formal event with blurred decorative lights in the background.

Choose the session that best fits your season and story.

Family & Lifestyle
Senior Portrait
Brand Story
Mini Session
Tell Us Your Vision

These images reflect more than sessions. They hold stories. Each photograph is created with care, honoring identity, relationship, and the quiet truth of being seen. Each session is experience-led and designed to honor your story.

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Smiling young man and woman at an outdoor event, blurred festive background.
A woman with black hair, glasses, and red lipstick smiling, being embraced by a man with a beard and a cap, both smiling at the camera at an outdoor event.
Two women standing outdoors at a fair or festival, smiling at the camera. They are dressed in casual, vintage-inspired clothing with jeans and cardigans, and there are blurred festival decorations and people in the background.
A young woman with long reddish-brown hair, blue eyes, and fair skin, smiling while standing outdoors near a building.
A woman and a young boy are hugging and smiling in a covered, arched walkway with lights. The boy is wearing a blue suit with a bow tie, and the woman is wearing a teal dress and high-heeled sandals.
A man with two children, a girl and a boy, standing outdoors in front of a wooden fence. They are smiling and dressed casually.
A woman with dreadlocks feeding a baby with a bottle in a park.
A middle-aged man with a beard, wearing a black cap, white short-sleeve shirt, and jeans, sitting on a brick ledge outdoors with greenery in the background.
A man in a black suit and checkered shirt sitting on a park bench outdoors, surrounded by green grass and trees.
A young woman in a black and blue basketball uniform holding a basketball toward the camera and smiling. The background is a blue gym wall.
A young man with glasses in a basketball uniform holding a basketball on a basketball court.
A young male football player standing on a football field, holding a football, wearing a white jersey with orange and black accents and tan pants, with trees in the background.
A young child sitting in a yellow toy car on a dirt path in a tulip field with yellow tulips in bloom and houses in the background.
A young boy with short light brown hair, wearing a white collared shirt, navy sweater, and a backpack with colorful patterns, holding a bouquet of pink flowers and smiling in front of a colorful school-themed background.
Young girl with curly hair wearing colorful beads and a dress, standing in a tulip field with red and yellow tulips under a clear blue sky.
First day of school photography session in Portland, Oregon by Black Ember Photography, capturing natural, authentic back to school portraits for families and students
A young boy in a blue suit with a bow tie sitting on a stone ledge outdoors, smiling at the camera.
A man and woman dancing in traditional Western clothing, with the woman wearing a long dress and cowboy boots, and the man wearing a cowboy hat, plaid shirt, and jeans, at an indoor event.
A young couple dancing at a formal event, with the woman wearing a blue gown and tiara, and the man in a light blue shirt and tie, on a decorated stage.
A young woman with curly black hair styled in two puffs, smiling, standing on a leaf-covered path surrounded by lush green plants and trees.
A pregnant woman standing in a garden with blooming roses, wearing a pink crop top and white skirt, holding her pregnant belly with both hands, smiling softly.
An elderly woman in a pink fuzzy hoodie and matching bucket hat, holding a drink and a checkered napkin, smiling outdoors at night with blurred lights in the background.
A young girl dressed in a large peach-colored tutu dress, holding her hands to her face and laughing.
A girl sitting on a black and white patterned chair wearing a sparkly blue dress with floral details at a formal event.
Nature photography in Portland, Oregon by Black Ember Photography, a duck swimming in a body of water with green trees and houses on a hill in the background under a blue sky with scattered white clouds.
Close-up of vibrant yellow and orange flowers with black centers.
Close-up of a vibrant pink dahlia flower in bloom with a blurred background of greenery and a building.
Nature photography in Portland, Oregon by Black Ember Photography, close-up of a cluster of green grapes hanging from a vine surrounded by green leaves.

For recent work, behind-the-scenes moments, and everyday storytelling: @BlackEmberPhoto

What People Are Saying

  • "She made us feel completely comfortable and captured the most genuine moments, the kind that tell a story. Every image was beautiful and full of emotion. I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out."

    —Madison

  • "She makes you feel comfortable and confident, guiding you every step of the way. Her patience and eye for detail turn every moment into something effortlessly beautiful. I take every chance I can to get in front of her camera, she was made for this!"

    —Alisinae

  • "I scheduled a Mother’s Day photoshoot with Black Ember Photography, and let’s just say my son was less than motivated. He had a full crying meltdown as we were pulling up to the shoot. Rashida was able to coach him into not only cooperating but actually having fun. She truly saved the day and delivered amazing photos!"

    —Jayme

Every session is intentional and grounded in authenticity. Whether you are honoring family, building a brand, or capturing a season of growth, you will walk away with images that feel honest and aligned. Accessible locations are available upon request, and community and nonprofit collaborations are welcome.

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