about
Emma Neel
Any image I take is just a reflection, or maybe shadow, of the beauty that is found in Jesus Christ. Hence, Shadowed Images.
I’ve probably said enough at this point! I think the client reviews throughout my site will provide a helpful perspective, as well. Know this - I am tremendously grateful that you are here and I would love the chance to connect with you!
My job is accomplished if years from now, your children or grandchildren don’t need someone to describe what you’re like — the photographs I’ve taken of you will say plenty.
I have come to learn that it’s impossible to adequately capture the beauty that I see, despite my best attempts. Just think, any photo you’ve taken of a sunset doesn’t come close to what it actually looks like, and that beauty is just a taste of what’s to come in Heaven.
Shadowed Images is a business I have had the honor of creating, all with the leading of the Lord. I am based out of Lexington, KY but am always grateful for any opportunity to travel to tell your story.
I have often been described as “mellow” or “laid back”, which I would agree is an accurate assessment, and that most definitely trickles into how I approach photography. I aim to photograph who you truly are, with the priority being that you feel known and loved.
Something that wildlife and people have in common is that they both point to a creative, loving, perfect God.
Probably the most obvious part of introducing myself is my name - Emma Neel. I am truly blessed to be able to say that I am married to the best man, Jack, and we enjoy our thorough obsession with our son, Walker.
I would say I am here because I have spent many early mornings throughout my life trying my best to capture the beauty of wildlife years ago, chasing down deer, birds, whatever I could find.
I come from a family that deeply loves nature and that same love took root in me early on. Eventually, that worked its way into capturing moments shared between people, after photographing my first wedding in 2017.
Nonetheless, I will try my best with these few words to achieve authenticity.
(In the name of authenticity, you should know I don’t ever use “nonetheless” when talking, but it just seems to be the word that fits the best.)
Honestly, introducing myself within just a few words on a website feels a little inauthentic. However, introducing myself in any form that doesn’t look like a conversation shared over a slow meal or a cup of coffee feels a little inauthentic.
Get to Know Me
My first hired photography gig was photographing my grandparents high school class reunion when I was 17 years old.
I won my first dog in a writing contest when I was in the 5th grade
I’m 96% sure I’m allergic (have an aversion??) to Jolly Ranchers. I was sent home from school twice growing up after eating one, and I still get nauseous if I smell them.
I am published in a Environment and Religion textbook
It’s very likely I’ll cry at some point on a wedding day and it will probably be any moment between a bride and her father.
Jack and I dated 3 separate times before getting married.
My favorite countries I’ve traveled to are Slovenia and Hungary, and it would be a dream to book weddings there!
I gave my life to Christ the first week of my freshman year at the Ohio State University.
I grew up in a family that trains hunting retrievers for a living
At a Glance
You rarely, if ever, have the chance to look in at the beauty of your own life, with you in it. My hope is that, through encapsulating the emotions, atmosphere, and authenticity of every moment, my photos will truly be a gift that stirs up more for you than simply downloading your gallery and moving on.
03. emotive
A lot is packed into one wedding day and it can sometimes feel a bit much. The perks of being someone who is “mellow” and has “adaptability” as a top strength is that not much phases me. I love going into a wedding with a plan, but flexing when needed as the day naturally unfolds.
02. person of peace
Above all else, I see my role as a servant. I am 100% there to serve you, as well as your family, guests, and other vendors in any way that I can to make your day run as smoothly as possible.
01. service
My Values
Emma took family photos for us a few times when we lived in Columbus and she always did the most incredible job!
She made us feel comfortable, encouraged us to be ourselves, and produced the most beautiful pictures! She managed to make our 750 sq ft apartment into a cozy, inviting setting for wintertime photos (and trust me, the place was not cute).
She also got pictures back to us even quicker than she originally promised! I truly couldn't recommend her more for your photography needs.
Bryan & Katie
greetings
