Emma Dallman Design & Photography

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West Chester, PA
Emma Dallman Design & Photography

Bold, emotion-rich photos for the Philadelphia suburbs and the world beyond . I’m Emma, and I fall a little bit in love with every person I photograph.

I live in the Philadelphia suburbs, and the things that make me happiest include slow weekend mornings, live music, Mexican food and Netflix comedy specials. My favorite thing about photography is witnessing special changes and happenings in other people's lives. Helping people create art out of their own life moments is my passion! Whether it’s a wedding, proposal, family reunion or just a normal (and extraordinary) day, I love partnering with clients and creating images they'll want to revisit over and over again. If you're in the market, my advice is to partner with (any!) good photographer and create art out of your own life that you'll want to revisit over and over again, that will remind of your best times, that will pinpoint how you looked / felt / reacted on the days when beautiful new changes came rushing into your world. Good photography is an investment! It's such an important gift to give your relationship, family and future self.

09/11/2026

Lauren + Will’s perfect summer wedding day previews part 2. ☀️🌸🌹

09/10/2026

5 (more!) things I don’t do as a Wedding Photographer:

1) I don’t get scared about weather.

Weddings can’t be rescheduled due to weather. In the past ten years, I’ve shot outdoor weddings in torrential downpours, and city weddings during record-breaking heatwaves. Sometimes you look at the photos and can’t even tell, but sometimes the unexpected elements create a set of images that feel poignant and wildly unique.

2. I don’t chase trends.

I love a blurry photo as much as anyone else, and I’ve officially been doing this long enough to regret a dutch angle AND now see it rise from the dead in 2026... But after ten years, nothing has really changed for me. Tight shots that melt the backdrop, candids that highlight emotion, vintage lenses that give light a cinematic glow, architectual composition and faces - always always faces. This is the core of my style and it isn’t going away soon.

3. I don’t forget how to act in Church.

You’re never gonna catch me scrolling my phone in the center aisle of your church, temple, or synagogue. Period.

4. I don’t boss your guests around.

Your dad gets as much time as he wants to soak you up in your wedding dress. Your grandma is welcome to sit in the front pew with her iPad and try to get the perfect photo. I’m happy to talk to your uncle at the cocktail hour about the days of film photography and what’s changed since then. This is a special days for your loved ones’ and they are making important memories too. They are welcome to snap along, grab you for a special moment, and point out crucial details and relationships throughout the day. They are never “in my way” or at risk of ruining anything for me.

5. I don’t kill your party.

Are you dancing? I leave you alone. Are you eating? I put the camera down. Did the band pull you onstage for a karaeoke version of ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ with the potential for crowdsurfing...? Well, that I have to take photos of. Whenever I propose stepping away from your party for portraits, it’s always your choice of when and IF we do it. You may decide you’d rather live your wedding day than pose for it, and that’s completely fine with me.

Did any more of these surprise you?

09/08/2026

8-28-2026 ✝️✨ Nine perfect moments from Lauren & Will’s wedding day, Part 1.

09/01/2026

💍 📸 5 Things I don’t do as a Wedding Photographer:

1) I don’t force moments.

I read the room I’m in and let my prompts follow your energy. If you’re enjoying a quiet moment with your bridesmaids, I’m not going suggest you all take shots. There’s no “Oh, do that cheer again LOUDER!” I know when to offer guidance, and when to step back and let an interaction fully unfold on its own.

2) I don’t treat your wedding like a photoshoot.

Your wedding day experience always wins over my ‘agenda’. I’m not shooting for social media, I’m creating a time capsule to help you revisit your wedding day for years to come. The photos we take are always in service of your memories, never my portfolio.

3) I don’t say ‘yes’ to every wedding.

Luxury is more than a price tag. I limit the number of weddings I take per month and per weekend so my couples can benefit from my full attention and creativity. At the cost of a packed calendar, I prioritize couples I share a vision and values with.

4) I don’t charge for advice or help planning.

I was amazed to recently learn that some photographers are charging a flat fee to any couple WITHOUT a dedicated wedding planner. 🫠 After ten years in the wedding industry, I consider my insight to be a big part of the value I provide my clients. I WANT my couples to learn from my experiences, for their benefit and my own!

5) I don’t expect you to be a super model.

Nine out of ten couples I interview sheepishly tell me how awkward they feel in front of the camera. But the weddings I shoot are ALWAYS for “real people”. Real people eat, cry, sweat, make crazy faces when friends toast to their success, and STILL end up with beautiful, timeless wedding photos. The raw and unposed moments are ultimately my favorite ones to capture.

Which one surprised you most?!

07/29/2026

Saturday with Frank & Olivia.

07/24/2026

Ooooooh I get to make more romantic summertime photo magic with Frank, Olivia and all their loved ones tomorrow and I couldn’t be more excited. 😍💍

06/30/2026

Sending out a full gallery of new professional headshots to the lovely Francesca this morning! 🌸🌻🥰

06/23/2026

Fireworks, Pokémon, Sushi, and Chipwiches - it’s been one month since Taylor & Bryan’s super fun wedding! Seems like the perfect time to share some long-overdue previews from this elegant celebration in Blue Bell, PA. 🐉🍪🍣💍

06/01/2026

May 2926, you felt like a year into yourself. 😍🤩❤️🎉(Not pictured - newborn shoots, getting rear-ended on the way to kindergarten graduation, 4/6 family members suffering through bronchitis, and an 11 month old baby who’s still not sleeping through the night?) Nevertheless, this month got me so excited for the summer goodness coming our way.

Address

West Chester, PA
19380-19383, 19388

Website

http://www.emmadallman.com/

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