I advocate for body neutrality and self-love
Hello, I'm emmeline
empowering portraits
creative Strategist
Let’s get real.
stop the guilt,
stop the shame
stop the self-doubt.
Together, we lean into your alter-ego by boldly celebrating your powerful, confident self.
my journey
Starting in 2017, I openly shared my self-love journey online and connected with others who had similar experiences. This became the catalyst for the work I do today. Now, I use contemporary portraiture and boudoir photography to help women feel empowered in their bodies, lives, and businesses.
As an only child to Filipino immigrants, I often felt boxed in by tradition. In Filipino culture, pursuing a career in the arts isn’t always encouraged. It was tough, but I knew I was creative, and I pursued it despite the challenges. I guess you could say I was a bit of a rebel growing up. I used photography as a way to express my creativity, and eventually, it became my career.
In 2024, I was finally diagnosed with ADHD, which helped me understand myself better and embrace how I see and interact with the world. As an introvert and a highly sensitive person, I’ve developed a deep understanding and consideration for human emotions and experiences. I want to create a safe, inclusive space for others to explore and express themselves—something I didn’t have when I was growing up as a Filipino girl.
Photography to me
I’ve always been a highly sensitive and emotional person. Growing up, many of us were told to “be quiet,” “don’t cry,” “be humble,” and to take up as little space as possible. I spent much of my life holding back how I truly felt. I learned to express myself through my art—whether that’s through painting, writing, or photography.
While portrait photography is of YOU, I create the image through my perspective. That’s why I believe that portrait photography is a collaboration between the person in front of the camera and the artist behind it.
Why Empowerment Photography
The first time I did an empowerment session in 2014 was for two of my closest friends. We were 20, young, and insecure. We all grew up being less “girly,” not knowing how to do our makeup or hair. We preferred pants over skirts and dresses, and we didn’t really see ourselves as beautiful. They asked me to take their photos for their partners at the time. So, I gave it a try, and I had so much fun doing it.
After I showed them the photographs, they were in awe. They had never seen themselves in that perspective before. They said, “Wow, is that me?” That was the moment I was hooked. I loved that feeling of helping someone see their beauty from a new angle. (Read more about my Boudoir Photography in the past 10 years).
A post I shared in 2017. The first vulnerable post about my body.
I Share My Truth
As I pursued a creative career, I realized that I needed photographs of myself. By being in front of the camera, I learned how uncomfortable it can be. I didn’t know how to move, pose, or what to do with my hands. When I saw those photos, I hated most of them.
I realized then that I was deeply insecure and had a lot of self-healing to do. That’s when I discovered body positivity. I dove deep into understanding how body types are a trend, how marketing and diet culture are predatory, and the societal expectations placed on women.
As I learned, I shared my journey online and found that many of us felt the same way about ourselves. Now, I use my platform to shine a light on these issues. I can proudly say that I love my body in all its forms—folds, scars, stretch marks, and all. That’s why I am dedicated to helping women find beauty in themselves through photography.
I love my tattoos! To me its a form of self-expression
I taught myself how to pose so that I can teach you. This is when I am all done up (rare occasion).
What I'm actually like on a day-to-day because I am an introvert.
I am Emmeline, I am emotional, confident & brave.
Now, I can proudly say that I love my body in all its forms—folds, scars, stretch marks, and marks. I’ve grown to embrace myself fully, and it has transformed not only how I see myself but also how I navigate the world. I move with confidence, assured in my choices, and deeply rooted in knowing exactly who I am.
To all you women out there, my message is
“be unapologetically yourself, as long as you're not hurting anyone. Be you, because when you're yourself, it gives others permission to be themselves, too".
Empowerment Portrait Photographer & Creative Educator
I dedicate my time and space to being an empowerment portrait photographer, creative educator, and mentor based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. My private studio, nestled in the vibrant Exchange District, is a creative space designed to help you embrace and celebrate your true self. Specializing in empowering portraits, boudoir photography, and personal branding, I work with women of all backgrounds, with a special focus on empowering BIPOC and WOC (women of color) to recognize their beauty and strength.