Hi, I'm Emily Estrada
Filmmaker/ Photographer
& Visual Storyteller
I was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. I eventually moved out here to Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio in the fall of 2024 with my BFA specializing in New Media, and minoring in Film Studies and Art History.
I've always had a love for art and films since I was a little girl. My father has worked for motion picture security since before I was born and so his love for films definitely transferred over to me. Growing up he would always bring my brothers and I on set any chance he could. Over time, I became fascinated with cameras and would always take pictures or videos of things I enjoyed.
In university I learned a bit more about film, photography, and the culture of it all. I loved how challenging and artful things could be the more I practiced and studied. A few years into school, I didn't yet realize I had a flair for documentary- something an old mentor of mine later pointed out. I discovered how much passion I had for it all; the storytelling, the connection, even the fun and cool stuff. I loved it all. And it ultimately led me here.
I choose to pursue what I love-fully and unapologetically.
My approach
My approach is rooted in cinematic storytelling and genuine connection. I’m drawn to real moments—the in-between, the quiet, the unplanned—because that’s where stories feel most honest.
Music plays a big role in my creative process. I often edit with sound in mind first, using rhythm and emotion to guide the pacing of each piece. I’ll sometimes ask clients to share songs they connect with, allowing their taste and energy to subtly shape the final result.
My approach blends thoughtful direction with natural, unscripted moments. My goal is to preserve the feeling of each moment, shaping it into visuals that feel cinematic, personal, and true to you.
Kind words from
Brooke Montemayor
"Em is such a wonderful human to work with kind, patient, and genuinely fun to be around throughout the entire process. I especially love when she has spontaneous or creative ideas; they always turn out so beautifully.
I’ve watched her grow her skills over the past few years, and her work continues to amaze me every time! She’s such a creative soul and made me feel completely comfortable, guiding me into the right poses and somehow always capturing the light at just the right moment. I’m so grateful for her and her talent!"
Kind words from
Alansa Delgado
Emily is not only a talented photographer but also a wonderful person and a pleasure to work with. When I got close to graduating, I was nervous about taking photos. I am terribly awkward on camera and, in the past, have detested having my photo taken. However, Emily made my grad photo shoot a fun, comfortable, and overall enjoyable experience.
From the moment she started taking photos, she was professional and patient, giving me verbal instructions and feedback that built my confidence on camera. Emily was also very patient with my family, especially my elderly grandmother, and caught all of our best moments on camera...
Overall, I cannot recommend booking with Emily enough; she is fun, creative, kind, and everything one would hope for in a friend and photographer.
Let’s work together
