St. John's Newfoundland Wedding Photographer Emily Frampton

St. John's Newfoundland Wedding Photographer Em Frampton

In a world that often insists on perfection, Emily Frampton is a wedding photographer who celebrates realness. Based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Emily didn’t enter photography through the traditional channels of art school or early mentorship. Instead, she picked up a camera in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic to escape the claustrophobia of lockdown life. What started as a creative outlet quickly evolved into a career built on connection, authenticity, and an almost radical commitment to helping people feel seen.

A self-described tech lover and Netflix aficionado, Emily had never seriously considered photography until she began hiking more often and started bringing her camera along. A friend asked her to try portraits. She said yes. That moment—equal parts curiosity and courage—sparked a new trajectory. “I realized that portrait photography was where my passion truly lived,” she says.

Today, Emily runs Em Frampton Photography, specializing in lifestyle and wedding photography for couples who crave candour over convention. Her approach is built around trust and comfort, particularly for clients who feel nervous in front of the camera. "We don't want to recreate those awkward school photo vibes. I want people to feel like themselves," she explains.

St. John's Newfoundland Wedding Photographer Emily Frampton

From Dancer to Documentarian

Long before she picked up a camera, Emily was telling stories with movement. A dancer since the age of three, she credits that background for shaping her understanding of composition, rhythm, and emotional nuance. "My eye for angles and graceful lines comes from years of choreography," she says. That creative foundation, combined with a natural warmth and extroverted personality, now plays out in the way she shoots: relaxed, observant, and quietly intentional.

Though self-taught, Emily wasn’t alone in her journey. Mentors helped her grasp the technical side of the craft—especially when it came to lighting and camera settings—and she devoured YouTube tutorials like most people binge reality TV. Her first wedding was shot on a Canon Rebel T7 with a single card slot. "Now that makes me both laugh and cringe," she admits. Still, it was the experience she needed to grow. She hustled hard to land her next few weddings, leaning on social media, word of mouth, and paid ads to stand out in a saturated local market.

St. John's Newfoundland Wedding Photographer Emily Frampton

Intentional, Adaptable, and Client-Centric

Emily now photographs 10–15 weddings per year, mostly across Newfoundland. She offers both full-day and hourly coverage, preferring to keep things local but is open to East Coast travel. What defines her work isn't a particular editing style or gear preference—although she does love her prime lenses and post-production experimentation. It's her process.

She describes her style as "a balance between intentionality and creativity," allowing space for quiet, unscripted moments while still guiding her couples with care. Whether it’s sending outfit guides, location suggestions, or calming a jittery bride, Emily's sessions are structured but deeply personal. "I really try to read the room," she explains. "Some couples love the camera; others get overwhelmed. Either way, I adjust to make sure they feel like they’re just enjoying the day."

Editing, she admits, can be draining. But smart tools like Aftershoot help streamline her workflow. She makes space for breaks and mental resets—especially after big weekends. “Self-care is a priority now. I can’t pour into my clients if my own cup is empty.”

St. John's Newfoundland Wedding Photographer Emily Frampton

More Than a Photographer

Clients don’t just hire Emily for her images; they come for the experience. She's their hype woman, calming presence, and creative partner. She doesn’t just show up to shoot—she creates space for her couples to be themselves.

She also ensures there’s a moment of calm built into every wedding day—something quiet and meaningful, away from the chaos, just for the couple. “It’s not just about taking beautiful photos,” she says. “It’s about creating the kind of day they’ll want to remember."

While she still balances photography with a 9-to-5 job, Emily's long-term goal is to take Em Frampton Photography full-time and expand into destination weddings. She dreams of telling love stories in new landscapes and meeting couples whose values match her own.

For now, she continues to bring joy, honesty, and a little RuPaul-inspired sparkle to the Newfoundland wedding scene.

"I know the images I capture will become the memories couples carry for the rest of their lives. That’s why it matters."

Website: emframptonphotography.com
Instagram: @emframptonphoto