CAPTURING EMMA: Crowns and Gowns Series

Some girls take up space the moment they walk into a room.

Others grow into their presence quietly—through consistency, kindness, and heart.

Emma Smith is the second kind.

Now in her second year on the Teen Team, Emma is small but mighty in every sense of the phrase. A dedicated softball player with steady determination, she doesn’t demand attention—but she absolutely earns it. Especially during our themed concept shoots, where Emma has become known for something very special: She can sure "throw a fit".

Every outfit. Every theme. Every time.

Her styling choices are always thoughtful, intentional, and perfectly aligned with the story we’re telling. It’s one of those quiet talents that doesn’t need explaining—you just see it. And over the past few years, I’ve truly loved getting to know Emma beyond the camera. The more time you spend with her, the more you realize how deeply she listens, how thoughtfully she reflects, and how naturally empathetic she is.

A Queen at the Castle

For Emma’s Crowns & Gowns session, we took this queen somewhere truly fitting—a castle.

Wearing a stunning emerald, green ball gown, Emma looked like she had stepped straight into a fairytale. The rich green was powerful yet elegant, and the crown fit her as if it had always belonged there. Regal without being overdone. Strong without being loud.

Very Emma.

A Heart for Kindness & Connection

What makes Emma especially meaningful to our Teen Team isn’t just how she shows up visually—but how she shows up emotionally. She values inclusivity, kindness, and girls uplifting one another, and those aren’t just words to her. They’re things she notices, appreciates, and contributes to in quiet but impactful ways.

She has shared how much she loves moments when the team simply gets to be together talking while waiting for turns, making connections, and forming friendships in the spaces between the photos. Those in-between moments matter to Emma, because she understands that confidence and belonging are built there.

One of her favorite experiences was during our Valentine’s season, when kind words were shared, gifts were exchanged, and the message of self-love was woven intentionally throughout the month. To Emma, those moments weren’t just fun—they were meaningful.

Thoughtful, Creative, and Deeply Reflective

Emma has a creative mind that leans toward storytelling with purpose. She’s drawn to ideas that send messages—ones that challenge assumptions and encourage people to look deeper. She believes confidence is something worth talking about more openly, and that learning to be comfortable in your own skin is a message that deserves space.

That perspective speaks volumes.

She also thrives in conversations that invite reflection. Group discussions, shared stories, and moments where girls can relate to one another have helped Emma not only learn more about others—but also better understand herself.

Growth You Can Feel

Since the first day we met, Emma has grown in ways that feel both gentle and powerful. She’s gained confidence—not just in front of the camera, but in everyday interactions. She’s become more comfortable stepping outside her comfort zone, engaging socially, and connecting with people she may not have known before.

Ask others on the team how they’d describe her, and you’d likely hear words like kind, empathetic, and quietly strong. She may not be the loudest voice in the room, but her presence is felt—and her growth is undeniable.

Wearing the Crown

Emma describes herself as independent, determined, and empathetic—and those qualities shine through every part of who she is. Being part of the Teen Team has given her confidence, meaningful friendships, and the opportunity to be part of something bigger than herself. And in return, she brings sincerity, depth, and heart to everything we do.

Watching Emma stand in front of that castle, crowned and glowing in emerald, green, felt symbolic. Because while the gown and crown were stunning…

The strength, grace, and kindness?

Those have always been hers. 👑