Most people think senior photos have to happen in the summer or early fall… but winter might just be one of the most underrated times of the entire year. Over the past few weeks, I’ve photographed a handful of seniors, and each one reminded me why this season has such a quiet kind of magic. Here’s why winter senior sessions deserve way more love than they get.

Every year, the Magical Santa Experience brings families together in the most heart-warming way — with laughter, wonder, and portraits that capture the magic of childhood. But behind the camera, there’s something even more special happening: our community is coming together to make that magic possible for everyone.

The Heart Behind the Santa Visit Scholarship Program. What began as a dream to create something truly magical for families has grown into one of our favorite traditions of the season — the Santa Visit Scholarship Program.

We are thrilled to share that Pixels by Emily has been published in Child Couture Magazine! This feature highlights our Grace & Grit couture series through a magical, Broadway-inspired editorial—Wicked.

When you book a session with Pixels by Emily, you’re not just getting beautiful portraits; you’re getting images with accurate, consistent, and flattering colors. One of the tools that helps us deliver that quality every time is something called the X-Rite ColorChecker. You may have seen it pop up in behind-the-scenes photos: a small fold-out card with squares of bright, bold colors and neutral grays. It might not look glamorous, but it’s a powerhouse in photography.

In today’s competitive business world, first impressions are often made long before you meet a client or colleague in person. Your digital presence can speak volumes. At Pixels by Emily, we work with professionals from Mahomet, Champaign, Bloomington, Normal, and across Central Illinois to craft branding imagery that builds trust, elevates your personal brand, and positions you as the expert in your field.

At Pixels by Emily, we believe that portraits deserve to be more than just photographs — they should be works of fine art, crafted to last for generations. That’s why ongoing education and training are such an important part of what we do.

Moms—you deserve to love how you look in your family portraits. From slimming angles to natural, effortless poses, our latest guide shares time-tested tips to help you feel confident, connected, and absolutely radiant in every frame. And when the session is over? Your favorite images will become custom-framed heirloom wall art designed to fit your home perfectly and treasured for generations.

At Pixels by Emily, we believe the perfect gift is one that tells a story—your story. A custom portrait session isn’t just about beautiful photographs—it’s about preserving connection, celebrating identity, and creating heirloom art that honors the people you love most.

Imagine a Christmas where your child doesn't just meet Santa—they spend nearly an hour with him in a beautifully styled, private setting, painting toys with magic paint, checking the Nice List, and sharing cookies. Welcome to the Pixels Magical Santa Experience.

The most photographed generation may have the least to hold on to. We’re changing that. At Pixels, we believe if it’s important enough to capture, it’s important enough to print. Printed portraits tell your story every day—without needing a screen.

Your tween or teen deserves to feel seen and celebrated. Our Grace & Grit sessions are more than just portraits. They're powerful, confidence-building experiences designed to show kids exactly how incredible they are. This blog post shares why these sessions matter now more than ever—and how we’re using fine art portraiture to make a difference.