Hi. I am EMILY PINNA. I AM A VISUAL STORYTELLER.

I don’t just take pictures — I tell visual stories and ignite movements.I craft human-centered stories that cut through the noise, grab attention, and move people to act.

My tools? Photography, visual storytelling, exhibitions, billboard awareness campaigns and my signature Phone Photography Masterclass.

My goal? To turn causes into connections, and connections into change.

Because here’s the truth:

People don’t connect to data, they connect to people.

People connect to stories. VISUAL STORIES.

The deeper the emotion — empathy, compassion, hope, RESILIENCE — the stronger the engagement.

That’s the power I bring to every project!!!

From my base in Yaoundé, Cameroon, I cover the whole African continent - and beyond!

As a Senior Communication & Visibility Consultant and advisor to UNESCO, WFP, UNAIDS, UNOPS, IOM, UNICEF, IADB INVEST, The World Bank, and GIZ — along with small and large NGOs such as The Smile Train, CIFOR and Terraformation.

My clients also include businesses, magazines, artists, and designers who refuse to settle for bland visuals.

My foundation:

• MA in Social Design — Maryland Institute of Art (MICA)

• Diploma in Professional Photography — Washington School of Photography (WSP)

• MA in Communication — University of Bonn, Germany

I also create tools that flip the script:

• My signature Phone Photography Masterclass — I’ve already trained 1200+ UN staff and NGO professionals at HQ, country and field offices alike. Think CAPACITY BUILDING within your organization! So far I’ve trained people in Cameroon, Niger, Senegal, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Burkina Faso, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, USA and before the end of 2025 I’ll be training people in Haïti, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago!!

• IMAGE BANK — my answer to soulless stock photography, built exclusively for NGOs and international organizations!

• And my one of my latest projects? The Planting Peace Campaign. A call to action. A movement. Don’t miss it — click HERE.

• My recent solo exhibition at the Institute Français in Yaounde, LA BEAUTE EN MOUVEMENT/BEAUTY IN MOTION showcased creative, empowered, dynamic Africa, to counteract the single sided narrative coming from the continent! Want to hear more about it? HERE

No story is too small. No mission is too ambitious. If you’re ready for visuals that make people stop scrolling, feel something, and take action — let’s talk.

🔥 Emily

emily@emilypinnaphotography.com

work with me

Every story deserves to be seen, felt, and remembered.
Through my work as a visual storyteller, I help mission-driven organizations, NGOs, and international agencies share the human side of their projects.

To give you a better sense of how I work, I recorded a short video series where I talk about my approach, my values, and why storytelling matters.

What I Offer

• Photography – authentic, human-centered images that evoke emotion and connection.

• Video - Stories – short videos of approx. 1.5 min based on my photos, with captions, telling the hero’s journey of someone who’s benefitted from the impact of a project/program. Great for social media and donor communication to show real lives transformed.

• Exhibitions & Campaigns – curated visual experiences that amplify your message and inspire action.

• Phone Photography Masterclass – a hands-on workshops to help your team capture and share their own impactful stories.

Why Work With Me

For more than a decade, I’ve worked across Africa and beyond, documenting projects that make a difference. My approach is rooted in respect, empathy, and deep listening — ensuring that every story honors the people at its heart.

If you’re looking for visuals that don’t just show what you do, but truly move people to care, let’s create something meaningful together.