Meet Emerald Terrell | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emerald Terrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emerald, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Creativity has always been a part of who I am. As a child, I gravitated toward anything hands-on and imaginative—puzzles, board games, DIY projects, sewing, calligraphy—you name it. I also started dancing at the age of three, which gave me an early foundation in artistic expression and movement. I naturally thrive in creative environments, and photography became a perfect outlet for that. It’s also a career that constantly challenges me to grow—both technically and creatively—and I love the balance between artistic freedom and problem-solving that each shoot brings.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a dance and portrait photographer with a strong focus on dance photography. With a detail-oriented and efficient approach, I thrive in the fast-paced world of dance. My extensive background in dance allows me to recognize proper technique and anticipate those picture-perfect moments, ensuring each shot reflects the authenticity and emotion of the performance. My journey into photography was completely unintentional. With zero knowledge of photography and the most basic camera from Walmart—I ambitiously applied for a dance photography job. Learning the basics of photography while also diving into the specialized world of movement stills was definitely a challenge. But during that experience, something clicked. My passion for dance photography took off, and it gave me the freedom to start discovering and shaping my personal vision as a photographer. Of course, there have been moments of self-doubt and overthinking along the way. But overall, it’s been a smooth and incredibly rewarding journey—and I’m so grateful for where it’s taken me and where it’s headed.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m fairly new to LA, but I’ve already had friends come visit—and I love playing tour guide. One of my go-to spots is Porto’s Bakery for their Strawberry Matcha (extra sweet) and incredible breakfast options. I also recently got into pickleball, and it’s quickly become a hobby favorite, so finding a court and playing a few games is a must. You can never go wrong with beating an escape room or playing a round of pool and if there’s time, a day trip to Disney California Adventure is hard to beat—rollercoasters, Cars Land, Dole Whip, and drawing atleast one character at Animation Academy!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I couldn’t do this without my family—my biggest supporters. Even though they may not know much about photography, their unwavering encouragement and support have allowed me to travel and pursue my dreams all across the U.S. They’ve seen me through the highs and lows of this journey, and mean so much to me. Also, I learned so much from my first photography partner, Andrea Royal. She helped me grow as a photographer by always listening, offering thoughtful advice, and making the experience both fun and educational. Working with her truly made photography feel exciting and inspiring.

Instagram: @emeraldtookthese

Other: email: emeraldterrell@gmail.com

Image Credits
All photo credits: @emeraldtookthese
Emerald Terrell