Hi, I'm Emily Pinna.

I'm a Visual Storyteller and Narrative Strategist who helps international organizations, foundations and purpose-driven institutions transform complex work into communication that people don't just understand: they remember.

For nearly two decades, I've worked in more than twenty countries with organizations including UNESCO, WFP, UNDP, UNOPS, IOM, UNICEF, UNAIDS, World Bank, GIZ and IDB, helping them communicate their impact in ways that create genuine human connection.

Increasingly, clients don't hire me simply to document their work. They ask me to help shape how that work is understood. Because the strongest communication rarely begins with a camera, it begins with better questions.

What deserves attention?

What should people remember?

How do we want them to feel?

Only then do we decide on the right medium. Sometimes it's photography. Sometimes it's a visual story, an exhibition, a billboard campaign, a publication or a communication strategy. Sometimes it's about empowering teams through my signature Phone Photography Masterclass. The medium changes. The goal doesn't.

My goal is simple: to turn causes into connections and connections into change.

Because here's the truth.

People don't connect to data. They connect to people. They connect to stories.

And the deeper the emotional connection, whether it's empathy, hope, resilience or inspiration, the stronger the engagement.

That's the thinking I bring to every project.

Based in Yaoundé, Cameroon, I work across Africa and internationally, partnering with UN agencies, development organizations, NGOs and purpose-driven businesses that believe communication should do more than inform, it should move people.

Alongside my client work, I develop practical tools that help organizations strengthen their own communication.

My Phone Photography Masterclass has already trained more than 2200 UN staff and International Organization professionals across Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, the Americas and beyond, helping teams create stronger, more authentic visual stories from within their own organizations.

I also create bespoke Image Banks, giving organizations an authentic alternative to generic stock photography with visual libraries that genuinely reflect the people and communities they serve.

Beyond client assignments, I develop independent initiatives that explore the power of communication to drive social change. Projects such as Planting Peace and my solo exhibition Beauty in Motion / La Beauté en Mouvement challenge conventional narratives and invite audiences to see people and places through a different lens.

My academic background combines communication, design thinking and photography:

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

• MA in Communication – University of Bonn, Germany

• Diploma in Professional Photography – Washington School of Photography

No story is too small. No mission is too ambitious.

If you're looking for communication that creates connection, inspires action and stays with people long after they've seen it, let's start a conversation.

Emily

emily@emilypinnaphotography.com

WORK WITH ME

Every project has a story worth telling: one that deserves to be seen, felt, and remembered.

As a visual storyteller, I partner with NGOs, mission-driven organizations, and international agencies to capture the human impact behind their work. Through authentic photography and film, I create stories that build trust, inspire action, and help audiences connect with the people at the heart of every project.

To give you a sense of how I work and what drives me, I've recorded a short video series where I share my approach, my values, and why storytelling matters.

WHAT I OFFER:

Photography

Authentic, human-centered photography that captures genuine moments and creates an emotional connection with your audience.

Video-Stories

Short documentary-style videos (approximately 90 seconds) built around powerful photography, captions, and narrative. Each story follows the journey of an individual whose life has been transformed through your project or program. Perfect for social media, donor engagement, fundraising, and impact reporting.

Exhibitions & Campaigns

Thoughtfully curated visual campaigns and exhibitions that bring your message to life, increase visibility, and inspire meaningful engagement.

Phone Photography Masterclass

Practical, hands-on workshops that equip your team to capture compelling stories using only their smartphones: building confidence and creating lasting storytelling capacity within your organization.

WHY WORK WITH ME

For more than a decade, I've documented impactful work across Africa and beyond, collaborating with organizations dedicated to creating positive change.

My storytelling is grounded in respect, empathy, and curiosity. I take time to listen, build trust, and ensure every person is portrayed with dignity and authenticity.

The result is more than beautiful visuals. It's storytelling that helps people understand your mission, connect with your impact, and remember why your work matters.

If you're looking for photography and films that do more than document your projects and stories that move people to care and act: I'd love to create something meaningful with you.