Emilie Sandy

Emilie Sandy is an established photographer and the Creative Director of Sama Creatives, a design studio offering everything from brand creation and visual identity to storytelling-led exhibitions and creative engagement. Her diverse portfolio spans captivating portraits, thought-provoking experimental pieces, and collaborative projects that explore the power of visual storytelling.

Emilie's unique perspective is shaped by her multicultural background, which includes a childhood in Iceland and her studies in Graphic Design at Central Saint Martins. She later completed a master’s degree in Photography at the London College of Communication, further refining her expertise in visual media and narrative form. This formal training equips her with a strong design sensibility and a deep understanding of how to communicate stories through visual language.

As a commercial photographer, Emilie collaborates with a diverse range of clients across various sectors—from marketing and editorial teams to creative agencies and purpose-driven organisations. Whether the goal is brand storytelling, campaign content, or authentic portraiture, she produces imagery that aligns with each project’s unique voice and vision. In addition to capturing and co-creating powerful portraits, she produces both still and moving image content that showcases the people behind the work and the essence of what they do.

She also holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Photography, which deeply informs her approach to societal commissions. This specialised training allows her to work with individuals and communities facing sensitive, often challenging issues, ensuring that her portraiture process is both respectful and empowering. By integrating therapeutic techniques, she creates a safe and supportive environment for her subjects, capturing not only their likeness but also their stories, with compassion and care.

Emilie Sandy’s MISSION

Emilie is dedicated to supporting those who have experienced the loss of a loved one through the power of creative expression. With over two decades of experience as a professional portrait photographer and a decade of teaching photography in higher education, Emilie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work. She has also trained in participatory photography with Photovoice.

Since the loss of her parents in 2012, Emilie personally discovered the therapeutic benefits of storytelling through photography. Her Master's degree in Photography provided an opportunity to create a personal project exploring the absence and presence of her parents. Inspired by the care her father received at Sue Ryder Hospice, she initiated a collaborative pilot program with the day hospice. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted these plans. However, during lockdown, Emilie launched an online workshop called Loss and Change to support those who had experienced loss during the pandemic, facilitated in collaboration with Dr. Neil Gibson.

Emilie’s participatory projects and workshops aim to provide a channel for participants to visually express themselves and their experiences, ultimately contributing to their well-being. These workshops can also be beneficial for people living with a terminal illness. Emilie’s father had a terminal brain tumour, and creativity became a powerful way for them to connect, communicate, and share his story during his illness—a deeply personal experience that continues to inform her work.

Emilie Sandy’s I Found A Small Lemon Tree is a personal project that explores the themes of loss, memory, and the enduring power of family connections. The project is deeply rooted in Emilie’s own experience of losing her parents and her reflections on their lives.

The project features a series of photographs that capture the essence of her parents’ lives, as well as personal objects that hold sentimental value. The images are often paired with poignant text, creating a powerful and moving narrative.

You can find more information about the project here.

Portrait Photography: www.emiliesandy.com