Alumni Spotlight: Emily Henry
Name: Emily Henry
Current Occupation: Professional photographer
Workshops: Project NOLA 2025
Faculty: Marianne Sabrier, Annie Flanagan, Jamie Rose
1. What motivated you to take a photo workshop, and why did you pick Momenta?
I started second-shooting weddings in 2016, and had put my camera down after the birth of my youngest child. In 2022, I made a major leap to owning and running my own business as a solo photographer, which was both incredible and terrifying. After a couple years of honing my skills, I found myself wanting something more than the weddings and portrait sessions I was booking. In 2024, I reached out to some local non-profit organizations to offer photography services, and found that despite a minimal or non-existent paycheck for my work, it was extremely gratifying and fed my soul in a different way.
The decision to do a Momenta workshop was a no-brainer. My husband, John Paul, had attended the workshop back around 2013, and had been telling me about it for years. The stars finally aligned, and I signed up for Project NOLA 2025.
2. What surprised you most about the experience of working with a nonprofit?
I've worked with a variety of nonprofits over the past couple years, and I am always really fascinated to see the many ways in which so many different organizations serve their community.
3. What was the best lesson you took away from your workshop?
It is so difficult to narrow it down to one lesson, because this particular workshop really pushed me to my limits (in a good way). From a photography standpoint, I learned that I have particular habits when shooting that actually limit me in a lot of ways; breaking free from those habits has already made me a better photographer and leveled up my business. On a personal level, the best lesson I took from the workshop is that I can allow myself to be more than "mom" or "wife," and I can occupy space in this world as a successful, woman photographer, whose work is beautiful and has value.
4. What was your favorite photograph from this workshop & why?
I worked with Liberty's Kitchen, a job training nonprofit for youth in New Orleans, and anyone who has ever photographed in a bustling kitchen knows that it's generally cramped, hot, and people are constantly moving. Add to this, the fact that the young adults were hyper-aware of my presence, making it difficult to get candid moments.
For this shot, I was posted up behind a long row of stoves and fryers, with a window of about 6" x 4", using my 70-200mm lens. I waited for a while, watching this young woman concentrating on her work, and got the shot. So for me, it's a favorite because I like the composition of the image, but also it was an important moment photographing this particular person deep in meaningful work. I felt particularly proud of this shot from the workshop.
5. What would you tell a potential student to help them prepare for their experience with Momenta?
First and foremost, I would say step into the experience with both feet and an open heart and mind. Be prepared to laugh and cry and learn. Approach everyone and everything with curiosity and kindness. Bring extra batteries and comfortable shoes. And be prepared to answer this most important question: cake or pie?
The images featured in this story were taken on the Momenta Project New Orleans 2025: Documenting Nonprofits workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana in partnership with Liberty’s Kitchen.
Photos © Emily Henry/Momenta Workshops 2025.
Bio
Emily Henry is a documentary photographer in Lawrence, KS, covering weddings, portrait sessions, and events. A former musician and educator, she has a passion for providing photography to arts-based nonprofit organizations in her community. When not behind the camera, she can be found elbow deep in her vegetable garden.
website: https://www.emilyhenryphotography.com/
Instagram: @emilyhenryphoto