Raw But Meaningful Photography is rooted in authenticity and intention—centered on honest moments, human connection, and imagery that feels lived-in rather than staged. The focus is on presence over performance, capturing moments as they naturally unfold and preserving them with care, depth, and meaning. This is photography for people who value feeling over perfection, connection over posing, and images that hold weight long after the moment has passed.
Because the most meaningful moments can't be recreated
I’m Elijah, the photographer behind Raw But Meaningful Photography. I’m based in Philadelphia and have spent the past nine years working with people from all walks of life—learning how to read energy, build trust quickly, and create space for people to feel comfortable in front of the camera.
My approach is calm, guided, and conversational. Rather than over-directing or forcing moments, I focus on creating an environment where you can relax, settle in, and be yourself. Whether we’re photographing a quiet portrait session or a full wedding day, I pay close attention to the in-between moments—the subtle expressions, interactions, and details that often say the most.
Above all, I care about how the experience feels for you. I want you to walk away not just with images you love, but with the feeling that you were seen, respected, and photographed honestly. That trust is what allows the work to feel real—and what gives the images their meaning long after the moment has passed.
Raw But Meaningful Photography exists to honor people and moments as they truly are—without pretense, pressure, or performance.
In a world driven by speed, trends, and perfection, the mission is to slow things down and create space for honesty, connection, and presence. The work is rooted in respect for real moments and the belief that photographs should feel lived-in, grounded, and emotionally true.
At its core, Raw But Meaningful Photography is about preserving experiences with care—creating images that continue to matter long after the moment has passed.
Raw But Meaningful is more than a name—it’s a way of moving through life and work. I believe the most powerful images come from presence, not perfection. From paying attention instead of forcing moments. From allowing people to exist naturally rather than directing them into something they’re not.
My philosophy is rooted in observation, patience, and trust. I don’t chase trends or manufacture emotion. I let moments unfold, knowing that what’s real will always resonate more deeply than what’s staged.
This approach shapes everything I do—from how I interact with clients to how I photograph a room, a glance, or a fleeting interaction. It’s about energy, timing, and awareness. About knowing when to step in and when to step back. Raw But Meaningful is a reminder that life doesn’t need to be polished to be beautiful—and that the moments we remember most are often the ones we didn’t plan.
Types of Portraits:
• Individual portraits
• Couples & engagements
• Maternity
• Family portraits
• Lifestyle sessions
• Editorial
Optional Add-Ons:
• Additional retouched images
• Extended session time
• Outfit changes / multiple looks
• Rush turnaround
• Commercial usage licensing
• Studio rental (Prolens Studios)
Approach:
Intentional, relaxed portrait sessions designed to capture personality, presence, and real expression. Whether personal or professional, sessions are guided but unforced—allowing you to feel comfortable, confident, and fully yourself. Portrait work focuses on connection over perfection, creating images that feel natural, elevated, and timeless rather than overly posed.
Coverage Includes:
• Guided, conversational portrait session
• Natural posing and expression direction
• Professional image curation and color correction
• High-resolution digital gallery for download and sharing
• Styling and location guidance prior to session
Pricing:
• Starting at $400
• Session lengths vary by project
• Custom quotes available for editorial or multi-look sessions
Ideal For:
• Professionals & executives
• Entrepreneurs & founders
• Creatives & freelancers
• Speakers & presenters
• Job seekers & career transitions
• Teams & small offices
Optional add-ons:
• Additional retouched images
• Multiple looks or outfit changes
• On-site team headshot sessions
• Rush turnaround
• Studio rental (Prolens Studios)
Approach:
Modern, clean headshots designed for professional use. Sessions are efficient, relaxed, and guided—focused on capturing a confident, approachable image that represents you well across platforms. Headshot sessions are mobile by default. I bring a professional lighting and backdrop setup directly to you—whether that’s your office, workspace, home, or event location. Studio sessions are also available upon request.
Coverage includes:
• Mobile headshot setup (lighting + backdrop)
• Guided posing and expression direction
• One professionally retouched final image
• Professional color correction
• High-resolution digital delivery for web
Pricing:
• Headshots start at $150
• Additional retouched images available
• Team and group rates available
• Studio sessions available upon request
Ideal for:
• Personal branding
• Creatives & artists
• Entrepreneurs & founders
• Coaches & consultants
• Public figures & speakers
• Individuals building an online presence
Optional add-ons:
• Additional shooting time
• Content-focused vertical imagery
• Location scouting
• Multi-location sessions
• Rush turnaround
Approach:
Intentional, story-led imagery designed to reflect who you are, not just what you do. Branding sessions are centered around identity, presence, and narrative—created for individuals building a personal brand, creative voice, or public-facing identity. Every session is collaborative, guided, and rooted in authenticity, resulting in imagery that feels aligned, expressive, and unmistakably you.
Coverage includes:
• Pre-session brand discovery & creative direction
• Lifestyle & environmental portraits
• Expressive detail and narrative-driven imagery
• Professional color correction & image curation
• High-resolution digital gallery for personal, web, and social use
Pricing:
• Starting at $600
• Half-day & full-day rates available
• Custom quotes for expanded creative sessions and editorial-style projects
Commonly photographed:
• Corporate
• Conferences
• Private events
• Gatherings
• Nightlife
• Live xxperiences
Optional add-ons:
• Additional photographer
• Extended coverage
• Rush turnaround
• Commercial usage licensing
Approach:
Unobtrusive, story-driven coverage designed to document atmosphere, energy, and human connection—without disrupting the flow of the event. Whether corporate or social, my approach prioritizes awareness, timing, and natural interaction, allowing moments to unfold organically while ensuring key details and highlights are captured with care.
Coverage includes:
• Discreet, documentary-style shooting
• Professional image curation and color correction
• High-resolution digital gallery for download and sharing
• Quick turnaround available upon request
Pricing:
• Starting at $200/hour
• 2-hour minimum
• Custom quotes available for conferences, brand activations, and large-scale events
Ideal for:
• Wedding of all sizes and cultures
• Elopements
• Destination weddings
• Intimate & micro weddings
Optional add-ons:
• Engagement session
• Additional photographer
• Extended coverage hours
• Rehearsal dinner coverage
• Rush gallery delivery
• Wedding album design
• Full-day or multi-day coverage
Approach:
Wedding coverage rooted in storytelling, awareness, and emotional honesty. The approach is unobtrusive and documentary-driven, focused on real moments as they unfold—paired with thoughtful direction when needed. Each wedding is treated as its own narrative, preserving the energy, intimacy, and details that make the day uniquely yours.
Coverage Includes:
• Documentary-style wedding coverage
• Timeline consultation and planning support
• Intentional portrait direction when appropriate
• Professional image curation and color correction
• High-resolution online gallery for download and sharing
Pricing:
• Collections begin at $3,000
• Coverage tailored to your day and priorities
• Custom proposals for elopements and destination weddings
Portrait session at Batsto Village, New Jersey
Jasmine
Maternity session at the Wissahickon Valley Park, Philadelphia
Viana
Wedding in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania
Tom
Maternity session in Atlantic City, New Jersey
Maryceli
A curated selection of portraits, relationships, and real moments—captured with intention and care