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Meaningful Connections
Raw Expressions

Philadelphia | New Jersey

Photography by Elijah Sanchez

& Beyond

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

Your Story, As It Naturally Unfolds

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.

Meet Your Photographer

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.

Photography with Purpose, Presence, and Meaning

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.

The Raw But Meaningful Way

Photography services

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

Portraits

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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

Headshots

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Branding

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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

Events

04

Weddings

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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

Let's document something that matters.

Portrait session at Batsto Village, New Jersey

Jasmine

"Elijah made the entire experience feel effortless. I’m usually uncomfortable in front of the camera, but the session felt natural and relaxed. The photos actually felt like me."

Maternity session at the Wissahickon Valley Park, Philadelphia

Viana

"Elijah's work is incredible. I can't put it any other way. He put's so much thought throughout the process and the final result left me speechless. Every time I glance over these photos I say "Wow, that's REALLY me..." Elijah did that. He makes magic happen EVERY TIME!"

Wedding in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania

Tom

"It's been inspiring seeing the fruits of Elijah's labor. Years ago we were photographing our adventures for fun and now he's one of the tri-states leading photographers. I hired him without hesitation for my engagement session, wedding, my sisters wedding, our family photos, and we're lining up more shoots with him in the future. He practically feels like part of the family. Elijah you are the greatest, thank you for everything!"

Maternity session in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Maryceli

"I would definitely recommend Raw But Meaningful Photography to anyone looking to capture special moments. He was patient with me and continued to assure me pics would be great despite weather. Made us feel comfortable and heard. Great person to work with 100%."

Client Reflections

Weddings

Engagements & Proposals

Studio Portraits

Portfolio

Portraits

Headshots

Lifestyle

Events

Personal Branding

A curated selection of portraits, relationships, and real moments—captured with intention and care


At this time, I focus exclusively on still photography. Photography is my specialty, and I’ve chosen to dedicate my full attention to creating intentional, well-crafted imagery rather than splitting focus as a hybrid shooter. While video is something I’ve considered (and joked about “eventually” for years), my priority is delivering the strongest photographic work possible. If video coverage is needed, I’m happy to recommend trusted professionals.


I’m open to traveling anywhere for the right project. While I’m based in Philadelphia and frequently work throughout New Jersey and the surrounding areas, I’m passport-ready and available for domestic and international travel. Travel fees are quoted based on distance, duration, and scope, and are always discussed transparently in advance.


Absolutely. Most people I work with feel the same way, and it’s completely normal. You don’t need to know how to pose or worry about “doing it right.” My sessions are guided, but relaxed—designed to feel conversational rather than performative. I’ll offer direction when needed, while giving you space to settle in and be yourself. The goal isn’t perfection or stiff posing, but creating an environment where you feel at ease, present, and comfortable enough for real moments to naturally unfold.


To get started, fill out the inquiry form with a few details about what you’re looking for. From there, I’ll follow up to discuss availability, pricing, and next steps.


Yes. Sessions can take place either in a professional studio or on location, depending on the type of shoot and the look you’re going for. I regularly work out of a photography studio at Prolens Studios, which is ideal for controlled lighting, clean backdrops, and more refined setups. You would just have to cover the studio rental fee for us to work there. That said, the majority of my work has historically been on location. I’m fully mobile and comfortable working in a wide range of environments—urban settings, natural light locations, private spaces, or venues that hold personal significance. I’m always happy to help you decide what setting best supports your vision, comfort level, and the story you want the images to tell.


Turnaround times vary depending on the project, but most portrait and branding sessions are delivered within 1 week. Events and weddings may take slightly longer due to the scope of coverage.


Rather than focusing on a specific number, I focus on delivering a thoughtfully curated gallery that tells the full story of your session. Each image is carefully edited and selected with intention.


Raw But Meaningful Photography is a personal, one-on-one experience, and I personally photograph all sessions. When you book with RBM Photography, you’re working directly with me—from planning through delivery. For larger events or weddings, a secondary photographer may be added when needed to ensure full coverage and support. I also work with a trusted network of experienced creatives who I collaborate with regularly. This includes additional photographers, photography assistants (PAs), and videographers when a project calls for it. Any additional team members are carefully selected based on the scope and needs of the event, and are brought in to enhance coverage—not replace the core experience. This allows for flexibility on larger productions while maintaining consistency, quality, and intention throughout the work.


Frequently Asked Questions

We appreciate you reaching out and will get back to you within 24-48 hours.

Thank you!

(609) 992-1202

Give me a call:

elijah@rawbutmeaningful.com

Send Me An Email:

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