Stories Told Through Light and Motion

Emily Riskas is a Director of Photography and camera operator based in Phoenix, Arizona.

Her creativity is rooted in storytelling and shaped by the desert landscapes that surround her - places where light and shadow define emotion as much as words do.

From intimate studio shoots to large-scale productions, she collaborates with brands, filmmakers, and artists to create visuals that are cinematic, intentional, and deeply human.

Her work spans commercial campaigns, documentaries, short films, and live events, all unified by a dedication to craft and a pursuit of honest visual storytelling.

Each frame is a dialogue between light and emotion.

I use color, movement, and composition to express truth - to make the camera not an observer, but a participant in the story.

My process is grounded in collaboration. I listen, adapt, and shape each project with care, from pre-production to final color. The goal is always the same: to make people feel something real.

Recent work includes Vacancy, an award-winning short film exploring unlikely friendship; NFL + YouTubeTV's Chargers vs. Chiefs Opening, broadcast to over 60 million viewers; and a documentary series filmed across Australia capturing moments of stillness, reflection, and connection between people and nature.