our team

My name is Emma Belen Duarte,

and I have been in love with photography ever since I was a teenager. My time in the photography world started about twelve years ago, when working at my dad’s studio. I would help him with his camera batteries and gear while he taught me about photography. After working with and learning from him for seven years, I knew the time had come for me to start my own journey and make my own mark on the photography world. Now that my dad has passed away, I like to think that a piece of him lives on in every photo I capture.

I consider myself to be a joyful person above all else. I was born and raised in Mexico and moved to the U.S. when I was 13 years old, so I am bilingual in Spanish and English. I love to travel, meet new people, dance to any kind of music, read books, watch movies, and eat — especially if I’m eating tacos, cupcakes, or coffee ice cream! I married my best friend after six years of dating him, and I’m a happy wife with no kids… though I do live with an adult who acts like one (hint: I’m married to him)! 

I would describe my photography style as natural and romantic with a healthy dash of fun! I pride myself on forming strong, trust-filled relationships with each and every one of my clients and curating each detail of their photography experience to meet their needs as best I can. 

my favorites

COCKTAIL:

gin and tonic

FOOD:

anything Italian

FLOWER:

peonies

ACCESSORY:

HATS

PART OF THE WEDDING:

FIRST LOOK AND FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE

animal:

dogs

MEET MARIO - VIDEOGRAPHER

They say there’s nothing better than working with family! Mario is my younger brother and he makes up a crucial part of the Emma Belen Photography team — lead videographer. Between my photos and Mario’s video footage, we are able to offer clients a full wedding package that ensures that the whole day is captured and preserved for years to come.

Mario is both a true professional and a joy to work alongside. Our brother-and-sister team has been collaborating for so many years now that our work is seamless. We know how to work together without being in each other’s way! 

Mario is a sports fanatic; any type of sport you can think of, he loves it! He brings just as much passion to his videography work, and he loves creating videos that showcase each detail of our clients’ wedding day so that they can revisit every memory whenever they like. 

Favorite part of the wedding day: the couple’s first looks.

MEET MARY Carmen - ASSOCIATE

I am so thrilled to have Maricarmen on our team! She is our associate photographer and primary quinceañera photographer. Maricarmen has been working with me for two years now, and she is an excellent partner with a keen eye for detail. 

She is a mother of two kids: 14-year-old Brandon and 7-year-old Jasmine. During her time off, she soaks up as much time with her family as possible, and she loves to paint, as well.

Favorite part of the wedding day: the couple’s first looks! She loves to see the reactions of the bride and groom as they take each other in before the ceremony.

Weddings are filled with some of the happiest moments life has to offer. Emma Belen Photography believes in capturing the details of love stories in a way that is timeless, so that the details can live on and be cherished forever.

EMMA BELEN PHOTOGRAPHY IS BASED IN CHICAGO AND SURROUNDING AREAS.

© 2022 Emma Belen Photography. Designed by Caruso Creative.