emmy squared

Why Professional Photography Matters for Openings Like This

Short Pump, Virginia just got a little more delicious with the opening of Emmy Squared Pizza, and I had the pleasure of documenting their newest location with a full commercial photoshoot.

Image captured with my drone. It shows the neighborhood as well as the restaurant.

Interiors before the crowd.

From the moment I arrived, I knew this was more than just a restaurant launch—it was a thoughtfully crafted brand experience. Using a mix of drone photography, still images, and detailed interior shots, I set out to tell the story of Emmy Squared’s arrival in Short Pump from the ground (and air) up.

The first 25 customers get free pizza for a year!

The lucky winners.

If you’re opening a new location or rolling out a brand refresh, don’t underestimate the value of capturing the moment professionally. These aren’t just pictures—they’re your brand’s visual handshake with the world.

We highlighted everything from their signature Detroit-style pies and inviting ambiance to the thoughtful design touches that make each Emmy Squared location unique. With drone photography, we captured the surrounding area and the buzz around the opening from above. On the ground, we focused on crisp, high-resolution images that showcase the textures, colors, and style that define their brand.

When launching a new location, your first impression is everything. Strong visual storytelling can make all the difference—especially in today’s digital-first marketing world. As a commercial photographer, my goal is not just to take beautiful photos, but to create images that work hard for your brand—images that stop the scroll, tell your story, and get people excited to visit. Whether it’s for press coverage, social media, or your website, having a professional set of opening images gives you a polished, consistent look that builds credibility and draws people in.

School of Rock provided the music.

Mix of drone and photography are a good match.

Commercial Restaurant Photoshoot

As an experienced photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing numerous moments and scenes, each unique in its own right. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to conduct a photoshoot at Emmy Squared Pizza in Westport. This wasn’t just any location—it was a restaurant housed in a beautifully repurposed old fire station, complete with a rustic charm that instantly drew me in.

Emmy Squared Pizza

I remember this being an old fire station.

The stylist working on the food layout.

As a family, we recently had dinner here and it was so good!

The bar area is so cozy and the bartenders are really nice.

From the moment I stepped into Emmy Squared, I knew this shoot was going to be special. The restaurant’s rustic look, characterized by its exposed brick walls and large, airy windows, created an inviting and warm atmosphere. These elements provided the perfect backdrop for the photos, making the space not just a place to eat but an experience to be remembered.

Funny. I was in Miami on vacation and I saw a magazine with the layout from Emmy Squared that I had shot and I am like “this looks familiar” and when I looked closer, I realized it was from our shoot.

We spent the day arranging and photographing various dishes, capturing the mouth-watering appeal of their famous pizzas and other delectable offerings.

As a photographer, there’s nothing more fulfilling than working with others to create photographs that truly represent a company’s identity and charm. I look forward to many more such experiences, where passion and creativity come together to produce something truly special.

As I reviewed the photos at the end of the day, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Each image was a testament to the hard work and creativity of everyone involved. It’s in these moments that I’m reminded of how much I love what I do