Capturing Special Memories

Expert Professional Photography Specializing in Family, High School Senior Portraits, Corporate and Fine Art Photography

Dan Cleary of Cleary Creative Photography specializes in capturing the moments that matter most. A dedicated photographer in Dayton, Ohio who brings his creativity, professionalism, and passion to every session.

Call For More Information 937-298-6776

Dan Will Quickly Answer All Your Questions
Fireplace with family portrait by Cleary Creative Photography

Call For More Information 937-298-6776

Dan Can Quickly Answer All Your Questions

Dan Cleary is an exceptional professional portrait photographer with a remarkable talent for capturing the essence and beauty of his subjects. With his extensive expertise and creative portrait photography approach, he produces stunning and captivating photographs that leave a lasting impression. If you want to preserve your memories in a truly remarkable way, Dan Cleary is the photographer you need.

 

Call For More Information 937-298-6776

Dan Can Quickly Answer All Your Questions

Since 1988, Cleary Creative Photography has been capturing the essence of life's precious moments in Dayton, Ohio. Skilled photographer Dan Cleary brings years of experience, creativity, and passion to every session, ensuring each portrait is a timeless masterpiece. Whether you're seeking family portraits that capture the joy of your bond, high school senior portraits that reflect your individuality, or professional headshots that exude confidence, Cleary Creative Photography is your trusted source for capturing the essence of your unique story.

Dan is a Certified Professional Photographer as designated from the Professional Photographers of America, the leading association of imaging professionals. He also has a Master of Fine Arts from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills Michigan.

The Dayton City Commission recognized Dan as a Proud Dayton Original. The Commission initiated this award as a nod to Dayton’s long history of invention, innovation and inspiration. Recognition is based on creative thinking, doing, believing and achieving. This honor emphasizes Dan’s creativity and originality.

Dayton Originals logo

 

Wright Brothers: Then and Now

This book makes a great gift. Click to order signed copies of the book directly!

Dan Cleary has published a book that mingles historic photos of the Wright Brothers at the turn-of-the 20th century with contemporary images of his creation taken in the 21st century.

"Dan's images represent moving back in time while standing in the present day. This historical, engaging project is filled with images from both the past and the present." Lens Culture Review

"Ingenious photography project that transports the Wright Brothers to the present day." Plane and Pilot Magazine

"Dan Cleary has been a time traveler"  Washingtonian Magazine

Call For More Information 937-298-6776

Dan Can Quickly Answer All Your Questions

Family Portraits

“I want to say that Mr. Cleary was a doll, he was very understanding about my requests and the fact I did not have all the things I needed for the sitting, he was fine with that so I would like to thank him for his time, not to mention the beautiful pictures he took of my family, children and grand kids. He is truly a professional portrait photographer and again thank you.”
Judy McCullah, Dayton, Ohio

High School Senior Portraits

“Mr. Cleary, you did a wonderful job with my daughter Alexa' high school senior portraits. She was absolutely at ease and totally enjoyed her shoot. You went over and above the call of duty. I will be telling everyone about your services for the photos, they are absolutely gorgeous. The price of the photos is much more reasonable than any other I have encountered. I do want to thank you again and plan on using your services again in the future.”
Sandy DeHaven, Dayton, Ohio

Business Photography

"It's a major endeavor to redesign a business website and especially challenging when it's for a law firm with hundreds of lawyers. We selected Dan because of his experience, photographic style and attention to detail. Dan did an excellent job on the photographs and in managing the project to completion."

Ellen Geron, Regional Growth Manager, Thompson Hine LLP

 

 

Fine Art Photography

"Thanks for all your help with the Kettering Health facilities projects. The photographs look great on the walls."

Lisa Laverty

The Art Company

 

 

high school senior girl photographed by Great Miami river by Cleary Creative Photography in Dayton Ohio
Photograph of Downtown Dayton at Night by Dan Cleary of Cleary Creative Photography Dayton Ohio
business headshot portrait by Dan Cleary of Cleary Creative Photography Dayton Ohio
sunrise at cormfield Miami county Ohio by Dan Cleary of Cleary Creative Photography in Dayton Ohio
Outdoor family portrait by a river with their dogs by Dan Cleary of Cleary Creative Photography in Dayton Ohio
close up portrait of Mom and Dad holding baby by Dan Cleary of Cleary Creative Photography in Dayton Ohio
portrait of young family at a park by Dan Cleary of Cleary Creative Photography in Dayton Ohio
portrait of High School senior boy in dugout with baseball glove by Dan Cleary of Cleary Creative Photography in Dayton Ohio

Latest Blog Posts

Photography Lessons Make A Great Holiday Gift

Make 2024 The Year For Your Best Photographs

Sunrise photograph in Miami County Ohio by Dan Cleary of Cleary Creative Photography

Taking a photography class from a professional can offer numerous benefits, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer looking to enhance your skills. Here are some reasons why you might consider taking photography lessons:

  1. Learn the Basics: If you’re new to photography, lessons can provide a solid foundation by teaching you the basics of camera operation, exposure, composition, and lighting. Understanding these fundamentals is crucial for creating compelling and technically proficient images.
  2. Improve Technical Skills: Even with some photography experience, lessons can help you refine your technical skills. You may learn advanced techniques, post-processing skills, and how to use different types of equipment effectively.
  3. Feedback and Critique: In a structured lesson environment, you’ll likely receive feedback and critique from instructors and peers. Constructive criticism can be invaluable for identifying areas of improvement and gaining insights into your work.
  4. Ultimately, whether you choose to take photography lessons depends on your goals, learning style, and the level of expertise you seek. Some people thrive with self-directed learning, while others benefit from the structure and guidance provided by formal lessons. Consider your objectives and the learning environment that best suits you.

Sign up for our 7 Steps To Better Photography Workshop

This afternoon photography class will teach you what evey button on your camera is, what white balance is, even learn what is the rule of thirds. It's taught by Dan Cleary a 35 year professional photographer. The class isn't over until every question is answered.

Why Hire A Professional Photographer For Headshots

Hiring a photographer for professional headshots offers several advantages compared to taking headshots yourself or using a friend who’s an amateur photographer. Here are some key reasons why you should consider hiring a professional photographer like Dan Cleary with Cleary Creative Photography:

Professional studio business portrait of a woman
professional studio business portrait of a man
  • Quality and Expertise: Professional photographers, such as Dan Cleary with Cleary Creative Photography, have the knowledge, experience, and skills to capture high-quality images. He understands lighting, composition, and posing, which are crucial for producing flattering and professional-looking headshots.
  • First Impressions: Headshots often serve as your first impression in various professional settings, such as job applications, social media profiles, and business websites. High-quality headshots convey professionalism and competence, helping you make a positive impression.
business portrait on an office
  • Brand Image: Professional photos can help maintain a consistent and polished brand image if you use headshots for branding or marketing purposes. Dan Cleary knows how to match the style and tone of your headshots to your brand’s identity.
  • Lighting and Equipment: Dan Cleary is a certified professional photographer who uses his studio’s high-quality equipment and lighting setups to ensure your business headshot looks its best. He can also bring his studio to your location without sacrificing quality so an entire staff or company can be photographed at their convenience.
o Editing and Retouching: Dan Cleary with Cleary Creative Photography provides post-processing services, which include retouching to enhance your appearance and correct minor imperfections. This can result in a more polished and attractive final image. o Time and Convenience: Hiring a professional photographer like Dan Cleary allows you to focus on your role or prepare for your session while leaving the technical details and creative decisions to him. This can save you time and effort.
  • Editing and Retouching: Dan Cleary with Cleary Creative Photography provides post-processing services, which include retouching to enhance your appearance and correct minor imperfections. This can result in a more polished and attractive final image.
  • Time and Convenience: Hiring a professional photographer like Dan Cleary allows you to focus on your role or prepare for your session while leaving the technical details and creative decisions to him. This can save you time and effort.
  • Creativity and Artistry: Dan Cleary has 30-plus years of experience as a professional photographer and artist and can infuse creativity into your headshots. He can suggest different poses, backgrounds, and styles that align with your goals and personality, creating unique and visually engaging images.
Outdoor location business portrait of a man
  • Guidance and Direction: No one feels completely comfortable in front of the camera. Dan will advise you on how to pose and express yourself in front of the camera, ensuring that your headshots convey the desired message and capture your personality.
  • Consistency: When taking headshots for a group or organization, professional photographers can maintain a consistent look and feel across all images, making them appear cohesive and professional.
  • Confidence Boost: A professional photographer like Dan Cleary can help you feel at ease during the session, resulting in more natural and confident expressions in your headshots.
  • Adaptation to Purpose: Dan will tailor your headshots to their intended use. Professionals can adjust the style if they need headshots for a job application, corporate website, or personal branding.
Group business portrait

While hiring a professional photographer for a business professional photoshoot may involve a cost, the investment can pay off in the long run by helping you create a robust and professional image that can benefit your career or personal brand. Call 937-298-6776 or email Dan at Dan@ClearyCreativePhoto.com for more information and to schedule your photography session.

New Actor’s Professional Headshots

Inspired New Actor Needs Headshot To Help Launch Career

I was asked recently to create an actor’s photography portfolio to help him start a new career. For years he has dreamed of being a comedic actor. During the photography session, he performed a few of the many characters he has developed. He was pretty good at a variety of voices. I try to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera. Many people have a fear of being photographed. I hear the old saying, “I’d rather go to the dentist than have my photograph taken,” all the time. He was very at ease in front of the camera, which worked well for him. He’s probably not the most handsome, but I don’t think that will hurt him. Hopefully, my model photography will help show the many sides of his personality and help jump-start his acting career.

Actor Headshot by Dan Cleary
Actor in brown jacket standing pose by Dan Cleary
Actor in brown jacket standing pose by Dan Cleary
Actor in brown jacket standing pose by Dan Cleary
Actor headshot in white shirt by Dan Cleary
Actor headshot in white shirt by Dan Cleary
Actor photograph sitting in white shirt by Dan Cleary
Actor photograph sitting in white shirt by Dan Cleary
Actor photograph standing in winter coat by Dan Cleary
Actor photograph standing in workout clothing by Dan Cleary
Actor photograph standing in workout clothing by Dan Cleary
Actor photograph smiling and standing in workout clothing by Dan Cleary

Music City USA, Nashville, Tennessee

Music City USA

I just returned from Nashville, Tennessee, for the Professional Photographers of America annual convention. I attended classes on marketing, posing, and keeping myself creative. Whenever I visit a new city, I like to go out and see what I can create with my camera. I had some extra time late afternoon on Saturday, so I went down to music row to see all the honkytonks. I was there from about an hour before sunset to an hour after. Some people call this the golden hour of light. When the outside light dims, the city’s neon lights grow brighter. Around 5000 other people had the same idea. In Nashville, there is a four-block area lined with bars and people. I am always interested in visually finding things in places like this, and I found a guitar player perfectly centered in a window playing to the crowd inside. I call this photograph “Music City USA.” The blue effect in the guitar player comes from color temperature and some work on my part. There was stage lighting inside the club with a particular color temperature, and then the exterior lighting was another color temperature. Usually, I would try to get these two color temperatures to be the same, but here I like their opposite effect. My camera tried to correct the color temperature for the outside lighting, which left the interior lighting shifted to the blue side. In my post-production work, I did enhance this effect. Blue and yellow are opposite colors but complementary to each other. I also liked the layering of the neon lights and signs in the window reflection. But the blue guitar player was what drew me to this image.

You can see more of my fine art photographs at ClearyFineArtPhoto.com​.

Call For More Information 937-298-6776

Dan Can Quickly Answer All Your Questions