Why Dan Cleary Reigns as Dayton’s Premier Photographer

Posted on July 9, 2025July 9, 2025 by cleary

A Truly Diverse & Distinguished Background

Dan Cleary has run Cleary Creative Photography for over 35 years. He brings this wealth of experience to every project, blending technical skill with artistic vision. Dan is a native Daytonian and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Wright State University and Master of Fine Arts from the prestigious Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. This strong academic foundation enhances his technical expertise in portrait, commercial, and fine art photography.

Proven Business Insights & Professionalism

Dan’s expertise isn’t just artistic—it’s also business-savvy. He holds MBA-level training in marketing and understands how to run a business and help his clients succeed, and is a Certified Professional Photographer with the Professional Photographers of America. Dan was voted best photographer in the region by Dayton Magazine readers. The City of Dayton Mayor and Commissioners named Dan a Proud Dayton Original.

Widely Renowned Fine Art & Public Projects

Beyond portraiture, Dan’s fine artwork enriches Dayton’s cultural landscape. He has been featured as a Kettering Art On The Commons featured artist. He was also awarded an artist commission in the Dayton-Montgomery County library ReImagining Works art installation at the Wilmington-Stroup branch. The title for his art piece is “Kettering, Deeds and Delco” and is about the 50 year relationship between Charles Kettering and Edward Deeds. Dan also created a photography series about the Wright Brothers and their love of photography, titled “Wright Brothers: Then and Now.” He used original historic photographs by and of the Wright Brothers, then layered those images with photos he created at the same locations. Dan has created a book based on this photography series. The book “Wright Brothers: Then and Now” is available on Amazon, at the Museum of the US Air Force, at the Wright Brothers National Park store, as well as at other locations. He has also helped companies like Kettering Health Network decorate their offices with his fine art landscape photographs. These accomplishments speak to Dan’s artistic vision and his dedication to celebrating Dayton’s heritage through photography.

A Trusted Educator & Mentor

Dan also empowers aspiring photographers through his educational platform, Cleary Photo Workshops in Dayton. Students consistently commend his depth of knowledge and hands-on teaching style—even first-timers leave feeling like pros. A few of his attendees have said: “Dan is one of the most knowledgeable photographers I’ve ever met and does and outstanding job- I wouldn’t recommend anyone else!” Andrew Banks “Dan is nationally known for his creative photography.” Robert Kirchner, and “Dan’s work and professionalism are second to none! I would highly recommend him for any of your photography needs!” Becky Edgren

What Clients Say—and Google Reviews Confirm

Dan has helped thousands of clients through the years, and many have written very kind words about the photography he created for them. Mr. Cleary did a great job with the photo shoot. He took the time and we didn’t feel rushed. We had a large number of pictures to choose from. We were very pleased with our experience and highly recommend Mr. Cleary.” Angie Joseph, Troy, Ohio. And “What a great experience for my daughter Jolie and everyone absolutely LOVES her pictures. The word I’m hearing most to describe them is “perfection” Jill Weimer, Dayton, Ohio. “Dan is a true artist. He really makes people feel comfortable in front of the camera. We couldn’t believe how well the photography of our family turned out.” — Tyler & Monica Kingdom

You can see all the reviews people have written about him at ClearyCreativePhoto.com/Testimonials and his Google business page where he has received a 4.7 star rating.

The Complete Package: Why Dayton Chooses Dan Cleary For Their Photography Needs

Dan Cleary offers not just photography—he offers a trusted creative partnership, honed over decades with passion, talent, and a deep love for Dayton.

Thinking about your next family, senior, or portrait session—or want to commission fine art work? Visit Cleary Creative Photography or Cleary Fine Art Photo, or join one of Dan’s photography workshops. Discover why Dayton residents repeatedly say: He’s the best in the region.

Behind the Scenes At How I Photographed an Author Inside a Bookstore

Posted on June 27, 2025June 27, 2025 by cleary

A Personalized Portrait Session for an Author and Mom

Hi, I’m Dan Cleary of Cleary Creative Photography here in Dayton, Ohio. Today, I’d like to walk you through a recent portrait session I conducted for a client who is an author. She needed professional headshots for PR and publicity use, and I thought it’d be helpful to show what that process looks like—especially if you’re looking for on-location portraits in Dayton.

When she first reached out, we discussed what kind of setting would best reflect her personality and work style. Since she’s a writer, she loved the idea of using a bookstore as our backdrop. The next step was to call the bookstore and see if they’d let us shoot there. You never know if they’ll say yes—but thankfully, they did.

More Than Just an Author—She’s a Mom Too

Like a lot of my clients, this woman wears many hats. Yes, she’s an author, but more importantly, she’s a mom of four boys and a supportive wife. In fact, this might’ve been the first time she’d had professional photos taken since her wedding day. That’s pretty common, especially for busy parents.

Making People Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that photography isn’t just about cameras and lights—it’s about people. Most folks are a little nervous when a camera gets pointed at them. The best way to help someone feel comfortable is to engage in conversation with them.

While I was setting up, I chatted with her. I learned she’s from Australia, married to an Australian Air Force officer stationed here in the U.S. for a few years. Her oldest son is 16. We had a pleasant conversation while I got my lights and angles just right.

To break the ice when it was time to shoot, I said, “You’re only the second Australian woman I’ve ever photographed. Can you guess who the first one was?” She laughed and said no. I told her it was Olivia Newton-John. That got a big smile—and suddenly she wasn’t thinking about the camera anymore. She was relaxed and ready.

Shooting Horizontal and Vertical PR Headshots

Her publisher requested both horizontal and vertical headshots, so we adjusted the setup a few times. For a wide, horizontal shot, I moved back about ten yards to include more of the bookstore in the frame. I hid two of my Godox flashes behind the pillars and pointed them at the ceiling to give a soft, even light in the background. Then I used my softbox and umbrella lights to illuminate her face gently.

For a more intimate shot, I had her lean against a bookshelf. I used the same lighting on her and added a bounce off the ceiling to give the background a little extra glow and add some highlights to her hair.

Outdoor Portraits with Natural Light and Fill Flash

We wrapped up the session with a few portraits outside. Luckily, it was an overcast day, which makes for beautiful, soft natural light. But I still like to add a little pop to the face, especially on cloudy days.

To achieve this, I used my Godox speedlight directly on the camera at about 1/8 power. It worked perfectly as a subtle fill flash—just enough to bring a little light into her eyes and make her stand out against the soft background.

Looking for Professional Portraits in Dayton?

Whether you need PR headshots for your business, author portraits for your next book, or want to capture who you are at this point in your life, I’d love to help. I offer custom portrait photography sessions in Dayton, Ohio, tailored to fit your needs and personality.

Visit www.DaytonCreativePhotography.com to learn more or reach out to schedule your session.

It’s Not Too Late! Schedule Your Senior Portraits Before Graduation

Posted on April 30, 2025April 30, 2025 by cleary

Senior year is flying by — but there's still time to capture this once-in-a-lifetime moment with beautiful senior portraits from Cleary Creative Photography

If your high school senior hasn’t had their portrait session yet, don’t worry — you’re not too late! At Cleary Creative Photography in Dayton, we know how hectic the final months of senior year can be. Between college applications, prom planning, and graduation prep, scheduling photos sometimes slips through the cracks. Maybe your son or daughter doesn’t want their portraits done, but you do. The good news is that there’s still time to schedule a custom photo session and receive your images before graduation day.

Why You Shouldn't Miss This Moment

Senior portraits are more than just a tradition — they’re a way to celebrate who your student is right now before life takes its next big leap. Whether your senior is heading off to college, the military, or the workforce, these photographs become meaningful keepsakes for years to come.

A great senior portrait captures more than a smile — it reflects personality, confidence, and style. At Cleary Creative Photography, we take the time to get to know each senior, creating authentic and timeless portraits.

Fast Turnaround. Personal Attention

We offer quick turnaround times for families scheduling spring or last-minute sessions. You’ll still have time to order prints for announcements, gifts, or graduation parties. We also offer custom framing and print packages, so you’ll get professional results without stress or delay.

You’ll work directly with Dan Cleary, a professional photographer with over 35 years of experience capturing portraits that families love. Our Dayton studio is fully equipped, and we can also shoot on location at a park, urban setting, or meaningful spot that’s in your senior’s personality.

Not Just Another Snapshot Schedule Now to Beat the Rush

These portraits aren’t just for the yearbook—they’re for you. They’ll hang on your walls, be used in graduation announcements, and stay with your family for generations. We approach each session with care, creativity, and a personalized touch.

Whether your senior wants something classic and timeless, fun and sporty, or creative and bold, we’ll bring out the best version of who they are.

Graduation season is almost here, but it’s not too late to create something special. If you’ve meant to book your senior’s portrait session, now’s the perfect time. You’ll get professional results with no stress and still have time to enjoy the images before the big day.

👉 Call Dan at 937-298-6776

or visit Cleary Creative Photography’s Senior Portraits Page to learn more and schedule your session.

Let’s ensure your senior’s story is told — beautifully, professionally, and just in time.

Next Photography Class Is Sunday, April 7th

Posted on March 15, 2024March 15, 2024 by cleary

Teaching How To Be Creative With A Digital Camera

Honoring a Legacy of Artistic Exploration and Education in Dayton

Living Arts Center building on Linden Ave Dayton
Dan Cleary's Seven Steps To Better Photography Class

My next Seven Steps To Better Photography class will be on Sunday, April 7^th. Instead of holding the class at my studio like I usually do, the class will be at Front Street Art Center in downtown Dayton. The class is being held at a different location because I am part of a special exhibition about an organization called The Friends of The Living Arts Center. Before there were arts magnet schools, the Living Arts Center was an arts magnet school. The Dayton Board of Education received a federal grant to start an arts program for 5^th through 12th-grade students. There were five departments: Creative writing, dance, drama, music, and the visual arts. It was open from 1967 – 1977. I took my first photography class there in 1975. The Living Arts Center was one of the country’s first-of-this-kind programs. The Living Arts Center aimed to help students with creativity and self-expression. The Living Arts Center wasn’t trying to train students for a career in the arts but to encourage them to live a creative life. My time at The Living Arts Center started me on a path to becoming a professional photographer and helped me to serve 1000s of people with my creative skills.

Indianapolis 500 1918 race lineup by Dan Cleary
Wright Brothers: Then and Now Horse Drawn Carriages by Dan Cleary

During April, The Friends of The Living Arts Center will hold an exhibition of photography, paintings, mixed media, and textiles. Exhibitors of this art show include alums, teachers, and friends of Living Arts. I will show some fine art photography from my Wright Brothers: Then and Now and the Indianapolis 500 series at this exhibit. There will be an opening reception on Friday from 5-9 pm and another on Sunday, April 21^st from 11 am – 3 pm. The Front Street Arts complex is at 1001 E. Second Street near downtown Dayton. Many artists have studios on Front Street, and there are multiple gallery spaces for artists to hold exhibits. It is part of the arts district in Dayton. You can read more about the Front Street arts building and the exhibit at FrontStreet.com/events. You can see more information about my photography class at ClearyCreativePhoto.com/PhotoClass.

Front Street Arts Building Dayton Ohio

Two Local Police Departments Seeking Professional Portraits

Posted on March 2, 2024March 2, 2024 by cleary

If the police call, should you answer? I know that is a weird way to start a paragraph. In my case, yes, answer the phone. Sometimes, there is unexplained synchronicity in business. I work for the City of Huber Heights, creating portraits of the mayor and council members. The Huber Heights police department got my name from one of the staff people I know there. They want me to photograph all 75 police personnel and create a large display that will hang in their lobby. After talking to Huber Heights, I received a call from the Miamisburg Police Department to do the same thing. Miamisburg only has about 45 people, but interestingly, two different city police departments had the same idea at the same time to do the same thing. I’ll start the Miamisburg project in a couple of weeks. The Huber Heights project will begin in the fall.

Wright Brothers 120 Year Anniversary Of First Flight

Posted on December 15, 2023December 15, 2023 by cleary

December 17, 2023 Will Be The 120th Anniversary Of First Flight

December 17, 2023, will be the 120th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. In his diary that day, Orville wrote, “I got on the machine at 10:35 for the first trial. The wind, according to our anemometers at this time, was blowing a little over 20 miles. The machine lifted from the track just as it was entering the fourth rail. A sudden dart when a little over a hundred feet from the end of the track or a little over 120 feet from the point at which it rose into the air ended the flight.” John T. Daniels took the famous photograph of the first flight. Daniels was a member of the U.S. Life-Saving Station in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, and knew little about photography. His job was to squeeze a rubber bulb, forcing air through a tube that pushed the camera lens’s shutter release. Daniels didn’t remember squeezing the bulb. I am very familiar with this type of shutter release system, and I can imagine that when he saw the plane take off, he instinctively tightened his hand around the bulb in excitement. The Wrights knew that the shutter had been released but didn’t know if they had a photograph until months later when they processed the film in their home darkroom.

I had two people purchase 7 Hawthorn Street from my Wright Brothers: Then and Now series this holiday season. To create this image, I used a famous Wilbur Wright quote in the 7 Hawthorn Street photograph, “If I were to give a young man advice as to how he might succeed in life, I would say to him, pick out a good Father and Mother and begin life in Ohio.” Orville Wright made the historic photograph in 1897 of Daniel Henderson on the sidewalk in front of the Wright house at 7 Hawthorn Street. Orville was interested in photography, and the Wrights even sold camera equipment in their bike shop. When I saw this image in my mind, I immediately thought of Orville taking his camera out on a beautiful day to ensure the camera was in good working order. Along comes Daniel Henderson, and after seeing the camera on a tripod, he asks Orville, “Hey, Mr. Wright, what yah doin’?” This imagined encounter was the source of my inspiration for this image. It made me look at the Wright brothers as photographers instead of two men using photography to document their trials.

All I had to do to create my image was photograph their house on 7 Hawthorn Street, but where is the house? Henry Ford acquired the Wright Brothers’ home and cycle shop and relocated the buildings from Dayton, Ohio, to his Dearborn, Michigan, museum complex in 1937. What now remains at 7 Hawthorn Street in Dayton is a replica of the front porch and house façade, which was enough to create my photograph.

The last photograph in my Wright Brother: Then and Now series and book is titled Scipio. On March 10, 1917, a new resident moved into Hawthorn Hill. It was a sixteen-pound St. Bernard puppy that Orville had purchased from Nina Dodd’s White Star Kennel in Long Branch, New Jersey, for $75. Orville built a pen, and soon, he became a family member. Katharine named him “Scipio” after the famous Roman general who had defeated Hannibal and thwarted Rome’s invasion. Orville loved his dog and took many photographs of him. Scipio died in 1924 after only seven years. Looking through Orville Wright’s archives, you’ll find many pictures of his dog.

What I liked about this historic photograph is the expression on Scipio’s face. It’s the face of a dog who also loves his owner, the photographer. I can tell that the photograph was processed by hand in a home darkroom. There are three air bubbles at the bottom of the frame. Also, the edges of the image are uneven. I call these “beauty marks” from a photographer’s point of view. These beauty marks tell me that Orville himself probably processed the film. I previsualize this photo from the beginning. I liked this historic vertical photograph, so when I was on the porch at Hawthorn Hill, I created many pictures, knowing one would work. I liked how the history and my photographs worked together. The problem was I didn’t have a quote that worked perfectly. It took me several months of research to find the quote I used in this photograph. Dayton History at Carillon Park gives tours of the Wrights’ house, Hawthorn Hill, in Oakwood, Ohio. One of the stories they tell is about the photograph of Scipio found in Orville’s wallet when he passed away. “When Orville Wright dies in 1948, they only found one photograph in his wallet. It wasn’t of the first flight, or of his sister or parents, or of he and his brother. It was a photograph of his dog Scipio, who had died 25 years earlier.”

Professional Headshots Business Portraits

Posted on November 30, 2023November 30, 2023 by cleary

There's Still Time To Get A New Headshot Business Portrait This Year

There is still time this year to update your profile photo with a new headshot. Or maybe you are already considering updating everyone in your company’s image for 2024. This past fall, I photographed the Board of Directors, Deans, and Faculty Advisors at Sinclair Community College. I brought the studio to them, and it was convenient to create photographs of 30 people. As they say, big or small projects, I can do them all. To see more examples of the way I have helped other companies and people go to daytoncreativephotography.com/professional-business-photography-dayton-ohio/. Call or email me to start the process. 937-298-6776 or Dan@ClearyCreativePhoto.com

Photography Lessons Make A Great Holiday Gift

Posted on November 17, 2023November 17, 2023 by cleary

Make 2024 The Year For Your Best Photographs

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.

You Can Get More Information Here

Why Hire A Professional Photographer For Headshots

Posted on October 20, 2023October 20, 2023 by cleary

Why You Should Hire A Professional Photographer For Your Business Headshot Portraits

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.