Professional Photographer In Dayton, Ohio
Dan at Cleary Creative Photography, provides professional photography that brings your vision to life. A dedicated photographer serving Dayton, Ohio and surrounding areas for 35+ Years
Call For More Information 937-298-6776
Dan Will Quickly Answer All Your Questions
How Dan Cleary Will Help You With His Creative Photography Skills
Customized Photoshoots: Dan Cleary offers personalized photoshoots tailored to the needs and preferences of each client.
Creative Direction: With his expertise in photography, Dan Cleary provides creative direction to clients, helping them conceptualize and execute their photo projects.
Technical Expertise: As a professional photographer, Dan Cleary has a deep understanding of camera equipment, lighting techniques, composition, and post-processing.
Artistic Vision: Dan Cleary brings his creative vision to each personal and commissioned project. He offers a unique perspective and style that sets his work apart and adds value to the final product.
Personal Branding: For clients needing professional headshots and branding images, Dan Cleary helps them present themselves or their businesses in the best possible light.
Photography Workshops and Classes: As an experienced photographer, Dan Clear offers workshops and one-on-one training sessions to help clients improve their photography skills.
Fine Art Prints For Collectors: Dan Cleary creates fine art prints of his artwork for clients who appreciate high-quality, artistic photography and wish to add it to their collections.
Make a powerful first impression with a polished headshot. We provide professional headshot photography in Dayton for business owners, corporate teams, entrepreneurs, and creatives. Our sessions are designed to put you at ease so your confidence and personality shine through in your portrait. Need a clean studio headshot for your LinkedIn profile or company website? How about an environmental portrait at your office? In either case, we’ve got you covered. Your Dayton headshot photographer will ensure lighting, pose, and background all come together for a result that conveys professionalism and approachability. Elevate your brand with a crisp, well-crafted headshot that stands out.
Dan loves working with families to create stunning portraits celebrating your unique bond. Whether you prefer an outdoor session at a scenic Dayton park or a classic portrait in our studio, we’ll ensure a relaxed experience that brings genuine smiles and interactions. As an experienced Dayton family photographer, Dan knows how to capture your family’s love, laughter, and personality in every shot. From multigenerational family photos to candid kids’ portraits, we deliver high-quality images you’ll proudly display and share.
Celebrate your senior year with a one-of-a-kind photo shoot! We create fun, memorable high school senior portraits for students in Dayton and the surrounding area. Dan works closely with seniors and their parents to plan a session that reflects your style – from urban backdrops downtown to natural settings like local parks or your school campus. Bring your hobbies, sports gear, or pets to showcase what makes you you! Our goal is to capture each senior’s personality and accomplishments. With expert posing guidance and creative flair, we’ll deliver a collection of senior photos you’ll be excited to share with friends and family. Senior year happens once – let’s make your portraits truly special.
Dan Cleary’s fine art photography captures the beauty and complexity of the natural world with striking detail and composition. His work transforms everyday scenes into captivating art pieces, bringing a sense of wonder and serenity to any space. With each photograph, Dan invites viewers to experience the world through a fresh, creative lens, perfect for collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
Dan Cleary’s photography class offers hands-on guidance to help you master your camera and confidently capture stunning images. Through personalized instruction, Dan breaks down essential techniques, empowering students of all levels to improve their skills quickly. Whether you’re a beginner or seeking advanced tips, this class equips you with the knowledge and inspiration to elevate your photography.
Call For More Information 937-298-6776
Dan Can Quickly Answer All Your Questions
Why Choose Cleary Creative Photography?
Dan Cleary is a trusted Dayton photographer with decades of experience and an artist dedicated to telling your story through images. His clients consistently rave about the personal care and attention to detail in every session (“We absolutely love our photos!“). He combines technical skills with a creative touch to ensure you get portraits that exceed your expectations. From the initial consultation to the final edited images, you’ll appreciate our professionalism, patience, and passion for photography.
Ready to Capture Your Memories?
Contact Dan at Cleary Creative Photography today to discuss your photo session or to ask any questions. He’s happy to talk about ideas and locations – whether it's a family reunion portrait, a new professional headshot, or a set of senior pictures for your soon-to-be graduate. Call 937-298-6776 or email Dan@ClearyCreativePhoto.com to get started. Let him help you freeze these moments in time with beautiful photographs.
Call For More Information 937-298-6776
Dan Can Quickly Answer All Your Questions
“Thank you for your kindness and attention to detail with our historical Presidential Portrait collection for Earlham College. Your amazing talent beautifully captured all 20 past presidents and reignited our interest in Earlham's rich history of leadership for the college. Everyone was thrilled with the results at the project unveiling.” Christian Adams, Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana
Call For More Information 937-298-6776
Dan Can Quickly Answer All Your Questions
Dan Cleary was voted best photographer in the region by Dayton Magazine readers for 2024.
With years of experience and a genuine passion for photography, Dan Cleary at Cleary Creative Photography captures the essence of your most meaningful moments. Dan brings creativity and a personalized touch to every session, from family portraits that reflect deep connections to high school senior photos that showcase individuality to professional headshots that exude confidence. As a Certified Professional Photographer and a Master of Fine Arts graduate from the prestigious Cranbrook Academy of Art, Dan combines technical skill with artistic vision. Recognized as a Proud Dayton Original by the Dayton City Commission, he embodies the city's spirit of innovation and creativity. Trust Cleary Creative Photography to tell your unique story through images you'll cherish for a lifetime.
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
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
Latest Blog Posts
Ohio Landscape Photography
Ohio Landscape Photographs On Permanent Display In Kettering Health Network Hospital
Over the past five years I have created upwards of 200 photographs that are on display in Kettering Health Network hospital buildings and offices from Troy to Middletown. Sunrise In Miami County was created on a fall morning in Bethel Township. I was searching for a sunrise photograph and came across these straw bales. I pulled over and walked out into the field and created this image. There was a limited amount of time because the sun was rising and after only a few minute the sun was too high for the effect I wanted. My clent asked if I had any covered bridge photographs, which I didn't. I found a few close to me and this was the photograph they liked. The Charleston Mill covered bridge is in Green County. The final photograph is on display in a medical facility in Middletown, Ohio. The farmer was finishing plowing his field right outside Tipp City and the photograph is one of 50 photographs on display in a medical building in Tipp City. Greenville Falls is close to Covington, Ohio also in Miami County. I photographed the little Miami River in John Bryan state park in October and was trying to create a quiet peaceful image. You can see more of these photographs at the landscape page of my website. http://clearyfineartphoto.com/landscape-photography/
Wright Brothers Photographs at Kitty Hawk, NC 1901 and 1902
Wright Brothers test gliders in 1901 and 1902
Here are three images from my Wright Brothers – Then and Now series that are from the time period of 1901 - 1902 when they were flying kites and gliders to determine aerodynamics of wing shapes. Maria and I went to Kitty Hawk, NC in the summer if 2016 to visit the Wright Brothers National park and spend the week at the Outer Banks. Beautiful place, I would highly recommend going there if you’ve never visited. We spent the entire day July 21st there. Thank you, Maria, for spending your whole birthday at the national park. I had many historic photographs for the Wright Brothers time at Kitty Hawk but didn’t know exactly which one’s I would be using. I created 500 – 600 image that day so I would have an inventory to use. When I got back to Dayton, I began editing my photographs and deciding how I could get them to work with the historic photographs I had. Here’s what I came up with.
Kite Flying: The historic photo taken was taken in 1901 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina when the Wrights were just working with kites. During the summer, in the afternoon the park rangers start passing out kites. I view this photograph as a form of street photography, and it’s meant to be fun. I like the little girl with her mother and especially the man in the right side of the image trying to get his kite in the air. I think the quote works well with this image. On the technical side there was quite a bit of moving people and kites around to make a good composition. I worked hard to make the historic photographs integrate with my photograph.
The quote is from Orville in a letter written to Katherine. I liked Orville’s sense of humor. “We tried it with the tail in the front, behind and every other way. When we got through Will was so mixed up he couldn’t even theorize. It has been with considerable effort that I succeeded in keeping him in the flying business at all.”
View From The Top Of Big Kill Devil Hill: My image was taken from the top of Big Kill Devil hill. This may be one of the images where I was almost exactly in the same spot where the historic photograph was taken. I lined up my horizon line with the horizon of the Wright Brothers photograph. The location of the Wright Brothers barn in the foreground was almost in the exact location in both photographs. Octave Chanute was an American civil engineer and aviation pioneer. He provided the Wright brothers, with help and advice, and helped to publicize their flying experiments. The Wright Brothers read Chanute's book, Progress in Flying Machines, and they wrote to him. He quickly saw the genius of those two quiet young men. So, he sent his own assistants to North Carolina to work with them. By 1902, the Wrights were making 600-foot flights in fully controllable gliders. The airplane was finally ready for an engine. The next year they took off and flew under power. The quote was from the first letter Wilbur wrote to Octave Chanute.
“For some years I have been afflicted with the belief that flight is possible to man. My disease has increased in severity and I feel that it will soon cost me an increased amount of money if not my life. I have been trying to arrange my affairs in such a way that I can devote my entire time for a few months to experiment in this field.” Wilbur Wright letter to Octave Chanute 1900
Gliding off the top of Big Kill Devil Hill: This is an image looking up at Big Kill Devil hill with the Wright Brothers monument at the top of the hill. The quote is from one of the numerous letters Wilbur and Octave wrote to each other. What I liked most is at the end of this letter, Octave wrote “Please take plenty of snapshots”, which they did.
“It has occurred to me that you would get still flatter glides by making sure that the center of gravity coincides exactly with the center of pressure, and possible by decreasing the angle of your rudder to 4 degrees. Please take plenty of snapshots.” Letter from Octave Chanute to Wilbur Wright, August 19, 1901
Wright Brothers – Then and Now photography exhibits
The Bike Shop
Wright Brothers - Then and Now photography series
I have an art show up at Grace Methodist church gallery right now. Oh course no one can see it. I have another show scheduled for April 23rd at The Light Factory gallery, http://lightfactory.org/exhibitions-upcoming/, Charlotte, NC. The gallery is closed for now and we don't know when it will reopen. I am showing my Wight Brother - Then and Now series at both locations. Because no one can go see the show. I am going to bring the show to you. Here is my artist statement for the Light Factory show.
"On a tranquil and slightly snowy day in February 2016 I decided to go see Huffman Prairie in Dayton, Ohio where the Wright Brothers perfected flight. Dayton is my hometown and yet I had never visited. Standing there on that cold and snowy day transformed me. I could feel the fluctuation of past and present. The seeds for this body of work were planted in my heart. My series of photographs, Wright Brothers-Then and Now, is about the past mingling with the present. The Wright Brothers were accomplished photographers and used photography in their process of discovery. Through research I found many historic images taken by the Wright Brothers and others whose locations I could still access. I began traveling to many of these locations and creating my own images. The locations include areas of Dayton, Kitty Hawk, NC, Washington, DC, Detroit, MI, and LeMans and Pau, France. I digitally combine my images with the historic photographs blurring the divisions between then and now to create visual fluctuations. I decided to add a personal narrative taken from writings of the time to this series of photographs. The narratives are as much about the people behind the history as they are responses to the places and events, making each image more vibrant and meaningful."
I started this series in 2016. I'll post a few images each day from the series for the next week or so. I am editing my fine art website and am almost finished. That site is http://clearyfineartphoto.com/.
The first image is Wilbur working in their bike shop in 1897. The historic photo was probably taken by Orville. I went to the National Park off of west third street and created an interior photograph that would match the historic photo. I my photograph and the historic photograph there are matching machinery. I like the quote from their nephew "History was being in their bicycle shop and in their home, but the making was so obscured by the common place I did not recognize it until it until many years later."
Orville was interested in photography and I can imagine he took his camera outside his home to take a photo. A little kid in the neighborhood, Daniel Henderson, saw him with his camera and was curious. Orville included Daniel in his photograph which was taken in 1899. I took my photograph at 7 Hawthorn Street. This is one of the more complicated integrations of old and new photographs. The quote is from a speech Wilbur made in 1910. "If I were to give a young man advice as to how he might succeed in life. I would say to him, pick a good Father and Mother and begin life in Ohio."
7 Hawthorn Street
United Rehabilitation Services Ambassador photographs
United Rehabilitation Services of Greater Dayton
It’s always my please to help United Rehabilitation Services with photographs of their Ambassador for the Duck regatta every year. United Rehabilitation Services of Greater Dayton (URS) offers a wide-array of programs with a variety of person-centered activities, focused on enhancing the physical, social, and emotional needs of children, adults and seniors with developmental or acquired disabilities from throughout the Greater Dayton Region. The 17th Annual URS Rubber Duck Regatta, presented by Synchrony, will be Saturday, September 19, 2020! The event will be held in conjunction with the Hispanic Heritage Festival at RiverScape MetroPark. Go to their web site to find out about sponsorship opportunities https://ursdayton.org/ducks/.
