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
Donated Art To Local Public Television Station
Here is my donation this year to Think TV’s auction. Many businesses from the Dayton area donate products and services for them to auction as a fundraiser. I donate a family portrait and wall portrait every year. The family portrait can be on location at a park, or at the winner’s house. It’s a great time to get the whole family together, all the aunts and uncles, all the cousins, all your brothers and sisters together for a portrait. Go to my family portrait page to see more samples, ClearyCreativePhoto.com/family_portraits.
I also donate a piece of art. This winter I created a photograph of Downtown Dayton after sunset. In winter the Miami River is usually higher because the ground is frozen and all the water runs into the river. The higher river creates a beautiful reflection of the downtown buildings. Go to my fine arts photography page to see more Downtown Dayton images. ClearyCreativePhoto.com/downtown-dayton-fine-arts-photographs/
There are hundreds of items to bid on and purchase. Public television is very important to our community. Go to www.ThinkTV.org/auction.
Professional Headshot Portraits
Professional Headshots of Local Author
These photographs are of a friend of mine Tom Rubens. Tom is an entrepreneur, business coach and author. He needed professional photographs of himself for his website, book jacket and other public relations needs. We talked about were to do the headshot portraits, in the studio or on location. Tom wanted something a little different and we decided on a location. Fortunately the day we were both available was great weather. I did a series of five different poses both indoors and outdoors.
Hiring a professional photographer is very important
Tom wanted something more natural looking. He wanted his photographs not to look stiff. I have many years experience working with business people from all over the country and many different industries. Some people want studio portraits and other people want location photographs. There are many natural light, location only photographer out there but most don’t have the experience to create professional looking portraits. A snap shot is not a professional photograph.
Finishing Your images
After the portrait session comes the final part of the process. I take the time to do retouching and enhancement work on the images. I don’t deliver straight out of the camera images to my clients. I take the extra time to finish the photographs. Retouching is as important to your image as the photography is. I have 30 years experience to make your portraits perfect. I’m not looking to make your photographs look glamorous but make them look natural.
Call the studio at 937-298-6776 To talk about your next project
If you and or your company need professional headshot portraits, give Dan a call and he will talk to you about your project. To see additional samples go to http://ClearyCreativePhoto.com/corporate-photography/
First Year Baby Portraits
One of the most fun things I do at Cleary Creative Photography is photograph babies. When a three month old baby smiles back at you during a portrait session, how can it not melt your heart. I have a year long baby portrait program called The Little Miracles First Year Baby Plan. During the first year of your babies life we will do four or five portrait session. If you come in early enough when your baby is a few weeks old we can do a newborn baby portrait session. Then at three months the fun begins. At three months your baby will start holding their head up while laying on it’s tummy. Their eyesight is getting better and they recognize a smile. At the six month session your baby will be able to sit up on their own. And they have learned how to laugh. The expressions I get at the six month session are beautiful. At nine months they are strong enough to stand up on their on. They aren’t walking yet but they might be cruising, holding on the the furniture. At nine months they might also begin to have separation anxiety and I have plenty of experience to help with that session to make sure we capture perfect photographs. We end the year with a 12 month session. Hopefully your child isn’t walking yet (or more likely running) but it’s a great time to do a few outfits. A child will do much better in an enclosed space like a photography studio instead of an outdoor portrait. When a baby is outdoor their attention is easily distracted and getting great expressions is so much harder. Here are three of my newest member of the year long baby club. If you want more information about my baby plan go to http://clearycreativephoto.com/little-miracles-1st-year-baby-photography/. There you can see more examples of all the fun photographs I make and some of the framed art I create for my clients. And if you have any questions give me a call at 937-298-6776.





















