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

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Dan Will Quickly Answer All Your Questions

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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.

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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

 

 

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

New Business Photography For 2022

At the beginning of the year, I always receive calls from companies wanting to update their website with new photographs. Many times, I create pictures of their employees. I can come to a company’s location and set up my studio lighting and background. I can photograph everyone’s headshot without them leaving the office or losing any time away. I can also create group photos for webpage banners. While I’m onsite, many companies have me create editorial photographs for their website and other promotional material. These editorial photographs do better with SEO than pictures purchased from a stock photo website. I also have many landscape photographs of the Dayton region that can be used on a business website. These landscape photographs can also be framed and displayed in a company’s office. You can see more examples of my business photography at www.ClearyCreativePhoto.com. My landscape photography can be seen at www.ClearyFineArtPhoto.com.

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

Wright Brothers Anniversary of their 1st flight

Today 118 years ago, Orville and Wilbur Wright made four successful powered flights, 120 feet, 175 feet, 200 feet, and 852 feet. Unfortunately, after the fourth flight, a gust of wind overturned their machine, and it was damaged beyond repair. But they had created a lighter-than-air machine that flew under its own power. They packed everything up, came back to Dayton, built another machine, and in the summer of 1904, were learning how to be pilots at Huffman Prairie. As Orville wrote in his diary that day, “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.” You can see more photographs from my series Wright Brothers: Then and Now at www.ClearyFineArtPhoto.com.

High School Senior Football Player Portraits

high school senior football player catching a football by Dan Cleary of Cleary Creative Photography
high school senior football player running outdoors by Dan Cleary of Cleary Creative Photography in Dayton, Ohio

I had a parent call me about photographing his son’s high school senior picture. The Dad’s comment was, “My son doesn’t want his high school senior portraits taken, but if he has to have them, then he wants them in a field while he runs and catches a football.” This high school senior is an all-state football player and has a scholarship to play football in college. I have experience with many high school senior boys who don’t want to be bothered to get professional portraits taken. I did some scouting and found an old football field that no one would bother us while creating the photographs. It was a cloudy day, so I set up two lights to add to the outdoor light. My job was not to let this young man think he was being photographed. We started with his Dad tossing a football to him, and I photographed the catches. He then broke out the weights, and I created a few more photographs. This high school senior boy was built, doing 40 lbs lifts with ease. Finally, his father threw him long passes, and he ran like the wind, making perfect catches. The funny part is he is a defensive back, so he doesn’t make that many catches unless he intercepts a pass from the opposing quarterback.  We finished the session with him in his college pullover. He was relaxed, and we got a few natural expressions that his mother and father liked very much. To get more information about Dan’s high school senior photography go to ClearyCreativePhoto.com/high-school-senior-portraits/

high school senior football player with a football outdoors by Dan Cleary of Cleary Creative Photography in Dayton, Ohio
high school senior football player catching a footbal outdoors by Dan Cleary of Cleary Creative Photography in Dayton, Ohio
high school senior football player lifting weights outdoors by Dan Cleary of Cleary Creative Photography in Dayton, Ohio
high school senior football player running outdoors by Dan Cleary of Cleary Creative Photography in Dayton, Ohio

Ingenious Photo Project Transports Wright Brothers To The Present Day

I had the good fortune to have an article written about my Wright Brothers photography project at Plane & Pilot magazine. It was a terrific article written by Isabel Hawk, the editor-in-chief. She wrote, “Dan Cleary created a gallery of photographs that reach into the past to show the importance and relevance of the pioneering aviators 118 years after the first flight at Kitty Hawk.” And the final paragraph says, “The photographs are accompanied with what look to be handwritten notes, explanations of what we’re looking at, as though the Wrights themselves, or a dear friend with them at the time, were penning the notes.” To read the article in its entirety, go to https://www.planeandpilotmag.com/news/the-latest/2021/10/28/ingenious-photo-project-transports-wright-brothers-to-the-present-day/. You can see all the photographs in my series at my website https://clearyfineartphoto.com/wright-brother-fine-art-photographs/ . To buy copies of my book Wright Brothers: Then and Now go to https://clearyfineartphoto.com/wright-brothers-then-and-now-book/.

Call For More Information 937-298-6776

Dan Can Quickly Answer All Your Questions