Newark Wedding Photographer

Kristen + Nate | Noblesville, Indiana

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Happy September!!!

I am so excited that Fall is right around the corner. It is my favorite time of year and I am so ready for cool, crisp air. I despise summer weather especially when I am photographing weddings or portrait sessions. It is miserable!

I wanted to share a wedding from last year that I shot in Noblesville, IN. It was a beautiful, calm wedding for Kristen and Nate. I enjoy those days. Sometimes there is way too much drama to make photographing a wedding enjoyable.

Thanks for following along on my journey!

Janessa Dawn

Taylor + Cutler | Summer Wedding | Zanesville, Ohio

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Taylor and Cutler.

Such a beautiful couple. Taylor was a beautiful Bride and so calm and kind. I loved getting to photograph their wedding at Scale Haus Banquet Barn in Zanesville, Ohio.

It was a super hot summer day. We sweated a ton but we got some beautiful shots!

Enjoy a peek into their wedding day!

Janessa Dawn

I WON Best of Newark Awards 2020 | Photographer

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Today I am serving up something special!
I WON BEST PHOTOGRAPHER IN THE BEST OF NEWARK AWARDS FOR 2020!!!!
THANK YOU!!! I love and appreciate all my clients plus all you who follow my journey, like my work, and support me!

This is such a difficult time. I’m hanging on tight, never giving up, and going to continue to push towards success. This is not a time to be discouraged. This is a perfect time to do those tasks we don’t have time to complete any other time.

"If we are all going to be destroyed . . . let that bomb [virus] when it comes find us doing sensible and human things—praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of darts—not huddled together like frightened sheep . . ." C.S. Lewis

This is a time God is calling us back to our families. Back to the basics of life. A chance to reprioritize.

Stay strong.

Stay Fabulous!

Janessa Dawn

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My Top Picks for Best Beginner Cameras | Newark, Ohio Photographer

I have people message me and ask me questions about cameras, lens, etc. Whether your a mom wanting to get better snapshots of your babies or an aspiring college student who has always loved photography but has no idea what camera to buy, this blog post is for YOU! It is for anyone who wants to get their toes wet but has no idea how far to stick them in! {I really need to come up with better examples! 😂

Now, on this list, you may notice that I don't have any Nikon recommendations. While I shoot with Canon, I am not a Canon snob. Nikon's are fantastic cameras and if you want to try one, go for it. I have found that students in my classes have a hard time learning on Nikons. They are  more complex with finding different settings. I actually had a student who had a higher end Nikon return it and purchase a Canon because the Nikon was so hard to learn on.

I would highly suggest learning on a Canon and then later, when you are ready to upgrade, look into purchasing a Nikon. I know some people will disagree with me but I have found this to be true with people I have taught.



Great Beginner Cameras:
1. Canon Rebel T7i body only $699.99 {Best Buy}
2.  Canon Rebel  SL2 body only $549.99 {Best Buy}
3. Canon Rebel T6 body only $399.99 with lens {Best Buy}
4. Canon Rebel SL1 body only $439.99 {Amazon} This is an older model.
5. Canon Rebel T5 body only $359.99 with kit {Amazon} This is also an older model but still a good beginner.


Any cameras in the Rebel line are a great starting point. If you don't have the money, don't be afraid to get the older models as a starting point! Just have fun with learning how to use it!

If you want to learn all about your new camera, you can sign up here for my Basic Photography Class!

Stay Fabulous 😘
Janessa Dawn




What Camera Do I Shoot With? | Newark, Ohio Photographer

Happy June, Friends! Honestly, I can't believe the year is half over. Where did the first half go?! I feel like there aren't enough hours in a day, days in a week, and weeks in a year. Maybe because I am constantly busy pushing to grow my businesses, attending the many events I am invited too, and photographing portraits and weddings. All I know is I need more time and time isn't something you can get more of!

One of the top questions I get asked is what camera I use. I firmly believe that people think if they buy a fancy DSLR, their photos will be amazing. While the quality of the professional DSLRs are fantastic and highly needed as a professional, a lot of the quality comes from the person behind the camera. You must know how to use it properly or it won't work any better then a point and shoot camera.  Discouraging, right?! (If you want to take a class on the basics of learning how to use your camera, email me!)

Today, I wanted to share the camera I use for my photography. First off, I shoot only with Canon. I am not bashing or saying Nikons aren't good, I just find Canons have amazing quality and are WAY more user friendly. I had a photography student return her Nikon because it was SO difficult for her to learn! It is up to you to decide which brand works best for you :)



At the beginning of this year, I knew I wanted to upgrade. I had been shooting with the Canon 6D for about four years or so and I needed to make the splurge because I have booked more weddings this year then I ever have. I needed a new camera but also a good second camera for weddings so I most definitely kept my 6D. My dream had always been the Canon 5D Mark 3 but Canon released the Canon 5D Mark 4 and I immediately knew I was going BIG or going HOME!

So I did it. I bought the Canon 5D Mark 4 and let me tell you, it is FANTASTIC (I still love and use my 6D as well)! It is a powerhouse of a camera. The body alone if very pricey {around $3,000.00} but totally worth it. It has a 30 megapixel, full-frame sensor, touch screen, amazing High ISO performance, 4k video, and uses CF and SD cards (first time for me!).

I used it as my primary camera a couple weeks ago and it did not disappoint!




Now, I totally understand if you are a beginner, you probably have no need or desire or funds to buy a camera that big. Would you want me to write another blog post on cameras I recommend as a beginner? Comment and let me know!


Stay Fabulous,
Janessa Dawn


Top 5 Memorable Places to Propose in Licking County | Newark, Ohio Wedding Photographer

It's February. The month of love. Honestly, I love Valentine's Day and since I am a Wedding photographer, I wanted to post my top five memorable places to propose in Licking County.



Newark. I love this little town. Honestly, it's probably been one of my favorite places I have ever lived. Since all of the revitalizing they have done downtown Newark, it keeps getting better!

Valentine's Day is coming up soon and we all know there will be lucky ladies all over Central Ohio who's boyfriends will "Put a Ring on It". So in anticipation for Valentine's Day and wedding season, I have put together my top 5 most memorable places to propose in Licking County (yes, this is the romantic side of me is coming out!).



1. Dawes Aboretum in Newark, Ohio
If your girl the outdoorsy type? Go for a romantic stroll through Dawes Arboretum. A romantic proposal around one of the ponds or on the look-out deck would be perfect for her.

2. Canal Market District - Downtown Newark, Ohio
Is she more of a city girl? I love downtown Newark. After a dinner at Park Place Bistro, take a stroll around the square and pop the question at the Canal Market District. It;s unique and beautiful plus you can get a view of the court-house!

3. Ye Olde Mill - Utica, Ohio
What girl doesn't love ice cream! This place would be romantic along the stream and private!

4. Infirmary Mound Park - Granville, Ohio
If your a picnic kind of couple the Infirmary Mound Park in Granville is gorgeous during the spring time!

5. The Granville Inn - Granville, Ohio
Who doesn't love Granville? The Granville Inn has all the feels. Beautiful,  Quaint, unique, romantic. This place would be perfect!



I hope somewhere a girl's dashing Prince Charming finds this useful.

And...you know who to call once your engaged for engagement and wedding photography, right? ;)

Stay Fabulous my friend!

Janessa Dawn

Baby Jaceyon {Newborn Photography} Newark, Ohio | Central Ohio

  Happy Fall, Ya'll! Even though fall is officially here, it has been so HOT here in Ohio. I am so ready for the cold weather to come so I can weather boots and scarves. Today I wanted to share with you a newborn session from earlier this year. This sweet baby boy did a great job at his newborn session! He is in my Grow with Me package and for more info on that click here. 

Enjoy,
Janessa Dawn


















Logan and Kyndal 1 year and 4 year Birthday Sessions {Newark, Ohio Photographer}

  August is quickly coming to a close and some of this cooler weather has me dreaming of Fall. I can't believe how quickly this year has flown by. Time passes so quickly and yet I fail every day to enjoy every moment and keep a positive attitude even when things aren't going the greatest. 
   Today I wanted to blog Logan's four year session and Kyndal's one year session. Logan does such a great job at his sessions. This lovely family is one of my loyal clients and I love getting to work with them. Kyndal was scared at her session and wanted nothing but for her mommy to hold her. So I went with whatever I could get and I was able to get a couple of cute shots of her. One year olds have a mind of their own and sometimes they just aren't up to the job of smiling! 

I hope you enjoy seeing Logan and Kyndal's birthday sessions!
Stay fabulous,
Janessa Dawn















Owen Kemp {One Year Cake Smash Session} Newark, Ohio Photographer


   Sweet Baby Owen is one of the sweetest baby's I have ever met and that is probably because his parents are also so sweet. I love working with the Kemp family. I had the honor of meeting them this past Fall at my Day at Dawes fall sessions and I so enjoyed getting to work with them. 
    Owen did such a great job at this session. We did a simply cake smash set up and it turned out a classic. Thank you, Josh and Julie, for letting me work with your family. It is my pleasure!

Stay Fabulous,
Janessa Dawn










Romantic Summer Styled Wedding Shoot {Newark, Ohio Wedding Photographer} Dawes Arboretum

   I wanted to share with you the wedding styled shoot I had over the summer. I collaborated with local vendors in Newark and a wedding dress boutique in Columbus. All my vendors were SO fantastic to work with and I hope to work with them in the future. I put out a model call and received a dozen emails from couples wanting to model for me but when I seen Tommy and Alexis I thought they were so adorable. They were so great to work with and went along with anything and everything I needed or wanted. I am currently trying to get this styled shoot on a wedding blog and if that happens, I will definitely share it.

 2017 is going to be a busy year for me. I am only going to book four weddings in 2017 and since it is peak engagement season, it is important to book your wedding photographer early because they book fast. I would love to work with you!


Stay Fabulous,
Janessa Dawn


Vendors: 

Hair and Makeup: http://www.bellezzaspaonline.com/
Dress: http://www.sgebridal.com/Home.html
Tux: http://www.callmrtux.com/
Flowers: http://linnetsflowers.com/
Rings: http://www.pughsjewelrynewarkoh.com/
Cake: https://www.facebook.com/triciassweets








































Will and Stacey Carter | Wedding 2015 {Royal American Links Golf Course + Central College Church}

    Will and Stacey just celebrated their 1st wedding anniversary last week and I am so happy they asked me to share their special day one year ago on September 26th, 2015. It was a beautiful occasion. The ceremony was held at Central College Presbyterian Church in Westerville, Ohio and the reception took place at Royal American Links Golf Course in Galena, Ohio. I picked around 30 images to share of their special day. I am wanting to start booking more brides and with the 2017 wedding season coming up, please email me if you want wedding prices. 


Stay fabulous,
Janessa Dawn