Senior Photography

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




Maddoxx | Baby Mechanic Theme Photo Shoot | 1 Year Portraits

"We don't have failures; we have lessons". This is powerful. There are a lot of times I feel like a failure. These thoughts can bog me down so much that I lose sight of my true value. I love this quote. How can we start looking at our failures as lessons and move on to be even more success for having gone through that? It's hard and it sure takes a positive attitude to look at failures as lessons!

I wanted to share with you this baby mechanic themed photo shoot requested from one of my Mom's. I love when clients bring their own ideas to the table! It gives me a chance to add variety to my portfolio but also get away from my "normal" routine!
















Brittany, Joe + Girls | Family Portraits | Newark, Ohio

This beautiful family 😍 Brittany + Joe are so sweet. It is another family that I have been able to capture and establish a sweet relationship with. How precious are their girls? They are clients that drive ONE hour to come to the studio for their shoots! 

Honestly, best. job. ever!

Stay Fabulous,
Janessa Dawn













Sydney Walters | Watkins Memorial High School | 2018 High School Senior

I first met Sydney's family FOUR years ago when they came to get their portraits done at an Apple Orchard. I love getting to work with them and the relationship we have is what I cherish most with my clients. 

We met out at Dawes for the first part of her session. It was a gorgeous evening and as you can see the sun was just starting to set so we were able to get some of that "golden hour" lighting. 

Then, we drove to Watkins Memorial High School where Sydney attends school. Now, don't judge me but this was the first time I had been on a football field. I may or may not have had to take my sandals off to feel it. :)

I was able to get some fabulous shots of Sydney!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share this special time with you, Sydney!

Stay Fabulous,
Janessa Dawn

















Sherah Siders {Studio Session} Newark, Ohio Photographer

  Happy Monday! Today I wanted to blog my cousin's birthday studio session from January. When your a photographer, you usually get roped into taking your family's pictures. Tonight I am heading out to shoot my Sister's High School Senior pictures. Time flies when your having fun! 

Stay Fabulous,
Janessa




















Beginning My Real Estate Journey and Valentine's Day Mini Sessions! {Newark, Ohio} Columbus, Ohio.

    Happy Monday! This is my first blog post of 2017. I know...that's sad. This year I am starting another business venture. I decided to go into Real Estate along with my photography so for the past two weeks I have been in classes, Monday-Thursday from 8-5:30. I'v had so many definitions, terms, and laws crammed into my head and after sitting in a classroom for nine hours, there is only so much a person can do. So I end up surfing my social media accounts on multiple occasions while jotting down notes and highlighting important information. It honestly has been a good experience and its going to be a good adventure. 

   As for photography, I am hosting my annual Valentine's Day mini sessions on Saturday, February 4th. Yes, it's that time of year again. Honestly, I love all the hearts, love quotes, reds, pinks, and everything else pertaining to the love month. These mini sessions are only $45for a 30 minute session and 50% off of CDs. If you would like to book a slot, please email me at jdawnphotography@yahoo.com.


Until then, stay fabulous!
Janessa Dawn










Alexis Terry {2016 High School Senior} Newark,OH

Hey Friends! I haven't been able to blog for a while because I have been so busy. Do I say that every time I write a new blog? I think I do but life is definitely crazy. Today I am blogging Alexis' senior pictures that we shot back in March for a simple in-studio portrait session. Alexis goes to my church so our Pastor brought her and Drema, another senior I will be blogging, down on a Tuesday evening and I shot them both. Alexis did such a great job and I enjoyed getting to work with her. She graduated and she is now taking college classes at Devry. I wish you the best, Alexis. Never stop dreaming. You are a special young lady and you can be anything you want to be. 

Stay Fabulous,
Janessa Dawn



















Drumm {High School Senior} Newark, OH

Hi Friends! 
    Here is some shots from Hannah's High School Senior Session at Bryn Du Mansion. Her Dad booked her session in February and let me tell you it was FREEZING cold. It didn't affect her much though. She went along with my ideas even though we had to stop for a warm-up break. Check out her session below. 


Stay Fabulous!
Janessa Dawn



















Mercedes Eckard- 2016 Senior Representative {Bryn Du Mansion} Newark, OH

Hey friends!
    I know. I am way behind on blogging sessions from the summer and now fall. Fall is a busy time for me but I am happy because the leaves provide me with a beautiful, colorful backdrop to capture my fabulous clients on.
    Here is my very first 2016 Senior Rep, Mercedes Eckard. I shot her session that supplied her with Rep stuff in August. I know. I am awful for just now blogging but I wanted to share her shoot with everyone. Blogging gives me a away to show all my followers my sessions and not just by the sneak peeks I usually post on my Facebook page that usually consists of 3 or 4 pictures from each shoot. Although I don't share ALL of the images, I usually pick the best/favorite shots from the shoots.

So here is a little information about Mercedes:
Hobbies and interest: Flute, friends, family, church, and work.
Activities: Band
Musical tastes: Country
How would you describe your style? Country, nature, casual
Personality: bubbly, outgoing, fun, and energetic.

Thanks, Mercedes, for Representing J. Dawn Photography!
Stay Fabulous,
Janessa














Newark Ohio Senior Representatives Program!



This program is a great way to be an ambassador for your high school and also get your senior pictures done for FREE! This program is great for outgoing guys and girls who are comfortable in front of the camera. I will be accepting 5 representatives for the 2016 high school seniors in Newark and surrounding areas!




For more information and to fill out an application, click here.

Walters Family {2014 Orchard Mini sessions}

This was the first year for me to host fall portrait mini sessions at an Apple Orchard. It was SO cold and windy that day and the sleet didn't help much. But I had the greatest clients ever that stuck it out and showed up for their session even in horrible weather conditions. I am so happy with how these sessions turned out. Below is a peek into the Walter family session.

Stay Fabulous!
Janessa





Fall Session GIVEAWAY

Would you like to win a FREE fall session with J. Dawn Photography?

 What's included in the giveaway?
 -one hour session
 -online Gallery
 -one of our outdoors locations

 When?
 Session must take place before November 1st.
 **This Free Fall Session may be used for children, family, couples, teens, or maternity sessions!

 Here is how you can win:
 1. Share our page with your friends
 2. Like our Facebook page (if you haven't all ready)
 3. Comment here and tell us why you would like to win

 Giveaway ends September 27th.
 Winners will be announced Monday, September 29th





SPECIAL: Fall Portrait Sessions-October 23-25, 2014!

Calling all families, kids, babies, friends, and couples. We are now booking for our Fall portrait sessions on October 23-25th! These sessions are $50 for a one hour sessions and you can choose from a variety of outdoors locations. Beautiful, colorful leaves make for a gorgeous backdrop! Call us to day at 740-974-2902 to schedule your session!

Stay Fabulous
Janessa