Hi there.

Photography, for me, is about presence — slowing down enough to notice the emotion in a look, the quiet gestures between people, the small moments that tell the full story.

Over the past 13 years, I’ve photographed in newsrooms (most recently at the the Los Angeles Times), in foreign countries, and in everyday living rooms filled with the beautiful chaos of family life. Those experiences shaped how I work now: with intention, patience, and deep respect for real connection.

When I photograph families, my goal is to create space for genuine moments. Sessions usually last about an hour to an hour and a half. I’ll guide where it helps, but I also step back so you can simply be with the people you love. The result is a mix of thoughtful portraits and the serendipitous, unplanned in-between. Within two weeks, you’ll receive around 60 hand-edited, high-resolution images in a private online gallery.

Weddings are an extension of that same approach. I’m there to witness — not to stage a performance. I look for emotion, movement, and the atmosphere of the day. I offer direction when needed, but I’m most attentive to the unscripted moments that reveal how the day truly felt.

Ultimately, my work is about connection and honesty. Every person, every family, every celebration has a story — and it’s an honor to be invited to tell it.

Don’t be a stranger. I’m on instagram and my email is dania@daniamaxwell.com