Let me take you back to the beginning — the very beginning — of my photography journey. Picture this: a slightly annoying kid (me) with a camera in hand at all times, constantly snapping photos of literally everything — family gatherings, sunsets, my dog doing absolutely nothing, you name it. My family might have thought it was a phase, but spoiler alert — it wasn't. It turns out that having a borderline obsessive need to document life’s little moments was actually the start of something big.
Blame It on My Mom (In the Best Way)
My mom is the real MVP here. She bought me my first camera, and from that moment on, there was no turning back. That camera became an extension of my hand, and I quickly realized that this whole "taking pictures" thing was more than just a hobby — it was my thing. While other kids were out doing, well, normal kid stuff, I was perfecting my shutter speed and chasing the perfect light. (And, yes, driving everyone around me crazy by making them pose for "just one more shot" — which was never actually just one.) I was beyond annoying and everyone let me know it. Now? They call me when they need photos from years ago or they need a photoshoot.
But my love for photography started WAY before the DSLR era. Back in the days of film (yes, I’m dating myself here), I used to go through rolls and rolls of film at school events, family gatherings, or just around the house. And who would I hand them off to? My mom, of course! She would take them to a 1-hour photo shop on her way to work so they'd be ready when I got home. (Because waiting more than an hour to see my masterpieces? Absolutely not.) That thrill of peeling back the envelope and flipping through those glossy prints for the first time? Pure magic. And honestly, it still feels that way every time I deliver a gallery to a client today. Who knows how much money I cost her — but considering how obsessed I was, I’m guessing it was a lot. Sorry, Mom! Love you =) 😆
From Hobby to Business
Fast forward down the line, when that childhood obsession turned into a full-fledged career. After years of taking photos for friends and family (and hearing things like, "You should really charge for this!"), I finally decided to make it official. In 2012, I launched Dawn Talia Photography in Port Chester, NY — and let me tell you, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Running a business is no joke (who knew taxes were so complicated?), but getting to capture life's most precious moments for other people made it all worth it.
Now, 13 years later, I’m an award-winning and published photographer, serving families in Westchester County and beyond. I specialize in Cake Smash and Milestone Sessions, but I’ve photographed everything from Maternity and Newborns to Weddings and big family celebrations. (Yes, I’m basically a professional baby whisperer and toddler wrangler at this point.)
I've Always Loved Breaking the Rules
I've always loved learning the rules — and then figuring out how to break them. Every session is a mix of classic and creative because while I absolutely adore those timeless, beautifully posed shots with soft whites and neutral colors, I also love to shake things up. Give me some color. Give me some edge. I’m not about that cookie-cutter life — I never have been. Even as a kid, I was always looking for ways to push the limits and do things differently. Not everyone can see my vision at first and that's ok. It's not their job to bring it to life - that's on me. But that's where the magic happens. I am sure that it can rub people the wrong way sometimes, but it's a hill I'll proudly stand and die on.
So when you come to a session with me, you’ll walk away with a stunning mix of timeless elegance and unexpected magic — the kind of photos you didn’t even know you needed. Whether it’s a perfectly lit, angelic newborn photo or a hilarious cake smash moment with frosting all over the floor — you’ll get both. Because life isn’t perfect — and that’s what makes it beautiful.
What Keeps Me Inspired
You’d think after photographing literally thousands of sessions, it might get old — but nope. The truth is, no two sessions are the same. Every family brings their own vibe and personality, and capturing those authentic, unscripted moments is what keeps me going.
- Cake Smashes: Because watching a one-year-old go full Hulk-mode on a cake will never not be funny.
- Newborn Sessions: There’s something so magical about those sleepy little squishes — even when they pee on my backdrop (which happens more than you’d think).
- Family Sessions: The chaos, the giggles, the “Dad, stop making that face!” moments — I live for it all.
- Maternity Sessions: There’s something so special about capturing that quiet anticipation before the baby arrives (and the not-so-quiet part when toddlers are involved).
And let’s not forget the creative freedom that comes with running my own business. I get to try new things, set my own schedule (kind of), and create lasting relationships with my clients. Some of my clients have been with me since their maternity sessions — and now I’m photographing their kids’ birthdays and beyond. Watching families grow and knowing that I played a small part in preserving those memories? Yeah, that’s the good stuff.
Why I’ll Never Get Bored
Photography isn’t just about pretty pictures — it’s about connection. It’s about capturing that mischievous grin before a toddler bolts off into the sunset or the way new parents look at their baby with that mix of exhaustion and overwhelming love. It’s about the imperfect, hilarious, real-life moments that you’ll want to look back on years from now.
And honestly? It’s about YOU — my clients. You trust me to capture your most precious milestones, and that’s not something I take lightly. I’m so grateful for the families who have let me into their lives, the laughs we’ve shared, and even the occasional meltdown (because let’s be real — it happens).
Final Thought
So, how did I get started in photography? It started with a camera and a lot of determination (and maybe a little stubbornness). What keeps me inspired? The people — the messy, beautiful, unpredictable moments that make up a life.
If you’ve been thinking about booking a session, now’s the time! Whether it’s a cake smash, a newborn session, or just some updated family photos, I’m here to capture it all — chaos and all. And hey, if you bring me coffee, I promise to make it extra fun. 😉
👉 Ready to book your next session? Click here to get started!
