Community Highlights: Meet Dawn Michelle Downey of Michelle Dawn Photography

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Michelle Downey. 

Hi Dawn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been a professional photographer since 2013, initially focusing on wedding photography. Alongside weddings, I also took on photography projects for small business owners. During this time, I started implementing strategic approaches to their shoots, aiming to enhance their brands through captivating imagery. After becoming a parent in 2017, I came to the realization that in order to maintain my presence and sanity, I needed to reduce the amount of time I spent in the field. And between meetings, photographing the wedding, editing, and designing albums, weddings take up a huge amount of time. 

In 2020, amidst the peak of the pandemic, I made the decision to fully transition into personal brand photography, leaving weddings behind. This shift has proven to be incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to assist individuals in portraying their unique brands through compelling visuals. It has been a rewarding journey thus far, and I look forward to continuing to grow in this field. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road hasn’t been easy, but it has been rewarding. I ventured into a new genre of photography when businesses had just shut down. With revenue not coming in, I had to hustle and make genuine connections. Researching businesses and networking with them via Zoom became essential tools for growing my business during the pandemic. Surprisingly, the pandemic became a blessing in disguise as it allowed me to sit still and foster new connections. 

Raising small children while growing a new business has been another challenge. My four children’s ages range from 6 to 3, including twins born when I started my brand photography journey in 2020. Despite not being able to go full steam ahead, I ensured that my clients were extremely satisfied, leading to word-of-mouth growth. My name started showing up in rooms I wasn’t even a part of, amplifying my business’s reputation. 

We’ve been impressed with Michelle Dawn Photography, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am Dawn, a personal brand photographer and the owner of Michelle Dawn Photography. My passion lies in helping women entrepreneurs create compelling imagery that aligns with their brand strategy and tells a captivating story. What sets me apart is not only my unique approach to photography but also my personality and the way I engage with my clients. 

Instead of traditional posing, I focus on storytelling and encourage my clients to naturally express themselves. This approach allows them to feel relaxed and brings authenticity to their images. My clients are pleasantly surprised by this approach, as it helps them connect deeply with their target audience. 

Another aspect that distinguishes me from others is the extensive preparation we do prior to the actual shoot. I hold multiple meetings with my clients to strategize, understand their ideal client, and gather all the necessary information to ensure a successful photoshoot. 

I take great pride in the impact my imagery has on my clients’ brands. It’s rewarding to witness how they utilize their photos on their websites, social media platforms, and marketing materials. I strive for precision and excellence in delivering visuals that perfectly capture their brand essence. 

By choosing Michelle Dawn Photography, you’ll receive more than just stunning images. You’ll experience a personalized approach that empowers you to authentically connect with your target audience and elevate your brand’s visual storytelling. 

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
To find a mentor or network effectively, start by clarifying your goals and what you hope to achieve. Then, leverage your existing network by reaching out to friends, family, and colleagues who may know potential mentors or have relevant connections. Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to people that you find on the web and on social media. This is a great way for connecting and making yourself more visible. 

My networking strategy involves approaching each interaction as a potential connection. I strive to learn about the other person in a genuine and meaningful way, allowing me to connect them with others who can contribute to their growth. Likewise, I seek out connections that align with my own goals. This approach helps me build a polished network based on authentic relationships and mutual support. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.iammichelledawn.com
• Instagram: michelledawnphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDawnPhoto

Image Credits
Dawn Michelle Downey