About

“A photograph is not created by a photographer. What (s)he does is just to open a little window and capture it. The world writes itself on her film.” –Ferdinando Scianna

Like the Ferdinando Scianna quote above, I believe that photography is less about creating something than it is about capturing something. Photographers do not create the moment. If they are lucky enough, they can be there to preserve it and make it last.

ABOUT ME

My name is Dawn Frary, and I am a freelance photographer based in Iowa City, IA. That’s me there on the sofa, with my cat Oliver. Professionally, I have photographed weddings, sporting events, local bands, graduating seniors, and more. Personally, I enjoy creating portraits of animals and people, but by no means limit myself. Over the years, I have learned how to make pictures by myself through practice and play.

In addition to photography, I am also a freelance writer and editor, and am currently working on editing my first book.  I volunteer at the Macbride Raptor Project as an owl feeder and wildlife rehabilitator, and am also a volunteer member of the Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) division of United Animal Nations.  I recently became a certified Reiki Master, and am also certified in Pet First Aid.

Briefly, some of my interests include: photography (of course!), animals, wildlife rehabilitation and rescue, camping and hiking, caves and caving, metaphysics, AM radio, vegetarian and vegan food/cooking, and horror movies.

STYLE

While I know that my skill is still growing, I feel that I have established a style that is unique to me – one which captures the secret, personal moments; the moments when people or animals don’t know they are being photographed. This style has been referred to as “photojournalistic” due to its realistic portrayal of real-life events, though I prefer the term “candid.” To me, the word “candid” conjures a more playful, spontaneous image, and these are the types of images I love to make.

LIGHTING AND SETTING

I do not shoot in a studio setting, though one could be created if the client desires. I prefer to photograph my clients in their natural environment, or on location at a place of their choosing.

I strive to live my life in as natural a way as possible, and I try to apply this principle to my photography as well. I prefer to shoot with the most natural light possible, though I will use a flash or another light source on occasion.

MISSION STATEMENT

My objective is to provide truth through photography.  As your photographer I will provide quality, true-to-life photographic documentation of your event, and it will be my duty to capture your special day or event without censorship.  I will strive to balance formality with whimsy, and deliver photography that is unique to you and your event.

It is important to me that my photographs represent who you are on the inside, not just the outside.