Monica Dawn Photography services the Northern California Bay Area and Central Valley. Although she calls California home, the love of photography and her childhood in a military family has enabled her to travel the world. Monica graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography and hasn't put down a camera since.
She quickly fell in love with creating fashionable imagery during college and brought that flair to her portrait sessions. Monica has been part of the Wedding Photography Industry since 2006. Most of her clients continue to invite Monica back into their lives to document the details of life after the wedding.
She quickly fell in love with creating fashionable imagery during college and brought that flair to her portrait sessions. Monica has been part of the Wedding Photography Industry since 2006. Most of her clients continue to invite Monica back into their lives to document the details of life after the wedding.
Reviews (19)
Daniel Borba
Dec 20, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
We had Monica do our Christmas pictures and my son's first birthday cake smash photos. She was so amazing to work with. She came to our house, helped us set-up the photos we were interested in, and every photo came out wonderful. I like every picture she took. I totally recommend her from newborns to a special event.
We had Monica do our Christmas pictures and my son's first birthday cake smash photos. She was so amazing to work with. She came to our house, helped us set-up the photos we were interested in, and every photo came out wonderful. I like every picture she took. I totally recommend her from newborns to a special event.
Christina T.
Aug 30, 2021
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I had been searching for a photographer for awhile now to shoot our family photos before our son left for Navy bootcamp, but couldn't quite find one that captured the style and mood I was going for. So when I came across Monica after doing a google search, I knew she was "the one" after viewing her portfolio, and reading in her bio that she grew up in a military family.
I had contacted her a week before my son was leaving for bootcamp, so I was worried that she wouldn't be available. I was so thankful that she was able to accommodate us into her schedule, even being flexible
I had contacted her a week before my son was leaving for bootcamp, so I was worried that she wouldn't be available. I was so thankful that she was able to accommodate us into her schedule, even being flexible
Fe Marie Bustos
Jun 28, 2021
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I cannot believe that I haven't written a review yet! Monica is such an incredible photographer, so this review is well overdue.
I came across Monica's work when I saw my friend's engagement photos; I was so impressed. My friend is already gorgeous, but the way Monica captured her and her then-hubby definitely caught my attention.
Anyway, I knew I had to book a session with her. We have done multiple shoots with Monica, and I must say, no other photographer has made me feel more comfortable, confident, and at ease while being photographed (and I've worked with some other awesome photographers
I came across Monica's work when I saw my friend's engagement photos; I was so impressed. My friend is already gorgeous, but the way Monica captured her and her then-hubby definitely caught my attention.
Anyway, I knew I had to book a session with her. We have done multiple shoots with Monica, and I must say, no other photographer has made me feel more comfortable, confident, and at ease while being photographed (and I've worked with some other awesome photographers
Ashley Gloystein
Feb 18, 2021
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Michell P.
Oct 11, 2020
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I'm so impressed with the photos of my son and his new bride. Dawn was professional, fun and extremely professional. The wedding pictures before during and after the ceremony were precious, romantic, fun and artistically beautiful. I can't say enough about her ability to move around the crowd unseen and to see so many fun spontaneous photos was such a pleasant surprise. I would highly recommend her for any special moment you want to capture for a lifetime.
DylanSL
Dec 15, 2019
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Prior to meeting Monica we were extremely nervous and self conscious about not being photogenic so to speak. We had a really fun time with with Monica and right away she made all the worries fade away. She had really fun poses in mind and communicated very well before, during, and after the photo shoot. She is positive and her happy energy is great, we both appreciate and enjoyed it. We finished our engagement pictures and look forward to taking our wedding pictures with her.
Liv Lessin
Nov 19, 2019
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I worked with Monica for my wedding. She was nothing but professional and extremely easy to work with. From start to finish, everything was executed as expected, if not beyond expectations. From the engagement session to the wedding, to the photo selection, she was great. My husband and I are both pretty introverted, so we're not the most comfortable in certain situations. With Monica, she was so comforting and took the time to talk to us before shooting with us so we felt more comfortable and natural. She offered her professional opinion, yet was totally open to all ideas that my husband and I
Rhonda Patterson
Sep 10, 2019
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Olivia P.
Jan 22, 2019
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Monica is AMAZING! I knew when I got engaged that Monica was going to be my photographer. She photographed my sister's wedding and has taken family photos for my brother as well! Her work is divine. My fiancé and I were nervous and anxious about taking our engagement photos, but Monica was so natural and provided great insight and direction for our photos. She was willing to run with what we wanted and didn't hesitate to offer her input or suggestion on where we should take pictures. She captured magical shots and I am so excited to see more! I'm looking forward to the pictures
Mitchell Colvin
Jan 09, 2019
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Greg P.
Dec 22, 2018
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We used Monica Dawn Photography for our wedding and we are so happy we did! Monica is AMAZING!!!! She was so easy to plan and work with and she rallied our rambunctious bridal party perfectly! Our pictures came out absolutely beautifully and in a timely manner! Monica was even able to get a few pictures ready for us earlier so we could use them for thank you cards and Christmas cards. If you are looking for a lifelong family photographer Monica is your girl! We will definitely use her for our future family events!
Lauren E.
Oct 27, 2018
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Lets talk about Monica. Her WORK ETHIC is off the hook. Really, she is very professional. She works hard to get amazing pictures of you from the second she walks in to the second she leaves. My wedding was not, what anyone would consider, organized. Lol My mother was two hours late. My groom and his groomsmen were late AND in the wrong place. I had a list of pictures I wanted taken but the bridal party were...scattered. Really. When I say she worked hard we did not make it easy. She organized us and directed us. Most importantly she was beyond patient with us. I never felt like she was annoyed
Brian P.
Apr 22, 2018
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A friend recommended Monica Dawn Photography to my wife and I for our Maternity photo shoot. Monica had very fair pricing, was very easy to work with, helped picked out locations, wardrobe ideas and was flexible with scheduling the shoot. During the shoot she gave great direction and provided a very positive and relaxed vibe which I very much enjoyed. The turn around time for the photos was quick and they came out amazing. So amazing that we called Monica back once we were ready to take our new born shots. Again, Monica was great during the entire process and the photos came out perfect.
Elizabeth A.
Jan 13, 2018
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I first met Monica a little over a year ago. We did a family holiday session and from the moment we arrived she made us feel very comfortable and made the whole process fun (we had a 3 year old) and the pictures came out amazing! We decided to move forward with booking her for our wedding this past September and I cannot tell you enough how happy I am with the way Monica captured our special day, I am still obsessing over our wedding pictures. We had a wedding party of 14 plus the flower girl, ring bearer, our parents, siblings and our daughter yet Monica managed to give great direction and made
Kim M.
Jun 04, 2017
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I'm so glad we got our pictures done with Monica! They exceeded my expectations - I had no idea how ah-mazing we could look. We had never had professional pictures done, not even at our wedding as we were two broke university students. I had been considering getting them done for awhile and got in touch with Monica through a Wellness Challenge and I knew it was meant to be!
I sometimes struggle with body image issues and I was nervous about how I would look when the pictures came out and they make me look and feel gorgeous.
AND she even managed to get several cute photos of us with our pup
I sometimes struggle with body image issues and I was nervous about how I would look when the pictures came out and they make me look and feel gorgeous.
AND she even managed to get several cute photos of us with our pup
Olga B.
Oct 20, 2016
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Words cannot express how happy I am to have found such a talented photographer! She's amazing, professional, well prepared, punctual, super nice, patient, and knows how to work the camera lens!
She shoot our engagement pictures in San Francisco, and did such an amazing job that me and my fiance decided to hire her to capture our love story at our wedding as well! :)
I definitely recommend Monica 100% :) you'll receive great quality, uniqueness, and an unforgettable experience!
She shoot our engagement pictures in San Francisco, and did such an amazing job that me and my fiance decided to hire her to capture our love story at our wedding as well! :)
I definitely recommend Monica 100% :) you'll receive great quality, uniqueness, and an unforgettable experience!
Heather W.
Aug 19, 2016
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Monica is amazing!!!! I've been utilizing Monica as my photographer for 7 years now. I've used her for many different types of shoots, pinup, retro, family, newborn & birthday parties. I've never been disappointed with my photos. Her prices are comparable but what you can't put a price on is her creative personal touch you get before, during and after the shoot. She's become a part of our family, she's been tasked with documenting some of the most important moments in my children's lives and have watched them grow up. To me she's more than a photographer
Shannon B.
Oct 03, 2015
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I was skeptical about having a maturity shoot because I'm a larger woman I tend to not like my pictures. . Monica did such a great job capturing the beauty not only in myself but also in the love me and my husband have for our little blessing. .. I absolutely loved how the pictures turned out and will booking an appointment with her for a family portrait, when are son is born along with our two daughters can't wait .... Thank you Monica for being great at what you do ...
Yvonne K.
Aug 17, 2015
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I have worked with Monica twice now for my professional business photos, two years apart. I appreciate her work as well as her style. I don't consider myself very photogenic - I immediately get that frozen-face look that is super posed-looking, but Monica is able to break thru that and get me relaxed and even laughing.
She's also got a great delivery method. First, her selection process is the best I've worked thru. Many photographers give you 15 photos and tell you to choose your favorite. Monica does it in a lot easier and better way. Also, the very next day I was able to download
She's also got a great delivery method. First, her selection process is the best I've worked thru. Many photographers give you 15 photos and tell you to choose your favorite. Monica does it in a lot easier and better way. Also, the very next day I was able to download
