We’re looking forward to introducing you to Cynthia Dawson. Check out our conversation below.
Cynthia, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I love this question so much. Lately, I’ve felt a pull to let go of all those little “rules” I used to hold myself to in business. Don’t get me wrong, I still have boundaries, but I’ve realized that some of those rules were getting in the way of what matters most: the people I serve. Refocusing on them has completely shifted how I work, and it feels so good to make the whole experience of getting photos taken simpler and more personable.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Cynthia, a maternity, newborn, and family photographer based in the Toledo and Perrysburg area. I’m a mom of four, a constant DIYer who somehow ropes my husband into too many projects, and a wannabe outdoorsy girl who also loves to stay home.
My photography is all about helping moms feel excited about soaking in the moments with their families so they can always revisit them. Over the years, I’ve learned that the best photos aren’t about perfect poses but about the emotion and connection behind them. I focus on creating sessions that are relaxed, full of laughter, and true to who you are as a family. My goal is to make the whole process easy and enjoyable so they can actually be present in the moment.
Beyond my photography, I’m also the president of The Gold Hope Project, a nonprofit that gifts free photo sessions to families of children battling cancer. It’s deeply personal work inspired by my daughter Ava, that reminds me every day why capturing these moments matters so much.
Right now, I’m continuing to find new ways to make my client experience even more effortless and meaningful because at the end of the day, I want every family I work with to walk away with images that tell their story and remind them how beautiful this chapter really is.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
That I wasn’t artistic. Growing up, I never saw myself as a creative person. I thought that gift belonged to other people. I was the kid who loved pretty things but didn’t think I could make them. Looking back, I hate that I carried that belief for so long because creativity shows up in so many different ways. It’s not just about drawing or painting, it’s about seeing beauty and creating something meaningful from the world around you.
Now, I realize that artistry is at the heart of everything I do. Creativity is woven into every part of my work. It’s been such a full-circle moment to recognize that I am an artist, just in my own way.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. Photography is hard! There have been so many moments over the years when I questioned if I could really do it. Times when the business side felt overwhelming or when I compared myself to everyone else and wondered if I was good enough.
But every single time I thought about walking away, something would pull me back. I’m so grateful I didn’t give up because helping families remember their moments remind me exactly why I started in the first place.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My family, without a doubt. They’re at the center of everything for me. I’m so thankful that my work allows me to be present for the little (and big) moments. My friends would tell you that family always comes first in my world. They’re my biggest inspiration and the reason I do what I do. The love and connection I get to capture for other families start right at home with mine.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely! Honestly, I feel like I already do that. In photography, praise isn’t always guaranteed. You can pour your heart into a session, spend hours editing, and never really know how much it meant to someone. But I’ve learned to find fulfillment in the process itself. Creating something beautiful, meaningful, and true to a family’s story is enough.
Of course, a kind word or sweet message from a client always makes my day, but at the end of the day, I’d still give my all because this work fills me up in a way nothing else does.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cynthiadawson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthia_dawson_photography/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiadawsonphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CynthiaDawsonPhotography
Image Credits
Cynthia Dawson Photography
