About Dani

Professional photography isn’t about gimmicks or tricks – like anything wonderful, it is a mix of talent, hard work, and experience. I seek constantly to be open to people and moments, to see the details that others might miss, and to reveal the essence of my subjects in a way that is open, honest, and fun.

24 amazing years behind the lens has taught me a lot, making me more professional and better equipped to photograph the complexities of big events and little moments. I am a clear and straightforward communicator with the ability to know when to be where during an event. I have captured the look and feel of over 600 weddings and events, creating great art that showcases real people in their most precious times.

Shooting wedding and commitment ceremonies, bar and bat mitzvah’s, as well as world travel, has given me a sensitivity to differing cultures, rituals and events that carry over to my portraits, pet photography, and even corporate work. Mixing a documentary journalistic style with fashion while including more traditional coverage ensures my images are both timeless and contemporary.

As a business-woman living in the most diverse zip code in the USA, 98118, I am also active in The Greater Seattle Business Association, The Seattle Professional Photographers Association and The Rainier Chamber of Commerce.

I own and use Canon EOS systems (3 bodies and flashes, lenses from 17mm – 300mm) and White Lightning Lighting.

Awards

“Best of” JT Newspaper
2005-2010, Photography category winner

WeddingWire.com

2011 Bride’s Choice Award
2010 Bride’s Choice Award

The Knot.com
2007  Winner- Best of Weddings

Seattle Professional Photographer’s Association
2004, Best in Show, “Out of the Box” print competition
2001, Judges Choice, “Out of the Box” print competition

Washington Newspaper Association
1996, Second Place, Feature Photography, The Issaquah Press
1995, Second Place, Spot News Photography, The Issaquah Press
1995, Second Place, Sports Photography, The Issaquah Press
1993, First Place, Feature Photography, The Issaquah Press
1991, Second Place, Feature Photography, The Silverdale Reporter
1991, Second Place, Feature Photography, The Bainbridge Island Review
1990, Second Place, Scenic/Pictorial Photography, The Silverdale Reporter

Society of Professional Journalists
1994, First Place, Spot and General News, The Issaquah Press
1994, Honorable Mention, Feature Photography, The Issaquah Press
1993, Third Place, Feature Photography, The Issaquah Press

Ecology Magazine
1990, Third place, Scenic/Pictorial Photography, Washington State Department of Ecology

Professional Organizations

	Seattle Professional Photographers Association, member from 1999 to present.
	The Greater Seattle Business Association, member from 2004 to present.
	National Press Photographer’s Association, member from 1989-1998.
	The Rainier Valley Chamber of Commerce, member from 2007 to present.

Experience

Dani Weiss Photography, Sole Proprietor, Seattle, WA.
On-location portraits and event photography, including more than 50 weddings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs annually. Oct. 1992-present.

Freelance shoots for such clients as AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee), American Society for Technion Israel Institute, Assurant Employee Benefits, Blind Decker Productions for “Californication”, The Bridal Garden, Bracewell and Giuliani, Broadway Across America, Cicada, H+dlT Architects, Hillel (Seattle), The JT News, Lambda Legal,  Nieuwe Revu Magazine (Holland), Stage Direct, The Sydney Morning Herald Newspaper (Australia), Toys in Babeland (now known as Babeland), The World Affairs Council, Forbes Inc, The City of Seattle, The Seattle Center, The Pacific Science Center, The Seattle Children’s Theatre, The Seattle Public Theater, Evergreen Monthly, The Washington Journal, The Weekly, Eastside Week, The Downtown Source, The Jewish Federation, Starbucks Coffee, Washington State CASA/GAL, Washington Works, Providence Point/Marianwood, BMW North America, LLC, Consolidated Works, Nextel, Wellspring Family Services and The Seattle Jewish Film Festival.

Staff Photographer,
Seattle International Film Festival 1999
One Reel, primary publicists of Seattle’s Bumbershoot Festival, 1996 & 1997
Seattle Fringe Festival 1996-1998

Staff Photographer, The Issaquah Press, Issaquah, WA. Developed, implemented, and established the Issaquah Press photo department from its inception. Provided photographic and design advice for editorial staff and reporters. Photographed sports, fashion, illustration, theater, and feature art. Executed complete black and white darkroom work, including film developing and continuous tone printing, as well as shooting of color chrome film. Managed department, including oversight of purchasing photographic supplies, filing and labeling, and general upkeep of photographs. Jan. 1993-Aug. 1996.

Staff Photographer, Kitsap Newspapers, Bainbridge Island, WA. Organized photojournalism shoots, including sports, fashion, illustration, theater, and feature art. Provided photo and design advice for editors and reporters. Responsible for complete black and white darkroom work, including film development, direct halftone, and continuous tone printing, as well as shooting of color chrome film. Nov. 1989-Oct. 1991.

Photo of Dani and her dog Oliver taken by Michael Rosenberg