dawn talia photography

        Hi, I'm Dawn.


Dawn Zacchi - Head Photographer/Owner - Port Chester, NY - Westchester County, NY

Redhead. Coffee Addict. Candle Hoarder. Yankee Fan. Prop Junkie. Child Whisperer. Director of Memories. Lover of all things photography.


     Meet Dawn – You're New Favorite Photographer


Hi, I’m Dawn, an award-winning photographer based in Port Chester, NY, proudly serving Westchester County and beyond. My journey into photography wasn’t exactly planned – it was sparked by a fascination with capturing life’s most precious (and often hilariously unpredictable) moments. I’ve always been drawn to the magic of freezing time, preserving the little details that might otherwise be forgotten – the messy cake smashes, the cheeky toddler grins, and the laughter that fills a family’s home.


How Dawn Talia Photography Came to Life

Dawn Talia Photography began as a passion project, born from a deep appreciation for storytelling through imagery. Ever since I was young, I always had a camera in my hand. And yes, I know, many people found me annoying because I always had to take photos – whether it was family gatherings, birthdays, or just everyday moments. I wanted to capture everything, even if it meant a few eye rolls along the way. But my journey took a major turn when my mom bought me my first DSLR.

From that moment on, there was no stopping me.

What started as a hobby quickly grew into a full-time adventure, driven by a desire to give families the gift of lasting memories. It wasn’t long before I realized my absolute favorite sessions were Cake Smashes and Milestones. There’s just something so special about celebrating those big “firsts” – the first birthday, the first taste of cake, the first wobbly steps. Capturing these moments is pure joy, from the curiosity in their eyes to the frosting-covered giggles. But here’s the thing – Cake Smashes and Milestone Sessions aren’t always about 1st birthdays, even though those are the most popular. These sessions are perfect for any first, or just marking a special milestone in a child’s life, like turning any age. It’s all about celebrating growth, personality, and those unique moments that make every year memorable.

Milestone sessions also have a special place in my heart because they celebrate all the little moments that make growing up so memorable. Whether it’s sitting up unassisted, those first toothy grins, or just showing off their budding personalities, these sessions are all about fun, laughter, and genuine expressions.

I love crafting unique setups that reflect each child’s individuality, making every session as memorable as the milestones themselves.

While Cake Smash and Milestone Sessions are my absolute favorites, I also have a soft spot for Newborn Photography. There’s nothing quite like documenting those first tender days – the tiny toes, the sleepy smiles, and the overwhelming love that fills the room.

It’s a privilege to capture those fleeting moments for families, creating images they’ll cherish for a lifetime.


                                                         My Approach – Fun, Creative, and Authentic

My style is all about fun, creativity, and authenticity. I believe that the best photos happen when people are genuinely themselves. That’s why my sessions are laid-back and playful, designed to capture real smiles, real emotions, and real memories.

I love getting to know each child’s personality, ensuring that every session feels personal and every photo feels genuine.


                                                            A Local Touch – Rooted in Port Chester, NY

Having grown up in Port Chester, NY, I feel incredibly lucky to work in the community I love. There’s something truly special about photographing families in familiar places – from local parks to cozy in-home sessions. I get to witness families grow year after year, and it’s an honor to be a small part of their story.

                                                                   

When I’m Not Behind the Camera…

When I’m not behind the camera, you can find me yelling at the TV like the Yankees can actually hear me (hey, I’m just trying to help). I’m also a coffee enthusiast – but not just any coffee. We’re talking the good stuff. I take my caffeine seriously, mainly because it fuels my creativity… and, you know, life.


I have a not-so-secret addiction to candles. It started innocently enough, but now I’ve got a collection that could rival a Bath & Body Works display. From seasonal scents to ones I light just because they “spark joy” – I’ve got a candle for every occasion, mood, and Tuesday afternoon.


Oh, and I’m that person who laughs at their own jokes. What can I say? Someone has to! When I’m not busy being my own comedic genius, I’m brainstorming fun, creative ways to make photo sessions unforgettable. Because, in my book, the best smiles are the genuine, mid-laugh kind – even better if they’re covered in cake frosting.


If you made it to the end of this, you're officially awesome!         


Thank you for reading and I look forward to capturing your moments!


Dawn

xo


Testimonials

Testimonials

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"We have trusted Dawn with capturing the most important moments in our family for years and she ALWAYS delivers beyond our expectations. No hokey poses or cliche shots that you would see everywhere else....she is able to capture the essence of the moment and everyone's personality in every shot. I know this to be true because of the reaction I get when I show the pictures to friends and family. They are truly as blown away as I am every time we see our shots! We will always use her...NO QUESTION!"

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Professional Photographers of America (PPA) organization logo with grey text and burgundy square emblem.
2023 baby safety certification badge with minimalist sleeping baby icon design in muted rose and beige tones.
Gold and olive winner award badge with laurel wreath and stars for AFNS Award from September 2022.
A black and gold 2nd place award badge with laurel wreath border and ribbon design from 8/2022.
Minimalist gray text displaying
A circular logo for Published Photographer Magazine 2023 with decorative flourishes and text in red and black.
Circular black logo design for Cover Artist Photographer Magazine 2022 with decorative flourishes and text.
Elegant circular logo design for Published Photographer magazine with cursive text and minimalist gold accent lines.
Magazine cover for Bold & Beautiful featuring baseball props and navy knit outfit with Yankees cap on brown background.
Professional photography portfolio page showcasing newborn and family portraiture with elegant dark background styling.
Valentine's themed magazine cover with red and white decor showing a smiling figure in a red sweater against rustic doors.
A photography business page layout featuring red and white decorative elements with hearts and wooden accents.
Magazine cover for Bold & Beautiful featuring a joyful scene with Valentine's decor, red hearts and pink accents.
A red-themed creative photography page layout with a white text title and two portrait images against a burgundy background.
A circular brown logo design reading 'Holiday Edition 2022' with 'As Seen In' text at the top.

© 2025 Dawn Talia Photography | All Rights Reserved | Award-Winning Newborn, Maternity, Cake Smash, and Family Photographer | My studio is located in Port Chester, NY - Westchester County and I proudly serve clients across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, including Port Chester | Rye | Harrison | Larchmont | Irvington | Armonk | Bronxville | Chappaqua | Dobbs Ferry | Pleasantville | Bedford | Pelham Manor | Mamaroneck | Briarcliff Manor | Fairfield County | Darien | Greenwich | Stamford | Manhattan | NYC | Scarsdale | Tarrytown | Westport | White Plains | Book your session today to preserve the moments that matter most!

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