Thanks for dropping by. Hi, I’m Dan, the owner of Dan Manning Photography, a wedding and portrait photographer based in Redmond, Washington, just outside of Seattle.
I fell in love with photography in third grade on a three-day ferry ride to Alaska. My mom handed me a small film point-and-shoot camera, and I spent those days wandering the decks photographing whatever caught my attention. When people later complimented the images and assumed she had taken them, she smiled and pointed to me. What I did not realize then was that I was learning how to see.
Photography, for me, has always been about perspective. About noticing what others overlook. About understanding how people exist within a space and how connection feels inside it. Nature shaped the way I see light, atmosphere, and environment. That awareness still guides how I photograph today.
I did not originally set out to become a wedding photographer, but once I began documenting weddings, something settled in. I am deeply drawn to connection, story, and the emotional weight of meaningful moments. A wedding is history and future meeting in real time. Being trusted to preserve that for generations is something I do not take lightly.
My goal is to create a relaxed, natural environment where you can feel like yourselves. Most people feel uncertain in front of a camera, and that is completely normal. My job is not to place you in my box of skill, but to place you in your box of comfort. I get to know you, learn what brings you closer together, and create space for real connection to unfold. When that happens, the camera fades into the background and what remains is natural imagery that feels like you.
Customer service is foundational to everything I do. Trust is built long before the camera is lifted, through listening, preparation, and genuine care. When you feel safe and supported, your guard softens. That is when the strongest images are created.
Meaningful places inspire me, whether that is a windswept coastline, a historic city, a refined indoor venue shaped by architecture and light, or somewhere deeply personal to you. Environment will always influence how I see, but story always comes first.
I am always happy to travel anywhere in the world to help bring your vision to life with beautiful, intentional imagery.
When I am not documenting life’s most important moments, you will likely find me out in nature, ideally in a National Park with my partner and our combined four kids. We were just two shy of our own Brady Bunch. I am a huge fan of coffee, beanies, flannels, camping, hiking, and snowboarding. Fun fact, I used to be a snowboard photographer.
If you are interested in working together for your wedding, elopement, or portrait session, I would love to hear your story and create images that feel natural, connected, and lasting.
If my photography resonates with you, I’d love to hear your story and connect.
