About Donna....
Donna has been taking photos her entire life and has always felt that captured moments become inherently more valuable with the passage of time. Photographs are what we count on to relive life’s most precious and fleeting moments so that they are available for a lifetime and beyond.
Donna Waxman is an experienced event, family, and lifestyle photographer whose work in the Golden Horseshoe region has resulted in many repeat clients over her 15 years in the industry. Donna is also experienced in professional corporate head shots and can travel to you, or you can visit her studio in Ancaster, ON which is fully equipped with lighting, backdrops, and props.
Donna worked at McMaster University for over 23 years as a Research Technician/Research Coordinator. Donna received the President's Award for Outstanding Service in 2007. Concurrently, Donna completed her Applied Photography Certificate at Mohawk College in the evenings and on weekends and graduated in 2017 from Mohawk College, with honours.
In January of 2019, Donna retired from McMaster University to focus on her photography career. Donna started teaching Event Photography at Mohawk College in 2018 and continues to teach Event Photography as well as courses on Photographing Seniors and Water Drop Macro Refraction Photography. Donna has also taught classes to young and elderly students at the HHA and Shalom Village.
Donna loves Event Photography and has been the in-house photographer for many Hamilton events and fundraisers. Donna has been volunteering her photography skills for many community events that span over the past 15 years that include The Mark Preece Family House, Chai Lifeline, Shalom Village, HBSPCA, The B’nai Brith Sports Celebrity Dinner, UJA, Negev Dinners, Brotherhood Socials, Dave Andreychuk’s Foundation, Charity of Hope, UJA, Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice, the CYO Dinner, Annual Charity Tournament Golf to Give, The McMaster University PACE Charity Gala, to name a few.
Donna feels that it is important to give back to the community and is thrilled to be able to do so through her photography.
Donna has photographed many events at McMaster University from the McMaster Children’s Party, Take Our Kids to Work, International and Canadian Brain Bees, United Way Fundraisers, Departmental events and Phd Defences and has taken many (research) images and head shots that are currently utilized on McMaster's website.
Donna has photographed literally hundreds of events which include dozens of weddings, special birthday celebrations, anniversaries, baby and bridal showers, graduations from Kindergarten to Grade 8, red carpet events, community announcements, surprise parties, retirement parties, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, HanachatTefillin, Communions, Baptisms, cake smashes, Music Festivals, Golf Tournaments, Conferences, Symposiums, Corporate Holiday Cards, Corporate Holiday Parties, Award Ceremonies to name just a sample of the types of events Donna has covered.
Donna loves to document special family moments and has taken a multitude of family photos, which includes family celebrations and milestone celebrations.
Donna has participated in many HBSPCA Fundraisers during COVID to raise money for animals in need and the first one was completed on November 29/20. A second HBSPCA Fundraiser took place on November 27/21. Donna took photos for the HBSPCA 2022 Campaign and also participated in the Pet Lovers' Market where Donna took photos of pets with Santa (December 4/21) and again at Ren's Pets (December 2022).
Donna also took photos of the artwork that was used for the HBSPCA online auction in 2022.
Donna just completed a project for the HBSPCA that involved taking headshots for all HBSPCA employees, staff, and board members with and without their pets and photos of Kevin and Steven, the HBSPCA's Chief Happiness Officer and his executive assistant.
Recently, Donna has had several photos published in the Hamilton City Magazine and the Hamilton Jewish News.
As of December 2023, Donna is the project photographer for the Neighbours of Ancaster, Magazine, Best Version Media.
Donna loves every aspect of photography including all types of events, lifestyle, headshots, research, family, pet photography, food photography, baby photography, wedding and maternity photography, art photography including macro, water droplet refraction photography, splash photography and product photography.
Donna is proficient in both Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop (2024 and Beta) and also gives private lessons in Adobe Lightroom.
Donna does photo editing and is happy to offer her editing skills to others upon request.
Stephanie Domet
Donna is a sweetheart, an absolute joy to work with and incredibly hospitable. I had the opportunity to shoot in and around her beautiful studio and home. She was very attentive to detail and adamant about capturing what I had envisioned for our shoot. She went above and beyond to ensure I was happy with the results. Not only is she a wonderful and highly skilled photographer, but she is also an excellent photo editor, which is so important to me. She also knew how to capture me so that my figure looked flattering every time. I love the pictures we created together and cannot wait to shoot with Donna again in the future as I know she will deliver perfection every time. If you’re looking for someone who will make you feel comfortable, special and have the best photoshoot experience, Donna is your go to gal.
Abigail C.
Donna photographed a family event for us. The photos were beautiful and she was such a pleasure to work with. So when we had another event the following year, we did not hesitate to hire her again! Donna's photos are beautiful and she is so helpful, hardworking and kind. She answers all my many questions, takes every photo you ask for and is so personable with anyone she is photographing. I highly recommend Donna!
Jaime Weisfeld
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Donna on a number of occasions. Not only is she extremely talented in her craft, but her passion for photography is undeniable. This passion shows through in her work. She goes above and beyond to ensure her clients are happy with the final product. She offers professional suggestions when she feels it will enhance the experience. She is also as sweet as can be and wants her clients to feel comfortable. I will continue to choose Donna for any family portraits or events I have in the future.
Laurie Pringle, Director of Communications and Engagement – Shalom Village
Donna is a brilliant, creative, and generous soul, who has an uncanny ability to capture moments, memories, and intimacy in her photography. She immediately disarms you with her warmth and kindness. Donna has graciously donated her service to our charity on several occasions and has taken many photos of the seniors we care for, as well as our staff and volunteers. Whether it’s an event, or our seniors are sitting for photo’s, she always manages to capture the heart and soul of the participants. Her keen eye sees things the rest of us miss, until they come to life and grab you as you’re looking at her photography.
Everyone at Shalom Village loves Donna’s photography, but we also love spending time with Donna. If you need someone to capture something or someone special. Let Donna help you capture those memories. You won’t regret it. ~
Tracey Zimmer
Donna was phenomenal to work with. She was kind and friendly and you could easily see her passion for what she does. She has a true eye and was able to create some beautiful photos using areas of our home. She worked well with our 5 year old and dog - and managed to get them both looking at the camera at the same time (a true feat!). I would highly recommend Donna and would use her for future family photos. The final photos turned out incredible and we are so excited to hang these memories in our home. Thank you Donna!
Jennifer W.
I require a massive thesaurus to come up with all the superlatives to describe how amazing you are Donna! Not only was working with Donna one of the most pleasurable experiences, but she superseded my expectations. Donna is personable, kind, and most certainly talented. When having photography done, having someone with the personality and talent that Donna possesses, is crucial. I can truly say that having Donna take my photos was the best decision I have made. Whether it be family pictures, wedding pictures, or business pictures/headshots; Donna is brilliant, skillful, and will make sure that she provides you with exactly what you envisioned. I highly suggest working with this lovely woman!
Oliver Borr
I've worked with Donna on a number of occasions now and it never ceases to amaze me how enjoyable and professional the entire experience is. Donna takes the time to learn about my vision, offer insights and ideas, and to elevate the experience as a whole. I would strongly recommend Donna to anyone looking for professional photos, family portraits, event photography, and anything else that requires beautiful photography. She's the best in the biz.
Dave Butler and Debbie Logel Butler
Recently, I was scrolling my Facebook and read about a wonderful partnership between the SPCA and Donna Waxman Photography and I thought what a wonderful idea to help a local charity while getting a professional picture of our family and our 14 year old dog Murphy. It had been years since we had a professional photo and we thought now was the time as Murphy is not getting any younger. Donna was great in choosing a beautiful outdoor location that was private and she made us each feel very comfortable (including Murphy who she spoiled with many treats!) Donna did edits on our choices and the whole family was thrilled with the pictures. We would highly recommend Donna for any type of photography!
Julia Elzinga
Hi Donna,
I am just waiting to have a chance to get on my laptop to download them all, but I am super thrilled as like I said, I had a very hard time picking my favourites and to me they don’t look like they need editing anyways, they’re already perfect!
If I ever have need for a photographer, you will be my first choice. You were so patient and warm and friendly and encouraging and for someone like myself (and my mom) who hate having their pictures taken, you made the process painless! I also liked that I didn’t feel rushed, and that you tried several different shots/poses/ cameras, instead of just being like “okay I got at least three good ones so we’re done.”
Thanks again and again. So glad I reached out. And again, thanks for donating your time and talents to a worthy cause.
Very much appreciated.
Happy holidays,
Julia Elzinga
Brad &Tanja
My family (including our dog) had the pleasure of meeting with Donna for a photoshoot to raise money for the SPCA. Donna was fantastic – especially with our kids and our dog, even bringing treats both for the kids and the dog. She had great ideas for our photos (including a great location) and the photos turned out amazing, now serving both as holiday cards and gifts for the grandparents. Kudos to Donna for participating in this fundraiser for a very worthy cause. And thanks again to Donna for giving us some great photos!
Lyne Rosenkrantz
I finally had my photo taken by the very talented @donnawaxmanphotography. She was one of my many fabulous instructors at Mohawk College who gave me the knowledge and confidence to take my passion for photography to the next level. Donna specializes in Event Photography (Weddings, Galas, Bar Mitzvahs etc..) Family and Pet photography are right up there in her area of expertise. Her attention to detail both during the photoshoot and in post processing means her images are well composed, sharp and beautifully edited. She's a beautiful person who gives of herself and her talent in photography to support worthy causes. If you are ever in need of a wonderful photographer, I would highly recommend Donna!
Joanna Strano
“ I was looking to have some family photos taken in the Hamilton area and came across Donna Waxman’s page. I knew I wanted to use Donna as our photographer as soon as I had seen her post that she was doing a fundraiser with all proceeds supporting the Hamilton Burlington SPCA. As a fellow dog lover I was excited to hear that not only was she open to doing family photos but also photos with our fur babies.
Despite the not so great weather Donna showed up and took some fabulous photos for our family. She was especially great with our two dogs and son and had a very kind nature about her that made the photo shoot fun!
I was so impressed by how quickly Donna had sent the photos to me. And they were all better than I even expected.
I highly recommend Donna Waxman if you are looking for a wonderful photographer in the Hamilton/ Burlington area!“
Tzvia Devor
Thank you so much for taking my picture. I know that you take pictures all the time, but this event was very special to me. The last 6 years have been especially "bumpy" for me and having you come here and take my picture was a really big deal for me. When I meet you out in the community you always are so kind and respectful. That's not something that I take for granted. With much appreciation, Tzvia
Dr. David and Nina Bernstein
Hi Donna;
These photos are amazing!! We so appreciate your talent with photography and people.
We cannot tell you how excited we are about these beautiful photos.
The whole experience was wonderful and so much fun!
G-d willing we will be in touch – it will be so special for to learn lightroom from such a teacher.
Warm regards,
Nina and David Bernstein
Pearl Wolfe
Executive Director, Mark Preece Family House
Donna Waxman is that incredible combination of a wonderful, warm personality along with top notch photographic ability.
The Mark Preece Family House is a charitable organization that accommodates out-of-town families of patients being treated in Hamilton. We are funded entirely by subsidized room rentals and donations, so support from the community is essential. Donna has volunteered to photograph countless of our special events. She is always there – quietly smiling and getting the job done. The gorgeous photos that result are then shared with our event participants and donors – making them happy they attended and happy to participate again.
Donna is a fixture at our events – our participants and donors look for her and the lovely photographs that happen as a result. We are very grateful for her generous contribution of professional grade photographs.
Amy Katz
Amy Katz & Associates, Barristers, Solicitors & Notaries Public
"It was a joy having Donna capture the precious and special moments of our wedding day. Donna's professional, charming and easy going manner made being photographed by her a fun and enjoyable experience. Donna was especially sensitive and caring to the needs of my children, some of whom particularly hate to be photographed. Donna added a certain elegance to the occasion, with her gracious and extraordanily family-oriented approach. She seemed to know where and when to be, without even having to be asked. Thank you Donna for the happy and beautiful memories which we cherish."
Rhiannon Cooke and Leo Putignano
Shakespeare's Fine Dining
"Donna, you made our newborn shoot fun, relaxing and an experience that we will always cherish. Your genuine warmth, patience and dedication to getting the perfect shot is second to none. We can’t thank you enough for the beautiful photo’s you took of our son and we can’t wait to see them hanging in our home. We would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone we know!"
Chris and Sarah
"Donna is a warm, professional, and engaging photographer. We felt immediately comfortable with her - she understood our goals and went above and beyond to create amazing photos that captured both fleeting candid moments as well as posed family portraits. Our wedding guests and family were instantly at ease with her, and we highly recommend her services. Thank you so much Donna! "
Michael Slugocki
PhD candidate at McMaster University
"Donna Waxman is a phenomenal photographer whose passion for taking photos makes the whole experience of being photographed enjoyable; no easy feat. Her tireless charisma and amiable disposition brings out the best in others, and that translates into natural photographs where the lens she holds acts to enhance rather than hinder capturing the most precious of moments in life on film.
As for the photographs themselves, Donna's attention to detail is second to none. From ensuring the backdrop and lighting of each photograph acts to enhance the focus of attention, her choice of angle and lenses serves to remind us why good photography is still an art form. This attention to detail is carried forward to the editing process where her fluency of editing serves as a reminder of all the experience that she brings to the table.
With Donna, you are getting more than just a photographer. You are getting the opportunity to interact with one of the nicest persons I have come across, and an artist whose love for taking photos serves to remind us all why we should take more pride in what we do."
Darlene Shapiro
Owner of Relax Spa & Beauty Bar
"Donna Waxman is a point on photographer. She is talented because of her character traits. She is : understanding, happy, funny, considerate.. She feels for her clients and helps them to be comfortable in the photography session. Because they are comfortable, relaxed and happy she can help create the best environment possible for the best end result.... GREAT PICTURES !!"
Debbie Singer
In Hamilton for her son's Bar Mitzvah from Raleigh, North Carolina
"Donna did an absolutely fabulous job with our simcha. The photos were outstanding and she was very creative in coming up with different poses. Her scenes and close ups were all fantastic . I would highly recommend Donna for your next special occasion. The photos were truly memorable. Thanks so much Donna, you made our simcha."
Meagan and Matt Demarchi
"Donna has photographed so many special moments for our family. Donna has captured our wedding shower, wedding, pregnancy announcement, baby shower, and newborn session. Her dedication, patience, and creativity has allowed us to have captured the most memorable times of our lives. You will truly not leave until she has the shot of your dreams. We have found our photographer to continue to capture more memories to come."
Josh and Emily Petrie
"We booked with Donna for a lifestyle shoot after our second child was born. She was able to capture beautiful pictures by displaying professionalism, patience, mixed with a little bit of humour to get our shy 3 year old to smile! Her extremely fast turn around for edited picture returns was exceptional. I would recommend Donna Waxman Photography to anyone who is hoping to capture beautiful moments with their families."
Daliah Chapnik
"Donna Waxman’s technical photography and Lightroom/photoshop editing skills are second to none. But it is her ever-patient commitment to perfection and insistence on client satisfaction that sets her apart from all others. Donna has taken gorgeous headshots of me and my team, putting us all at ease in her easy-going, responsive way, bringing out the best in each of us. She also masterfully edited my daughter’s wedding portrait, magically transforming the work of another photographer by replacing the background and enhancing the quality of the photograph (If only I had known of her before the wedding!!) She cheerfully and skillfully completed both projects, addressing my numerous requests promptly and throughly. At no point did I feel like I was being a bother, and Donna seemed to take genuine pleasure in my delight about her work. She is truly a brilliant photographer, not to mention one of loveliest people I have ever met, and I could not recommend her highly enough!”
Ron Visser
Perth Western Austraiia
"On a recent trip to Canada a chance meeting with Donna resulted in an invitation for an impromptu sitting with one of my much-loved brothers. The resulting couple of photographs with be forever cherished.
The unassuming photos show siblings in ordinary work attire happy in each other's presence. I was asstounded by the clarity, light and imagery Donna was able to produce from just two shutter clicks.
Donna is truly a gifted photographer and an exceptionally generous person to have in the first instance offered a sitting and then to have gone the extra mile in sending the photos to the other side of the world. I will be forever grateful."