About Donna....
About Donna Waxman
Donna Waxman has been passionate about photography her entire life, believing that captured moments grow more valuable with time.Photographs allow us to relive life’s precious and fleeting experiences, preserving them for a lifetime and beyond.
As an experienced event, family and lifestyle photographer, Donna has built a reputation in the Golden Horseshoe region over her 15 years in the industry. Her work has led to many repeat clients,reflecting her dedication to quality and service. In addition to her event photography, she specializes in professional corporate head shots, offering flexibility to clients by either travelling to their location or welcoming them to her fully equipped studio in Ancaster, ON.
Before pursuing her photography career, Donna spent over 23 years at McMaster University as a Research Technician and Coordinator, where she received the President's Award for Outstanding Service in 2007. During this time, she also earned her Applied Photography Certificate from Mohawk College,graduating with honours in 2017.
In January 2019, Donna retired from McMaster to fully commit to her photography career. She began teaching Event Photography at Mohawk College in 2018 and continues to share her expertise through courses on Photographing Seniors and Water Drop Macro Refraction Photography. Donna is dedicated to education, having taught students of all ages at the HHA and Shalom Village.
Donna's Photography Journey
Donna is passionate about Event Photography and has servedas the in-house photographer for numerous events and fundraisers in Hamilton.Over the past 15 years, she has volunteered her skills for various communityorganizations, including:
- The Mark Preece Family House
- Chai Lifeline
- Shalom Village
- HBSPCA
- B’nai Brith Sports Celebrity Dinner
- UJA
- Negev Dinners
- Dave Andreychuk’s Foundation
- Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice
- Good Shepherd, among others.
For Donna, giving back to the community through photographyis a cherished commitment.
Event Experience
Donna has captured a wide array of events at McMasterUniversity, including:
- The McMaster Children’s Party
- Take Our Kids to Work
- International and Canadian Brain Bees
- United Way Fundraisers
- PhD defenses
Her images have been utilized on McMaster's website,showcasing her talent and professionalism.
In addition, she has documented hundreds of events,including:
- Weddings
- Anniversaries
- Birthdays
- Graduations
- Red carpet events
- Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
- Corporate functions
Donna loves to capture special family moments, celebratingmilestones and cherished gatherings.
Community Engagement
During COVID, Donna participated in several HBSPCAfundraisers to support animals in need. Notably, she contributed to:
- The HBSPCA 2022 Campaign
- The Pet Lovers' Market, where she photographed pets with Santa
- The artwork for the HBSPCA online auction in 2022
Currently, she is working on a project for the HBSPCA,taking headshots of staff and board members with their pets, which will be usedfor business cards and email signatures.
Recognition and Publication
Donna’s work has been featured in Hamilton City Magazine andthe Hamilton Jewish News, including the LIFE IN THE CITY section, where sheshowcased important Hamiltonians and their contributions to the community.
As of December 2023, she serves as the project photographerfor Neighbours of Ancaster Magazine, published by Best Version Media.
Donna is a Versatile Photographer
Donna embraces all facets of photography, including:
- Event and lifestyle photography
- Family and pet photography
- Food and product photography
- Macro and splash photography
- Corporate Headshot photography
Donna is proficient in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop (2024and Beta) and offers private lessons in photo editing. Donna is happy toprovide her editing skills to others upon request.
Testimonials
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."