Dan Galligan & Denise Ansteatt
Meet The Photographer
​I'm Dan Galligan, a Cincinnati-based photographer with over 20 years of experience behind the lens. What began as a creative outlet has grown into a deep passion and a powerful storytelling tool—one that continues to evolve with every project. Over the last five years, I’ve focused intently on refining my craft and exploring new creative directions, turning my lifelong love of photography into a versatile and expressive art form.
My heart lies in concert photography, where I thrive on capturing the raw emotion, energy, and atmosphere of live performance. Whether it’s a dimly lit dive bar or a packed venue, I live for the moments that only happen once—and making them last forever through the lens. I'm proud to serve as a photojournalist for Beyond The Stage, documenting Cincinnati’s vibrant local music scene and helping spotlight both emerging and established talent.
In addition to live music, I’ve expanded into boudoir, fashion, and fantasy photography—each offering a unique space for creativity, confidence, and transformation.
Boudoir allows for raw, intimate self-expression; fashion lets me blend style and visual storytelling; and fantasy shoots open a realm of the surreal, the magical, and the mythic—where imagination takes the lead. Whether it’s wings, warpaint, or woodland scenes, I love crafting imagery that transports both the subject and the viewer into something otherworldly. I approach every shoot with curiosity, professionalism, and deep respect for the story being told. Whether you're a musician chasing the perfect live moment, a creative soul stepping into a fantasy world, or someone simply looking to celebrate yourself—I’m here to help bring that vision to life. Let’s create something unforgettable.
✦ Style & Identity
What’s your signature as a photographer? How would you describe your visual style in 3 words? What’s something unique about how you shoot or approach a session?
----Three words to describe my visual style: Bold. Raw. Story-driven.
My photography is rooted in capturing authentic moments with impact—whether it's the chaotic energy of a live concert, the quiet confidence of a boudoir session, or the surreal escape of a fantasy shoot. I aim to create images that feel alive, not posed or overly polished. Every frame should tell a story—real or imagined.
What sets my approach apart is my ability to make people feel seen. I don’t just take photos—I collaborate, observe, and adapt. Whether you're in front of the lens for the first time or you're a seasoned performer, I work to create a space that feels comfortable and creatively open. I shoot with intention, guided by instinct and the natural rhythm of each session.
I blend technical skill with creative intuition, always chasing that perfect balance between emotion and atmosphere.
✦ Storytelling
Tell us the story behind one image you’ll never forget.
The Story Behind One Image I’ll Never Forget One image that’s etched into my memory forever was taken during a fantasy shoot in the woods. The subject was wrapped in glowing LED wings, holding an open book, surrounded by towering trees and thick brush. As the ambient light dimmed, her illuminated cloak lit up the forest floor, casting ethereal reflections on the leaves and trees around her.
For a moment, it didn’t feel like I was photographing someone—it felt like I was witnessing a living story come to life.
​That image was about more than beauty—it was about transformation. The subject had gone through personal loss and growth, and this session was her way of reclaiming her light. That photo captures a quiet strength, the resilience of someone who has walked through darkness and learned how to glow in it.
It reminded me why I do this: photography lets us tell stories words can’t. It gives people a way to see themselves as powerful, magical, and whole—sometimes for the first time.
​What do people feel when they see your work—and what do you want them to feel? When people see my work, they often tell me it feels real. And that’s exactly what I want. I don’t just want to take a pretty picture—I want to capture a moment that means something. A glance, a breath, a quiet strength… something you feel before you even realize why.
Whether it's the raw emotion of a live performance or the quiet magic of a fantasy shoot, I hope people see a story—their story. I want my images to reflect truth, beauty, and humanity.
​What’s a photo you’re most proud of, and why?
If someone sees a photo and feels a little braver, a little more seen, or a little more inspired—that’s everything to me.
✦ Process & Perspective
Walk us through your creative process—from concept to final edit.
How do you prepare for a shoot? Any rituals or must-haves? What gear do you swear by—and what’s your approach to editing? What’s the most unexpected thing photography has taught you?
Every shoot starts with intention. Whether it's a high-energy concert or a conceptual fantasy session, I begin by thinking about the emotion I want to capture. I often sketch out ideas, pull references, or build a mood board—but I always leave room for spontaneity. Some of my favorite shots came from trusting the moment, not the plan.
Before a session, I do my homework—scouting locations, understanding lighting conditions, and connecting with the subject so they feel at ease. My only real ritual? I take a moment before every shoot to clear my head and tune into the energy I want to create. That mindset helps me stay present, observant, and open.
Gear I swear by:
As a natural light photographer, I rely heavily on timing, ambient mood, and available light to shape each image. Whether it’s golden hour in a field or low lighting in a music venue, I embrace the challenge of using light as it exists, not forcing it.
Editing is where the story fully comes to life. My approach is cinematic but true to the moment—rich tones, moody contrast, and just enough polish to enhance without overpowering. I don’t erase imperfections; I highlight character. I use Lightroom and Photoshop, but I always aim to get the soul of the image in camera.
The most unexpected thing photography has taught me?
Empathy. Behind every face is a story, and behind every shoot is trust. Photography has made me more patient, more curious, and more present—not just with my subjects, but with the world around me.
I shoot primarily with Sony mirrorless cameras, and my go-to lens is the Sony G Master 24–70mm—incredibly versatile, fast, and sharp.
I want my work to speak for me—even in silence. When someone looks at my photos, I hope they feel something real. Not just beauty or composition, but truth. I want them to sense the soul of the moment, the story behind the subject, and the care that went into capturing it.
​What do you want your work to say about you, even when you’re not in the room? What do you want to be known for—as a photographer and as a creative? If someone’s looking at your portfolio 10 years from now, what do you hope they see?
✦ Legacy & Impact
As a photographer and creative, I want to be known for honoring people’s stories—whether through the electricity of a live show, the quiet strength in a boudoir session, or the magic of a fantasy scene. I want to be remembered not just for how I shot, but how I saw.
Looking 10 years down the road, I hope my portfolio reflects a body of work that’s bold, emotional, and human—a visual legacy of people who trusted me with their most vulnerable, joyful, or powerful moments. I want to leave behind images that helped someone feel seen, empowered, or inspired to tell their own story.
Photography isn’t just what I do—it’s how I connect, how I listen, and how I leave something meaningful behind.
✦ Personal Reflection
What’s one truth about your creative journey that’s stayed with you? What’s something about you people don’t usually see in your work—but should?
One truth that’s stayed with me throughout my creative journey is this: the camera doesn’t just capture others—it reveals you. Every photo I take is a reflection of where I am emotionally, creatively, and personally. The more I’ve grown as a person, the more honest and powerful my work has become.
People often see the strength, mood, or energy in my images—but what they don’t always see is the sensitivity behind the lens. I shoot with intensity, yes—but also with empathy. I feel deeply, and that shapes everything: how I connect with people, how I frame a moment, and how I edit an image. My work is driven by emotion as much as it is by technique.
What I hope people recognize—over time—is that every image I create isn’t just about documenting life. It’s about understanding it, honoring it, and sometimes… healing through it.
THE MODEL: Denise Ansteatt
Luminescent Forest: “The Spirit of Light”
The Spirit of Light” is a conceptual photo series exploring the intersection of nature, mysticism, and inner radiance. Shot in the deep woods at dusk, this image captures a surreal fusion of natural darkness and LED - enhanced ethereality. The subject stands barefoot atop an illuminated pedestal, embodying a forest guardian or celestial being, with glowing wings evoking transformation, magic, and divine femininity.
✦ Style & Identity
What’s your signature as a Model?
True to self.
How would you describe your visual style in 3 words?
Eclectic, soft, & driven.
What’s something unique about how you shoot or approach a session?
I try to remain true to myself. I like to be carefree and fun!
✦ Storytelling
Tell us the story behind one image you’ll never forget.
What do people feel when they see your work—and what do you want them to feel?
I am an empath- I want people to feel the emotion and the meaning behind a photograph. I want them to feel the creativity involved in making the photograph possible.
What’s a photo you’re most proud of, and why?
It is very hard to pick a single photo to be proud of. I was introduced into modeling when I felt like my world was falling apart. However, I have gained a lot of self-confidence and internal growth. Dan captures this confidence and growth in his recent set with me. I would have never seen myself enjoying the playful nature of the "Frolic in the Field" set, but he captured every ounce of the outgoing side of me that I thought I had lost.
✦ Process & Perspective
Walk us through your creative process—from concept to final edit.
How do you prepare for a shoot?
Once a theme is decided on, I like to go with one of my friends thrifting. One man's trash is another's treasure and the things found in a second hand shop can often prove to be the most authentic for props!
Any rituals or must-haves?
The only ritual that is a must is remaining with an open mind. Sometimes the things you find make the image so much more than imagined.
What gear do you swear by—and what’s your approach to editing?
The mind is a powerful thing!
What’s the most unexpected thing photography has taught you?
Growth and emotionally charged imagery can speak through what one may think as being simple. Simplicity is often taken for granted in people's minds, but carries a force that is to be reckoned with.
✦ Legacy & Impact
What do you want your work to say about you, even when you’re not in the room?
Genuine.
What do you want to be known for—as a photographer and as a creative?
I want to always be known for being a kind and genuine soul. I have grown so much through modeling, but always want to remain humble to who I am-God brought me to it, He will bring me through it.
If someone’s looking at your portfolio 10 years from now, what do you hope they see?
A creative and genuine empath. I always try to remember what impact I can have on someone else's day by simply being me and sharing the stories of perseverance over the course of my life.
✦ Personal Reflection
What’s one truth about your creative journey that’s stayed with you?
Perfection is impossible, but each person holds the ability to be their own level of special.
What’s something about you people don’t usually see in your work—but should?
I have been through and seen a lot in my life and have pushed through many battles to remain smiling at the end. I always want to leave a positive reflection in someone's mind.