Interview: Amy Dunn (Photographer)

2010-04-10T18:53:00.000-07:00

For our first interview, we have with us Amy Dunn, a very talented and experienced photographer. Thank you Amy for your time!

Images are respectfully the copyright of Amy Dunn.

To see more of Amy's work, please visit

http://www.amydunn.com/

Tell us a brief description about what you primarily shoot.

In New York, I enjoyed shooting beauty and commercial print. I
specialized in model portfolios and actor headshots. Since I moved to
Texas not too long ago, I decided to stop shooting for other people
and start taking on projects for myself. This includes set design and
self-portraiture.

How long have you been in this industry?

I started off as a model and worked steadily for over 10 years. I always
loved photography, admiring the magic photographers created with their
lights and sets. Models have a short shelf life, so once I felt "over
the hill," I picked up a camera and flipped sides. This happened when
digital technology got interesting for photographers, circa 2005.

How did photography first start for you?

My friend, Alice, wanted to take her makeup to another level, and I
wanted to give photography a try. We started by snapping photos of
pretty girls, but if I look at the photos now, I cringe. I've come a
long way (and still have a ways to go).

Who are your influences and how have they changed your style?

I don't have any particular influences, which may be why my style is
all over the place. I flip through American fashion magazines a lot,
but American magazines are so...safe. I like to take chances, and
sometimes we need to go to European magazines for that kind of
inspiration.

If you were to be doing something else aside from photography, what would it be and why?

I'm actually a lawyer first, photographer second. It exercises both

sides of the brain. And when the other doesn't pay the bills, you have
something to fall back on.

Do you currently shoot full time or are you pursuing other avenues?

It's strange, I pursued photography at full blast in New York City,

but ever since I moved to Texas, I focus more of my energy into my law

practice. I took a hiatus when I moved to take time and reflect on my
path in life, both spiritually and artistically. I finally came to the
realization that shooting for someone else's vision, even for pay,
does not satisfy me in the least.

How supportive are your family and friends?

Most of them have been extremely supportive. My parents read and
follow my blog, and the law firm has my studio lighting in at least
three offices.
Just like dispensing free legal advice, I could do without the whole,
"Hey, can you
shoot my pictures, for free?"

What did you do before photography for a living, as well as a passionate hobby?

I never really did photography for a living, but it has been an
enjoyable source of side income. Before photography, I worked as a
model. That helped tremendously in terms of learning how to light a
set and direct models with their expressions and with their poses.

When you shoot, do you currently work with a full crew? If so, what does it consist of?

I prefer to work with a full crew, and boy, did I get spoiled in New
York! In a perfect world, I would have a producer organize the
entire shoot. I like to have the final say in the selected
models, and agency-represented models are a huge plus.

Hair stylists and makeup artists are non-negotiable--without them, you
might as well keep the lens cap on. And if you happen to find a great

clothing stylist, they can turn an ordinary photo into something magical

and "wow." This can also be said about retouchers.

Furthermore, I prefer to work with an assistant, someone with critical
understanding of how to light a set without me having to give much

instruction.

What type of lighting do you prefer working with, natural or a studio environment? What is your favorite setup?

Nothing beats the sun in its pure, golden glory. I love how it makes
everyone look so sun-kissed with a healthy glow.

But if I shoot indoors, I use a selection of Hensels, Profoto, and
Alien Bees. My favorite set-up is the one I posted on my blog for
pin-up lighting.

http://www.amydunn.com/blog/amy-dunns-pin-up-lighting/

It is a combination of main light with two kickers, and if you want to
play dirty on my set, you call that a rim job. The skin and hair look
luminous with this type of lighting. I recommend grids for
maximum control. Plus, it adds depth, dimension, and drama.

Do you have any words of advice for people who have the passionate for the industry but are just starting out?

Everyone has their own path, and I recommend shooting every
single day. Photography is similar to a foreign language: first you
learn the curse words, then you master a couple of key phrases, and
then BAM! You suddenly know how to converse in a whole new language.
Practice makes perfect.

What is the biggest mistake you’ve made in the industry and how did you recover from it?

If you participate in TFP (i.e. shooting for free), make sure you
take on projects that benefit you. Start being more selective with the
talent you work with.
Be reasonable, but don't be too nice. I had to learn how to say NO.

What was one of your worst experiences and why?

I booked a model for a beauty test. She had a gorgeous portfolio and a
slammin' body. This model was agency-repped, and she was very professional
with her correspondence. I looked forward to working with her.
When I finally met her--the day of the shoot--I walked
downstairs and saw her on her phone.
When she heard my voice, she looked up -

GIRL WAS CROSS-EYED!

My smile quickly melted, and despite all my efforts, I did not get a single
shot that day.

What are your expectations from your models you work with? What type of knowledge base would you like to see them possess.

I prefer to work with models that know how to bang out a pose and do
not need much direction. I expect the models to have flawless skin
because that will make or break a (beauty) photo--that and killer
expressions. I've oftentimes rejected very pretty girls because their
photos did not reflect a wide variety of expressions.

Do you have a personal preference when it comes to equipment and name brands? What do you primarily work with for your camera and lighting gear?

I have had a lot of luck with Hensels and Profoto in terms of quality
and consistency--they just add a little something special to the
lighting. Unfortunately, it is a more expensive route than say, Alien
Bees, another line I use. ABs are great because they're light, cheap,
and fun to kick around and take on location. Some of the products
there are too cheap, though, in terms of quality. I remember having
horrible luck with the ring flash and the Vagaband which fizzled out
after a few months and limited use.

Did you have a mentor as you progressed through your career? What was the biggest impact he had on you.

I got super-lucky and teamed up with Stephen Eastwood, a Canon
Explorer of Light. To say he has been the biggest source of
inspiration would be a huge understatement. Despite his ridiculously
hectic schedule, he always makes time for me, to answer my
questions--no matter how easy or complex. I have that man on speed
dial!

Stephen assisted me on so many of my shoots, improving each one

drastically. He is a lighting god and has the patience of a saint.
What makes him so amazing and great is that he knows all the technical

aspects of his camera, his lighting, and retouching. He reaches

out to talented industry professionals for the sake of learning
something new everyday. He's so passionate about photography, it's

contagious. I owe a great deal of what I know to him, and I
feel like I have only scratched the surface.

Do you currently have an apprentice?

No. I still have far too much to learn to have an apprentice, but I am
happy to teach what I know to budding photographers. I encourage
people to visit my blog and ask questions or suggest blog topics.

What else do you enjoy doing in your free time? Aside from your professional and business life, how is your personal life? You may share anything you’d like about family, friends, and hobbies.

Free time? What's that?

Within Talented Minds

Interview: Amy Dunn (Photographer)