I just got back from a week-long vacation in Hawaii. Guess what? I didn’t take a single photo! Instead, I took this opportunity to reflect and “open my eyes” to my surroundings. I feel rejuvenated and inspired.
On the side of a cliff in Hawaii, watching a momma and baby whale frolic in the ocean
Photo by: Jon S.
Tagged daydream, Hawaii, ocean, vacation, whale watching Comments (5)My Facebook status today:
“Amy Dunn had a “Waverly” from The Joy Luck Club experience today. Ramji & I are on the cover of a Chinese newspaper, and Mom *had* to show everyone the ad. ‘This is my daughter…she’s a lawyer.’ *facepalm*”
Then, my friend in Florida tells me about the Weekly Sun. I wonder what my mom would say if I showed her this newspaper. “This is my daughter. Hire her as a lawyer, and you’ll win big!” LOL
Photographer: Amy Dunn
Makeup artist: Jenilee Banan
Model: Jocelyn
My Law Firm
Houston, 2010
Gear: Canon 5D Mark II
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM
Lighting: AB 1600 Beauty Dish + grid
© Amy Dunn
All rights reserved
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I have no qualms about admitting this: I live with my mom again. I haven’t lived here since 1996, and it feels wonderful to live with family again–especially with the “kids,” Mia and Wasabi. At home, my mom keeps an organized, vintage photo collection of yours truly along with other members of the family. I found this baby picture in one of the stacks. While a pedantic part of me wanted to criticize the photo for bad cropping, lopsided composition, and bad styling (LOL), the photographer–either my mom or dad–clearly captured a moment. And isn’t that what photography is about, capturing moments?
I remember feeling so happy at this time in my life. I loved my mom and dad so much, and everything seemed perfect in this world. While I do not remember this specific moment, I appreciate that someone took the time to take this picture–vintage wood panels and 70’s flooring and all.
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Tagged 70's, baby, lesson, photography, rules, vintage Comments (7)Forget about the lighting, it’s all about hair, makeup and styling.
But since you asked…
Who loves you?
(Kick-ass lighting psd from Kevin Kertz)
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Tagged Alien Bees, Asian, lesson, lighting, photography, pin-up, strobes, tutorial Comments (17)
Photographer: Amy Dunn
Makeup artist: El Leo
Hair stylist: Naomi Porto
Clothing stylist: Candifiend Studios
Models: Alice An, Angel Pai
Peter Yang’s Studio
New York City, 2009
Gear: Canon 5D Mark II
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens
Lighting: Profoto (main), Alien Bees (background/rims)
© Amy Dunn
All rights reserved
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Comments (18)If you could ask the Universe for anything, what would you ask for?
Last year, my friend, Steven Grant, noticed an unusually unhappy expression on my face. When I confided in him about the strong displeasure in my career, he empowered me with an activity he participated in church. He suggested writing a letter to God (or the Universe or whatever deity you believe in) around the New Year and thank Him for everything He gave that year. The churchgoers would then open the letter on Christmas and read the letters out loud, marveling in all the wonderful gifts they received. The requests, obviously, have to be humble and realistic. Believe me, I thought about asking for a million dollars, too.
Instead, I asked the Universe for only one thing: happiness in my job.
Did you guys ever wonder why I never talked about my job as a lawyer? I mean, this is my photography blog, of course, but I work as an attorney above and beyond anything else. I never spoke about my job because I worked in an oppressive environment that stifled my energy and creativity. It sucked all the brain cells out of me. I don’t want to talk smack about my former job because really, I learned a lot from the experience and applied everything I acquired there to my current and beloved position. I accepted a job at a law firm in Houston with people that value and appreciate me. I have grown immensely as an attorney, and I have the opportunity now to counsel clients–real people, not corporations–on various aspects of the law. Can I tell you how deliriously happy I feel when a fellow photographer approaches me to help them with copyright claims?
When I opened my letter to the Universe on Christmas 2009, a satisfied smile replaced the grim expression from earlier in the year. I finally got the gift I longed for all these years. All I had to do was ask.
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Tagged attorney, copyright, God, grant, hope, lawyer, legal, love, New Year's Resolutions, photographer, pray, success, wish Comments (21)
Every New Year, I come up with one to three attainable photography goals. Last year, I simply wrote, “Kick it up a notch.” This became my mantra, and I later had my first and sold out gallery viewing, got interviewed by Canon and started shooting for Make Up For Ever. I’d say I kicked it up three notches. I also had a side resolution noting I wanted to make $__,____ in photography for 2009. I easily achieved that goal but realized I photographed a lot of things I am not proud of. Therefore, my New Year’s Resolution for 2010 is to stop shooting for other people and to shoot for myself.
Because of my new and super-selective criteria, you may have noticed I paused from shooting for a while. I thought about all the things I loved and disliked about photography and came up with a new set of standards in furtherance of my goals. I decided to be kind to the environment and eliminate the endless hours of burning and mailing DVDs for clients when I could easily upload a digital zip file. And as much as I enjoy learning new techniques in Photoshop, I quickly lost interest in retouching because it takes much time away from doing what I really love: taking pictures.
So what does it mean to shoot for myself? 2010 has limitless possibilities. I do not know what the future holds, but I look forward to embracing these changes, even if it means kicking it down a notch.
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Tagged fulfillment, New Year, photography, promise, resolutions Comments (13)Filed Under: What NOT to Say to a Casting Director, Photographer or Client
Dear Photographer,
I am assuming that as I have not heard anything from you that I was not fortunate enough to make the cut for the project.
It is another staple of this industry whereby if you make efforts to be punctual, follow up, and show enthusiasm – in the end if somebody else is chosen you will more times than not receive no communication from anyone involved to give the news.
Many companies do not even have the courtesy or humanity to disclose the fact in an email thanking the participant for answering the audition call and informing of the fact that you were unsuccessful. You are left with that ‘Up in the air’ feeling, and it turns out to be another wasted morning or afternoon of preparing yourself and traveling to the location, attending the shoot or audition, and returning – in the end to not only not get the chosen spot but not be contacted again as a courtesy.
Well, it was good to meet you. I have heard from you many times that you ‘want to work with me’ but I am not expecting to hear anything further from you or the project.
I am seriously weary of the modeling industry and the many disappointments and let-downs that occur, and I am going to push ahead with my acting training and concentrate in that area.
Signed, Model
Author’s Note: I sent a response, and then she deleted her modeling profile. It takes a thick skin to make it in modeling.
** I know people will have a variety of opinions regarding this issue. I would love to hear your comments and will follow up with a subsequent post.
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Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. I love this holiday, especially this year as it falls on the same day as Chinese New Year. I’m hosting a Headshot Party in Houston, Texas on February 6th and would love it if you could all help me get the word out. The event takes place near the Galleria area in full view of the Williams Tower.
Attendees get two beautiful headshots from a choice of three unique backdrops (pink, red, and/or white). I will have Valentine’s Day props, good lighting, good food, and most importantly, good people. I hired a couple of professional makeup artists to assist us that day so everyone looks like a cover model. 
This is great for people who want to surprise their loved ones with a truly unique gift or even for models/actors that need to update their headshots.
Everyone is welcome to join! $150 gets two professional photograph prints. Be a model yourself, or pose with your friends/children/loved ones for the same price. Retouching available separately from a European Photoshop expert for $50 a print.
Limited availability, so call today to reserve your appointment: (713) 777-7171. Ask for Jon.
Or email me directly: amy@amydunn.com
A 50% deposit is required to hold your spot. You can make a safe, secure payment via PayPal or drop off a check/cash to a convenient office on Westheimer. Jon will provide all the details when you call.
Come join me, and let’s celebrate an experience you will not forget!
xoxo,
Amy