Amy Dunn, Houston Photographer Blog

Lizzi London Couture Mannequin Series

amydunn — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:51:16 +0000

I finally found a team in Houston I can rock out with! Sara Eudy is one of the most passionate makeup artists I’ve ever met. She has that New York drive and is always willing to try something new. I f’ing love her.

Sara introduced me to the other Sarah–Sarah Nezamzadeh visiting from NYC. Sarah completely rocked my world when she secured us a sweet shooting location, scouted these incredible models over the last few weeks, and connected us with Lizzi London, one of the most talented and creative fashion designers. Her gowns are like eye candy, and I have a girl crush on her, she’s so fabulous.

Lizzi introduced Christopher Do to the team, and he fine. More on this rockstylist later!

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Cara Dulce Studios
Houston, TX 2010

Photographer: Amy Dunn
Makeup Artist: Sara Eudy
Hair Stylist: Christopher Do
Clothing Designer: Lizzi London
Wardrobe Stylist: Sarah Nezamzadeh
Models: Gabriella

Gear: Canon 5D Mark II
AB 1600 + small octabank

Behind the Scenes Video from The Rockstylist

amydunn — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 19:13:42 +0000

The Sanctuary

amydunn — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 02:21:14 +0000

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The Sanctuary
Houston, TX 2010

Photographer: Amy Dunn
Hair/Makeup Artist: Sara Eudy
Clothing Designer: Lizzi London
Wardrobe Stylist: Sarah Nezamzadeh
Models: Jeany & Jaimie

Gear: Canon 5D Mark II
Beauty Dish + grid

Photographer Steven Meisel’s Oil Spill Spread in Italian Vogue

amydunn — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 14:11:34 +0000

The September issue of Italian Vogue features a 24-page spread by fashion photographer, Steven Meisel. The issue has garnered quite a bit of controversy with its depiction of death and destruction by British Petroleum in the United States Gulf Coast. Many people have described the photo as offensive, tasteless, and more revolting than the actual oil spill itself. Refinery29 quipped, “Glamorizing this recent ecological and social disaster for the sake of “fashion” reduces the tragic event to nothing more than attention-grabbing newsstand fodder.”

Here, Italian Vogue’s commentary on an international tragedy brings about social awareness on the oil spill. Some people questioned the intentions of Italian Vogue, with Forbes asking, “What was the purpose of this editorial: to make a statement about offshore drilling or corporate ethics or the way the disaster was handled, or to show the season’s latest feathery fashions?” Styleite countered, “While the irony of using clothing worth thousands of dollars that was probably flown halfway around the world for the shoot is not lost on us, we can’t help but think that if this isn’t art, we don’t know what is.”

Pop culture and politics make strange bedfellows, but while this photo spread may border on the bizarre, its undeniably thought-provoking images finally have people talking in the entertainment industry who, until now, have been eerily silent on the issue.

See the full spread at refinery29.com

Sources: NY Mag, Yahoo Shine, Forbes, Refinery29, Styleite

Modeling for Beginners – A Cartoon

amydunn — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 01:02:25 +0000

Warning: Offensive (but hilarious) language!

via FrizzyCube via Rick Icon via Alvin Nguyen…this baby’s going viral

The Importance of a Call-Sheet

amydunn — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 02:30:07 +0000

A Call-Sheet:

Organizes a photo shoot
Introduces the cast
Contains contact information
Outlines location details
Sets for the production schedule
Issues a call time

Just like mood boards, this tool is essential for photo shoots. My call sheets sometimes include artistic direction for the shoot, and it lists “Model Brings,” especially what types of undergarments to bring, what shoes they should provide (if any), and what their manicures should look like. Details, my friends.

The one time I did not issue a call sheet, the model sent me a message on Facebook unilaterally deciding to cancel the shoot less than 24 hours away. The makeup artist and I did not appreciate that gesture, but I also understand that information and communication is key when organizing a photo shoot. Call sheets also lessen the flake factor significantly.

Here is a sample call sheet I sent last year. One model actually did flake–the first girl, but that’s not the point of this blog post since the no-show provided the crew time to build sets, to plan lighting, and to build rapport. The end results delighted me, and you can see the photos here, here, and here. With an organized shoot, you’re already off to a great start.

Let me know if you found this blog post useful!

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Annie S. Intimates “Bollywood” Shoot

Shoot date: Sunday, April 19th, 2009

Shoot location: 45 Wall Street, New York City
Across from Trump Building, next to Tiffany & Co.
Accessible via 2/3, 4/5, J/M/Z trains

Contact: Amy Dunn (212) 555-5555

Photographer: Amy Dunn
Photo assistant: Jeff Fuller
Fashion Designer: Annie S. Intimates
Make up: Diana Manzanares
Hair Stylist: Cataanda J.
Jewelry Designer: TBD
Models: Angelique, Diana, Antoinette, Tashae

Call Times:

10:00 a.m.	Angelique
12:00 p.m.	Antoinette, Diana
2:00 p.m.	Lunch
4:00 p.m.	Tashae

Details

We are shooting a fashion series for the Bollywood collection from Annie S. Intimates. The images will be photographed in a small studio setting, and space will be tight. Since the area is rather limited, I ask that you please not bring additional parties to the shoot (i.e. no friends/escorts/entourages).

Please eat breakfast/lunch before your call-time. Annie has graciously offered to cook us some delicious snacks–and I will have some goodies available–but make sure you have foods that YOU like.

Model Brings: nude bra and underwear/thong, gold strappy sandals/heels if you have them. Models, please arrive with clean hair, clean face, and clear or no nail polish. Be bikini ready (‘ya never know), and make sure the legs are shaved as well. For your reference, these are some of the pieces we will showcase:

Annie S. Intimates Bollywood Collection

Let’s have a great shoot!

Another Photo Added to Fashion Gallery

amydunn — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:44:12 +0000

Modeling Tip of the Day: Don’t be afraid to get dirty.

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Houston, TX 2010

Photographer: Amy Dunn
Hair/Makeup Artist: Sara Eudy
Model: Allyson

Gear: Canon 5D Mark II
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L IS

Amy Dunn: Lawyer, Photographer, Evil Step-Mother?

amydunn — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:55:20 +0000

A Thank You Blog

amydunn — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 04:00:24 +0000

Jon recently surprised me with a Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L IS. Where has this lens been all my life?! I thought I loved the non-IS version, but let’s face it, I move around a lot when I shoot, and the IS grants me that versatility I so desperately need. I thank Jon for noticing ways to improve my photography, and I absolutely love this gift. Thanks, J!

Now let’s move on to the photoshoot. I’m loving my collaborations with Sara Eudy, by far one of the most talented makeup artists in the great state of Texas. I love it when a makeup artist also kicks ass with hair. Sara’s incredibly talented, and her enthusiasm inspires me. Thank you, Sara.

I had incredible luck finding this model, Allyson Cook, thanks to fellow photographer Jaysen Turner. I love it when models take chances and embrace the photographer’s vision. Despite the scorching hot Texas heat (95°, Good Lawd!), Allyson never complained, even when she jumped around around in six-inch Christian Louboutins. We had a lot of unsavory characters around us, and Allyson did not let her audience affect her performance. I wish more models could take a few lessons from pros like Ally.

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Houston, TX 2010

Photographer: Amy Dunn
Hair/Makeup Artist: Sara Eudy
Model: Allyson Cook

Gear: Canon 5D Mark II
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L IS

Macro Makeup Shot with Kenko Extension Tubes

amydunn — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:48:38 +0000

Before testing the Canon 100 mm Macro lens, Stephen Eastwood suggested trying extension tubes for my macro work. Macro makeup has obviously become my “thing” over the years, so a good Macro lens or tool helps significantly. I gave back the 100 mm Macro lens, so I revisited my Kenko extension tubes on this photoshoot with Sara Eudy and Krystyn Lea.

For someone who does not need macro capabilities often, extension tubes are great. The comparison between the tubes and an actual macro lens vary, however. I felt like I swished forward and back, struggling to find focus on the subject. I missed the quick lock on Auto-focus with a proper Macro lens, and it had some weird, unintentional vignetting. I had to try harder to get what I wanted with the extension tubes. Needless to say, I’m selling my Kenko extension tubes. Any takers? LOL

Here’s the approximate price difference:

Canon 100 mm Macro $500
Kenko Extension Tubes $150

Maybe I haven’t given the extension tubes a chance. I’ve had them since 2007 and only used them five times. If you have extension tubes macro photos, please share them! Add a link in the comment section, don’t be shy.

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Cara Dulce Studios
Houston, TX 2010

Photographer: Amy Dunn
Makeup Artist: Sara Eudy
Model: Krystyn Lea

Gear: Canon 5D Mark II
Canon 85 mm – F/1.8
Kenko Extension Tubes

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