Interview with Natalie Dunn

photography by NATALIE DUNN @natdunn_photography featuring SYDNEY TAYLOR @sydtherockerkid

n a t a l i e d u n n

interview by JANET GARCIA @slimjaney words & photography by NATALIE DUNN @natdunn_photography

Her natural instinct of helping people out and seeing the reaction through her photography is how it all started for Natalie Dunn. Currently in Los Angeles, she is pursuing her dream of becoming a full- time photographer for a big agency. When is she is not working on a photoshoot you can catch her at one of her favorite coffee shops. Mad Sounds Magazine sat down with Natalie to discuss her current goals and her current state in the photography business.

Hi Natalie, thanks so much for chatting with us today! To start off, can you tell us about a typical day for Natalie Dunn?

Fortunately, being a freelance photographer gives me the creative freedom to plan my days however I feel necessary; that is one aspect of my career that I am absolutely grateful for. Although my day to day varies and I have no set schedule, on the days I have a photoshoot scheduled, I tend to focus my mornings on preparations and my afternoons on doing carrying out the photoshoot. On days where I don’t have shoots, I would find a nice cafe (or Starbucks) and sit for hours working on my editing, replying to emails and planning for any upcoming shoots.

How did you originally get into photography?

I have always enjoyed producing music for the sake of finding talent in someone else, assisting them in polishing their gift, and sharing it with the world. However photography for me started when I moved to LA and decided that it would be a great time to finally pick up the camera that I had collecting dust. I started off photographing my friends and my dad. Once I realized how much I appreciated everyone enjoying the photos I took of them and how it brightened up their faces and their self-image, I knew that photography was a career I definitely wanted to pursue. My passion for helping people reach their potential in music translated well to photography as well.

photography by NATALIE DUNN @natdunn_photography featuring MARINA LASWICK @marooshk

photography by NATALIE DUNN @natdunn_photography featuring (left) TAYLOR BRYANT @_taylorbryant (right) SYDNEY TAYLOR @sydtherockerkid

photography by NATALIE DUNN @natdunn_photography featuring MARINA LASWICK @marooshk

What do you find to be some of the biggest challenges when it comes to photography?

I find that consistently being creative is difficult. We live in a day and age where social media is very demanding and sometimes I feel the pressure of needing to constantly push out content which can be very draining. I find myself at a creative block or stuck a lot of times and I tend to become very unmotivated. Photography is also very competitive and it can get tough having when it comes to trying to find jobs/clients.

Who is your biggest inspiration for your work?

There are a few photographers I follow on instagram who have been such a huge inspiration to my work. @victorofvalencia, @calebandgladys, @ jethroalaba, and that’s just to name a few.

Can you give us some tips for our readers who are beginners in photography?

For those who are beginners in photography, don’t worry too much about your gear. You don’t need the most expensive camera or lens to get good photos. Make use of what you have and go out there to shoot. The more you shoot and practice, the better you’ll get. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because you learn best from them! Another way to learn is to observe photographers you admire and study their work. Shooting and editing can also take up a lot of time, so be patient with yourself, your style will gradually develop as you figure out your niche. Lastly, don’t be intimidated by more established photographers. They have been in this field way longer than you have and they too were once amateurs as well!

You currently live in Los Angeles, how has living here impacted your photography career?

Living in LA has definitely given me more opportunities to pursue photography, one reason being how accessible I am to everything. LA is home to so many agencies, brands and models, and so the demand for photography is always there. The creative community itself is also huge in LA and I have received a lot of support and met so many

Is there any project you’re currently working on that you can tell us more about?

I always have a few different photography projects in the progress of planning. However, I’m currently preoccupied with moving into my new apartment. I wanted a space where I can be comfortable and creative, somewhere open and hence I and planning on setting up a small home studio in the near future as I am trying to get more into studio photoshoots and agency work!

I see that you will be traveling to Tokyo, and Hong Kong: what is it like to travel for your work and photography?

I am actually traveling to Tokyo and Hong Kong for leisure, but that does not mean I don’t have a few side projects and photoshoots planned while I’m there. Traveling helps me clear my mind and broaden my creative perspective giving me new ideas and inspiration! I get to meet other creatives along the way and have the opportunity to shoot with different models and at amazing unique locations I can’t find here in LA.

You love coffee--can you tell us some of your favorite coffee shops you love visiting?

Maru coffee is definitely one of my favorite go to coffee shops! The coffee is amazing and I love their minimalist aesthetics. It’s always a great place to sit down and edit for those who can’t work at home like myself.

photography by NATALIE DUNN @natdunn_photography featuring MEGAN SIMPSON @meganbethsimpson

How do you describe your style when it comes to taking pictures?

My style ranges between portraiture to fashion photography. However, I think my editing style is what helps me stand out. My editing style tends to be more contrasted and crisp, sometimes even in the cooler tones. I feel like I have a more modern editing style and I try my best to execute a clean and well balanced edit.

What motivates you to continue taking pictures?

Seeing other photographers’ work and progress really challenges and motivates me to keep shooting. I constantly have the urge to create so I can’t go too long without doing a photoshoot. And not gonna lie, money and compensation is also a motivational factor to keep shooting as well, especially since I want to make a career out of photography!

Among all your works, which is your favorite shoot and why?

There was this one studio photoshoot where I had to photograph 3 different looks in under one hour. It was definitely a challenging and hectic photoshoot, but strangely enough it became one of favorites. The theme was vintage and so we had props like old suitcases, wooden chairs, cigarettes, classic outfits and looks. I had an amazing team that day and despite the time crunch, we got everything done in time and the photos turned out amazing. The set even got published in a local fashion magazine. It was such a challenge and I learned so much from that photoshoot. Definitely by far one of my favorite sets to shoot and edit.

What is the best advice you’ve received since your started taking photos?

I’ve been given a lot of advice through my experience of being a photographer. Here are definitely a few things that really stuck with me. First off, lighting is so so important and if itmeans taking an extra step of buying a reflector or using studio light set up, it will seriously take your work to the next level. Second, I’ve been told this so many times, but learn photoshop! Especially frequency separation aka editing skin tones, don’t just use lightroom. Lastly, know your worth. Know when to take on a collaboration and when to charge for your work. Also, remember to go at your own pace and be patient with yourself. Don’t compare your chapter 2 with someone else’s chapter 22.

Who are some people you want to work with in the future?

Instead of individual people, I would say I’d want to work with more agencies and brands. It would be a dream to work with IMG models, Wilhelmina, Lions or Versace. One can dream!

KEEP UP WITH NATALIE: Instagram: @natdunn_photography