Today we’d like to introduce you to DaniRae Dunn.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I had been doing photography since age 11. My parents had an old Polaroid camera and I decided it was mine. Once my grandpa heard I had an interest in photography he passed on his old film camera for me to use. I started off with taking photos of my brother’s soccer team. I would go to every single game, just so I could take photos. I loved capturing the action and trying to anticipate the plays.
Eventually, the camera took its last shot and was no longer functional. So my parents decided to encourage my dreams and bought me my first DSLR camera at 12 years old. I also had my hand help camera (because cell phones weren’t a thing), and I carried it on me, at all times. I took photos of EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE. I had thousands of photos. As I got into high school I immediately joined yearbook and took made sure to photograph every sporting event so my photos were the ones chosen for the book.
But, as I got older my passion switched from sports photography to portraits. I knew photography was my future, but I couldn’t figure out where I wanted to go with it. I went to California State University Fullerton, where I majored in Photography and received my Bachelors of Fine Art. The classes helped me narrow down my interest, and improved my creativity. It taught me to find my voice in a world where everyone has something to say. And I found out, one subject never got boring. People. My career now is focused on portraits and weddings, but I have a special love for dancers and photograph them every chance I get.
Please tell us about your art.
I am a portrait and wedding photographer. My inspiration is people. People fascinated me, and I wanted to photograph them to show their beauty, their uniqueness, and their passions. Over the years I would photograph anyone and everyone that would let me. As I’ve gotten older, I still have that same fascination.
In a world where everyone has something to say, I had to find my voice. And what I have discovered about myself is quite simple. My voice (or rather photos) was to make others feel good about themselves. All I want is for people to know they are valuable, and if a photo can make them see that, then it’s all worth it.
We all are so different, and that is so amazing! Being different is nothing to be ashamed of but praised! I also have a passion for fellow artists, and photographing dancers in particular. Dancers are art themselves. They make their bodies tell stories, they can make you feel with just a motion. Its one of the most beautiful forms of expression.
I want my photos to make someone feel beautiful, important, and special. I want to show that we all are just works of art that deserved to be admired.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I think artist have a huge impact on the world. I feel an artist are some of the most honest people out there, most of the time, they are not afraid to speak their mind and show what they believe in. Art starts conversations. Art can make people feel. The role of the artist has always been to start conversations. Artist has always been bold and spoke their minds, they are always bending the rules and forcing people to think differently. If art isn’t worth talking about, if it doesn’t have people talking, then is it even art?
What goes on in the world, effects my art, because my art is my life. I use my art to speak, so as the world changes, as our country goes through trials, and hardship, I can’t help but take a stance and use my voice in the way I know how. What happens to my country, effects my life, effects my feelings, and therefore, effects my art.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can see my work from my blog, and my Instagram. A simple follow, like, or comment on social media can make my day.
Eventually, my dream is to have some of my personal projects in a gallery, and to showcase some of my more conceptual, fine art photography, however, for now, they are still in the process of being created. Encouragement goes a long way, being supportive can make a world’s difference.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4352 Flint Street, Corona, Ca, 92883
- Website: www.daniraedunn.com
- Phone: 626-736-0946
- Email: daniraedunn@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniraedunn_photos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniraedunn/
Image Credit:
Octavia Bennett, Brittney Morrison, Jessika Wood
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