In The Picture: Rachel Dunn >> TotallyCoolPix

Rachel Dunn is a Photographer and Cinematographer who splits her time between Los Angeles, New York, and DC and her work is something a bit different from what we normally post. We’ll let her explain.

I’ve been a passionate photographer ever since I inherited a camera from my grandfather when I was 12 years old. I received a degree in film and photography in 1989 and then went to New York City where I assisted several prominent photographers and began experimenting with digital retouching.
More of her work can be seen at http://www.racheldunn.com

“Photocubist Lesley” was produced in 1988 while I was in college and was made with entirely traditional photochemical processes and darkroom techniques.

An opportunity to do commercial photography in England arose and I jumped at the chance. During this period, I was doing complex photoshop work to create otherworldly images. “Nose Job” and “Discovery” are two of my pieces from this era.

When I returned to the states, there was a brief period where I contributed to record covers for some well known artists at several major labels. I then landed a spot at Digital Domain doing compositing on numerous A-List feature films.

My photographic work evolved during this period to strategies which required far less digital retouching, because the last thing I wanted to do after spending 14 hrs a day on a computer was to spend more time on the computer to produce my surreal compositions.

I have always had an eye for geometric compositions, as can be seen by my piece “Golden Gate 02″ which is an un-retouched photograph of the suspension cables of the Golden Gate Bridge, and also to a certain extent with “Ghost Station 01″ – an un-retouched photo of an abandoned gas station.

These types of compositions, combined with very simple kaleidoscopic techniques, and a little burning and dodging enable me to completely decontextualize the objects that I photograph and transformed them into surreal artifacts which are far removed from their original form. Some of the objects represented here range from subways and old train cars, to eucalyptus trees, store fronts, parking garages, and the washington monument.

Now I mostly make my living as a cinematographer, shooting films, commercials, music videos, and the occasional documentary. But I will continue to nurture my passion for still photography for the rest of my life.
More of her work can be seen at http://www.racheldunn.com