Meet Erica Dunn

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Erica Dunn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Erica, thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?

I initially struggled with communication, often finding that my words were misunderstood or taken out of context. It wasn’t until I took a step back and reflected on myself that I began to understand why. I realized that the root of the issue was me—my difficulty in finding the right tone and words made it hard for my messages to land as intended. Once I accepted that my ideas of “proper” or “correct” communication were just personal opinions, not universal truths, things started to click. I became more aware of how I communicated and how external factors shouldn’t dictate my effectiveness. Over time, this awareness allowed me to improve significantly. In my photography, I learned to communicate not just through words but by using my surroundings and personality to connect more deeply with my clients. The saying, “Actions speak louder than words,” resonates with me now more than ever, as I’ve found that being present and authentic is the most powerful form of communication.

In photography, communication goes far beyond verbal exchanges—it’s about capturing emotions, stories, and connections without a single word. Every image I create is an opportunity to communicate visually. I aim to make my subjects feel comfortable, allowing their true personalities to shine through. This often involves more than just directing them—it’s about creating an atmosphere where they can relax, trust me, and be themselves.

I also use the environment to communicate, whether it’s through lighting, composition, or the setting itself. A well-chosen backdrop or a carefully composed shot can speak volumes about the mood, tone, and message I’m trying to convey. For me, photography is a dialogue between the subject, the setting, and myself as the photographer. It’s a constant exchange where we all contribute to the final image.

I’ve learned that successful communication in photography isn’t just about creating beautiful pictures—it’s about forging an emotional connection with the viewer. The image needs to resonate with them, tell a story, and evoke feeling. Whether I’m photographing a portrait, a wedding, or a landscape, I try to communicate not just what is seen, but also what is felt, ensuring that every picture tells a meaningful story.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I was born in Reading, PA, and moved to Owasso, Oklahoma, at the age of 10. My formative years were spent there, but I always knew I was destined to explore new places and seek fresh beginnings. At 21, I made the bold decision to move to St. Louis, Missouri, with just one friend in the area. The transition was challenging, as I navigated both the excitement and the uncertainty of discovering who I was and who I wanted to become with this clean slate. During this time, I was finishing my degree in Culinary Arts when I decided to take a job at the Union Station Hilton in St. Louis. It was there that I met some of my first lifelong friends and had an unexpected encounter with a bartender selling his old Nikon D90. I jumped at the opportunity to own my first camera, and that’s when my passion for photography truly began.

I became captivated by the idea of capturing everything around me—from candid shots of my coworkers during busy shifts to the beauty of tulips in the city gardens. Photography became my way of expressing myself, and through my work, I began to feel seen. I am a self-taught photographer, constantly learning and evolving through hands-on experience. I embrace the process, focusing on the joy of learning and creating, rather than striving for perfection. I believe in balancing hard work with the enjoyment of the creative journey. In today’s world, we often turn our passions into obligations, but I remain committed to never losing the joy that first inspired me.

As I’ve grown in my craft, I’ve also learned the importance of knowing my worth—particularly when it comes to pricing. However, I believe that everyone should be able to have beautiful photos of themselves, their loved ones, or whatever they hold dear. That’s why I continue to practice bartering and trade forms of payment, accepting things like crochet cardigans, spiritual readings, and even event planning in exchange for my work. I also host occasional photography giveaways, which allows me to share my passion while giving back to the community. Currently, I’m offering a special $200 rate for new clients who book a solo or micro shoot this summer. While I understand the importance of financial stability, I am deeply committed to ensuring that my photography remains accessible to as many people as possible.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, three qualities stand out as the most impactful: resilience, punctuality, and integrity. These have shaped my path, helping me navigate obstacles, seize opportunities, and build meaningful relationships.

Resilience:
Resilience has been critical to my ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward, even when the road got tough. Life and work are filled with challenges, and it’s easy to feel defeated. However, I’ve learned that setbacks are often the steppingstones to growth. Focus on developing a growth mindset. Don’t fear failure—view it as a learning opportunity. Surround yourself with supportive people and take care of your mental health, (can’t stress that enough you have to take care of you first!) so when you face adversity, you have the strength to push through.

Punctuality:
Being punctual has always been a cornerstone of my work ethic. Showing up on time is a sign of respect for others’ time, and it demonstrates responsibility and reliability. In my journey, punctuality has helped me build trust with clients, coworkers, and peers. “If you aren’t 15 minutes early, you’re late” has followed me from my time in the Culinary Arts field. Cultivate a habit of punctuality early on. It’s not just about being on time for appointments—it’s about developing discipline and respect for the people you interact with. Organize yourself in advance, set reminders, and be mindful of time management to ensure you’re a reliable friend and coworker.

Integrity:
Integrity is the foundation of everything I do. It means being honest, ethical, and consistent in my actions and decisions. Living with integrity has helped me build trust, credibility, and respect in both my personal and professional relationships. Stay true to your values, even when it’s challenging, and no one is looking. Integrity doesn’t mean being perfect; it means owning up to your mistakes, being transparent, and doing the right thing even when it’s difficult. Always strive for honesty and fairness in all your interactions.

For anyone early in their journey, developing these qualities takes time, but they are incredibly rewarding. Give yourself grace on your hard days, give others grace when they are struggling and above all continue to strive for effective communication and kindness to everyone you interact with. Keep learning, stay persistent, and remember that growth is a continuous process. Embrace every step, even the setbacks, and keep striving to improve.

How would you describe your ideal client?

An ideal client for me is someone who values authenticity, collaboration, and creativity, but also isn’t afraid to have a little fun along the way. I believe that great photos often come from moments of genuine joy, laughter, and even a bit of silliness. My ideal client is open-minded, trusting, and willing to let go of any nervousness to truly be themselves in front of the camera. They’re excited about the process and understand that a great image is a result of both our efforts working together—and sometimes, that includes embracing the playful side of things.

They understand that photography is about more than just posing perfectly; it’s about creating memories and capturing real moments, even if those moments involve a little goofiness or spontaneity. Whether it’s sharing a laugh, making silly faces, or trying something a little out of the ordinary, they’re game for it. After all, some of the best shots come from those unexpected, fun, and carefree moments.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dunnright_photo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/endunnphotos

Image Credits

I have the right a permission to share all attached photos; Dunn Right Photography