Where are you from?
Born and raised in New Jersey right over the George Washington bridge. I moved to NYC as soon as I could.
Where are you based?
NYC. East Village and my studio is in the FiDi (Financial District).
And where are you going?
One’s physical location is becoming less and less relevant to where you are going. I am happy to not know where I am going. Everyday is an adventure and anything is possible.
How would you describe street photography or documentary film-making to a child?
It’s about really listening to people. And really watching people without interrupting them and making a record of what you observe.
The documentary that has inspired me the most is…?
Muhammad Ali: The Greatest by William Klein, 1974.
If you could give yourself one piece of advice when you were first starting out as a photographer, what would that be?
Don’t feel bad about opportunities or assignments you don’t get. Twenty years will pass and you will thank God that instead of doing that fashion assignment you spent your time shooting things that were truly interesting to you. And that body of work will be your foundation that has weight and value.
What can we expect from your Semi-Permanent talk?
A bit about the wisdom of what I garnered from the amazing photographers in my film and the journey of making my film. Maybe I will do some modern dance as well. Ha.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your time as a photographer?
Never get discouraged. Your work is important. Always shoot something. Your skill take practice like all disciplines. People may not understand your work right away but they will respond to your passion. So it is up to you to convey that.
How has it helped you?
Well, the journey has been long and difficult. But I would rather be struggling doing something that totally inspires me than being comfortable and consuming and entertaining myself and having not made anything. I always think of my father or my grandmother and their sacrifices. My hardships pale in comparison. So I pull strength from them.
In 25 words or less describe your workspace.
A loft with 14 ft ceilings. Giant arch window. Negs, books everywhere. A closet crammed with equipment. Shelves of broken cameras. Posters, pictures, art from 25 years.
All images from www.cheryldunn.net.
