MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

mother and daughter snuggling near a breezy window

My name is

Carmen, and I make photographs + films

of real life for

real families,

like yours.

self portrait of mother having fun with her goofy daughter

Real life is more than pretty pictures. The beauty is in the whole, both the good and the messy. And it is absolutely worth documenting, all of it.

Photography is deeply personal—and that's what makes me want to pick up my camera.

The most rewarding part about what I do is the connection I make with each family I meet. We share a unique journey of real moments together, and being invited into those intimate spaces is an honor for me

I’ve always been fascinated by people; my B.S. is in anthropology. I appointed myself the family documentarian, taking photos of our travels and milestones. I soon realized how much I love visual storytelling. I picked up my first serious camera when my daughter was born, knowing those early years with her were precious and ever-changing. Around that time, a photographer friend’s encouragement led me to pursue photography professionally. Now many years and some very proud accomplishments into this career, my passion for it only grows.

I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Gather strength

from the

beauty of

your chaos.

silly photo of family being goofy in the bedroom
mother and daughter having a tearful goodbye at the hospital

I didn't truly come to understand the power of a photograph until 2017, when I took a self-portrait while embracing my mother in her hospital bed, saying goodbye to her. The intimate exchange between us in that moment is everything to me. And when I showed my mom that photo, so full of strength, courage, and openness, she truly understood why I love doing what I do—and why I want to do it for others.

mom and dad at last chemo appointment
family trying on wigs together during mom's chemo

That's where I come in.

Family photos are the emotional, nostalgic, genuine, soulful, and meaningful keepsakes of what's important: the people you love.

Photographs are the tangible reminders that you take home again, no matter where you are.

Even if you've never been comfortable in front of the camera, even if you're worried your kids won't behave or that your house isn't photo-worthy, I encourage you to find bravery within. Because you'll appreciate your beautiful humanness a little more after seeing photos and watching your film.

This is my promise to you.

It's important

to put yourself

in the picture.

Chasing your kids, trying to get pictures

with your phone, you end up absent

from the very shots that mark your memories.

Let yourself forget there's a camera in the room,

and be participant in special images

of your interactions together.

All of you.

Let's be brave and human together.

Let's be brave and human together.

father and daughter bonding with some skateboarding

schedule your free

phone consultation

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LEARN MORE ABOUT

carmen dunham photography black logo

Bay Area Family Photographer & Filmmaker

mother and daughter having a tearful goodbye at the hospital

But I didn't truly come to understand the power of a photograph until 2017, when I took a self-portrait while embracing my mother in her hospital bed, saying goodbye to her. The intimate exchange between us in that moment is everything to me. And when I showed my mom that photo, so full of strength, courage and openness, she truly understood why I love doing what I do—and why I want to do it for others.

mother and daughter having a tearful goodbye at the hospital
mom and dad at last chemo appointment
family trying on wigs together during mom's chemo

I didn't truly come to understand the power of a photograph until 2017, when I took a self-portrait while embracing my mother in her hospital bed, saying goodbye to her. The intimate exchange between us in that moment is everything to me. And when I showed my mom that photo, so full of strength, courage, and openness, she truly understood why I love doing what I do—and why I want to do it for others.

mother and daughter having a tearful goodbye at the hospital

I didn't truly come to understand the power of a photograph until 2017, when I took a self-portrait while embracing my mother in her hospital bed, saying goodbye to her. The intimate exchange between us in that moment is everything to me. And when I showed my mom that photo, so full of strength, courage, and openness, she truly understood why I love doing what I do—and why I want to do it for others.

mom and dad at last chemo appointment
family trying on wigs together during mom's chemo