Dusti Cunningham Photography

I'll say that it's not as much actually photography as it is retouching done in Photoshop. With that said, the outcome is an aesthetic that is a pseudo unique displayed with a saturated pallet of color or a great technique in dodging and burning or adjusting filters for lighting on photoshop. He's clearly well versed with the Adobe program. Some of his taste seems a bit sleazy but from what I've understood from the models used in the sometimes compromised caricatures the use of stating that it is a portrait would be to say that the over embellishment and exaggerated is the reality. These things are just his vision. I wouldn't say that his taste is an extraordinary authenticity, or authentic for that matter, but just his personal take on previous artists with privilege and access to technologies that such said earlier artists did not have when they were creating original works outside of retouch via graphite. With all this in tow, the product is entertainment and merely pleasing on some minor level to the trained eye. It is food for the uneducated masses that have yet to have a higher exposure to photography or other mediums of art. Art is art, displayed in many different forms. This would not be much outside of illustration and commercial pop art. more

In the last twenty-five years, I have worked with many photographers in\r the Kansas City and Miami, Florida area and I have to say that Dusti is\r the most talented of them all. We have worked on projects together\r ranging from photographing the previous Mayor of Kansas City, Kaye\r Barnes portrayed as June Cleaver to plastic figures depicting a rodeo\r scene to drag queens as well as other serious, sensitive portraits. He\r always delivered products beyond my expectations. His unique style is\r always evident in everything he does. Dusti is never short of an idea,\r moves quickly and is very ""take charge"". I can promise anyone that uses\r Dusti that not only will you be getting incredible photos, you will be\r provided with a unique experience too. more

I'm an artist and have been on both sides of the camera. Having worked with Dusti many times over the past 12 years I can honestly say he's the only photographer who has consistently given me beautiful pictures of myself. His images have style and a creative bend that most photographers try to get...but with Dusti, it's there naturally. \r \r Whether he simply snaps a quick picture in natural light, or brings out elaborate clothing, a horde of eclectic props and sets up a historical scene from the 1920's (which he has done for me!)...it will be stellar. Dusti will go to great lengths to produce out-of-this-world portraits and his images are the kind you pass down to generations...not the kind that end up in people's junk drawer! \r \r Dusti is also a blast to work with and it really helps you loosen up and relax...if you're nervous about having your picture taken, it goes away quickly with him. Also if you feel like you're not photogenic or don't have perfect skin (or that the camera will add 10 pounds)...no worries, Dusti is highly skilled at touch-up work and you will be amazed at the outcome.\r \r One of the best parts of working with Dusti is that he loves taking photographs and it shows. He is full of great ideas and can look at you and fit you into a setting that perfectly personifies who you are, or better yet, who you want to be! Highly recommended. more