Insta Fav #77: John Dunfee

Follow: @johndunfee

Where are you from? How does that place influence the way you photograph?
I currently live in Portland, Oregon. It’s such a wonderful place. It’s the perfect combination of city but still has the charm and intimacy of a small town. There is something about the northwest that is so unique and special unlike any other place I’ve been. I never take for granted the beautiful lush green landscapes, mountains, and rivers.

Growing up I never got to experience that so it still seems unreal every time I stand at the base of a waterfall or catch a glimpse of snow capped mountain. I never want to take for granted and lose that sense of wonder. Living in such an amazing city definitely makes it easy to take beautiful photographs because I don’t have to do much. I just have to walk down the street or take a short drive out of the city to the gorge to find things to photograph.

What are your favorite environments to shoot in?
I try to use natural light whenever possible. My apartment is probably where I like to take most of my photographs. It’s where I’m comfortable. It where I create. It’s home.

What are the strengths of shooting primarily mobile? How does this affect your imagery?
I think that shooting pictures from my iPhone allows me to capture so much because my phone goes where I go so I’m able to document my day or things that catch my eye. I think people enjoy and appreciate something that is real so I try to do that by giving little glimpses into my day to day life. Sometimes that is amazing adventures on mountain tops but most of the time it’s ordinary day to day things that everyone else is experiencing too.

People can easily identify with something that is genuine. Whether it be candid moments with friends, me waking up from a much needed nap, or wrestling with hard questions that I’m facing my phone is more of a photo journal that documents my day to day. I want to be real and transparent and for people to see that I’m living a human experience that is probably similar to theirs.

Who and what are the things that inspire you?
I would say my greatest inspiration when creating comes from nature. I find that the vast amount of color and textures to be so limitless.

Music is another huge thing that inspires me. I think it carries so much power and the ability to change an atmosphere. Having the right music can conjure up so many emotions, memories, and ideas.

I am also extremely lucky to be surrounded with so many creative and talented friends. Whether it be photographers, musicians, or artists I think that we continually inspire and push each other creatively. It’s really encouraging to have people around you that believe in what you are doing and support your craft.

Favorite instagrammers?
That’s so hard. There are so many incredible people that deserve recognition. I’ll try and limit myself to 6. In no particular order.
@kristinrogers, @brenna_marriie, @brenton_clarke, @local_milk, @bethanygosvener, @mchltckr

Tell us a little about your everyday.
Currently I work for H&M as a Visual Merchandiser. I work along side some amazingly talented people to create and build the window and mannequin displays. It’s a lot of fun and allows me to have a creative outlet that is more hands on. We are always building, planning or installing different displays and windows every week. I don’t think people often realize how much time and work goes into creating the displays you see. I couldn’t do it alone though so I’m thankful for my coworkers that I get to spend 40 hrs a week with. We have a great partnership and are able to bounce around ideas with each other.

When not at work I keep busy hanging out with friends or new friends that are visiting Portland. I can usually be found in a local coffee shop or walking around The Pearl district. I really enjoy being outdoors. Whether that be camping or hiking with friends I try to get out into nature at least a couple times a month if not more.

Which Apps do you use to edit your pictures?
I only use Vsco. I don’t waste too much time editing photos. If I like a photo I’ll pull it into Vsco and do a quick edit. I have a couple staple filters that I gravitate toward and use for pretty much everything. If it takes me longer than a few minutes on one photo it’s time to move on. I don’t want to overthink it. It’s not that serious.

If you’d like to become a future Insta Fav, follow @ignant. We’ll look into it.