Carmen Dunham Photography

Carmen Dunham Photography Bay Area Family + Newborn Photographer specializing in video and photography. Capturing real life of real families, like yours. Let's be human together.

Photography has enriched my life in ways I never imagined. I picked up my camera to capture those early sleepless newbor...
05/08/2026

Photography has enriched my life in ways I never imagined. I picked up my camera to capture those early sleepless newborn days I knew I’d be too tired to remember. As an introvert, it became my gateway — and quietly, my love language. A way of saying I see you without having to find the words.

And boy, has it led me to some beautiful souls. Many of them women. Mothers. A powerhouse of multitudes.

This Mother’s Day weekend, I’m thinking about all the ways love shows up without announcement. These portraits were taken at The Family Narrative Retreat in Ojai — a family of badass photographers, showing up for their craft, for each other, and for the families they document. I’m so grateful to see and be seen by you. ❤️

Photo of me by
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Welcome to the — We’re a community of alumni connected by our love for cinematic storytelling. We find beauty in the narrative depth of daily life, and while each of our styles is beautifully unique, we all share the same goal: to weave light, composition, and emotion into a photograph that feels like a remembered scene.
Our stories may be different, but each one is worth telling.
I can‘t wait to see the story you share. Next up is: ✨

Being lifted and inspired by incredible photographers is a gift. ✨This week I attended  retreat, where our first photo a...
04/30/2026

Being lifted and inspired by incredible photographers is a gift. ✨

This week I attended retreat, where our first photo assignment was to channel some of the greats. We had the honor of emulating , an artist who I admire and continue to draw inspiration from. I knew right away that my favorite dress would pair perfectly with the photo challenge and volunteered to “model” in it. The collab in itself was fun, light, and magical—an art form that Jesse embodied. Image captured by Maryam and edited by me in Mobile.

Senior sessions are in full swing, and we’re having a blast. What I’m loving most? Collabing with these big kids, bounci...
04/03/2026

Senior sessions are in full swing, and we’re having a blast. What I’m loving most? Collabing with these big kids, bouncing ideas off each other, and just having fun. It’s a vibe, and I’m here for it—here for them.

For this session, we went back to where it all began for this senior: Fairyland, Oakland’s beloved storybook park where time stands still—except when you’re graduating, and suddenly it doesn’t.

His mom absolutely understood the assignment and showed up with a rolling suitcase full of treasures, including the astronaut helmet he wore nonstop as a kid. Watching from the sidelines, I could feel her heart melting. Honestly, it was the sweetest.

The whole session felt so easy. We bounced between the Fairy Gates and the lake, and everything just clicked. Before we knew it, the sun had set with the pinkest of skies.

This is what non-traditional senior portraits look like. Creative, personal, nostalgic, weird in the best of ways, and completely you. ⚡️🎓✨

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Welcome to the — We’re a community of alumni connected by our love for cinematic storytelling. We find beauty in the narrative depth of daily life, and while each of our styles is beautifully unique, we all share the same goal: to weave light, composition, and emotion into a photograph that feels like a remembered scene.
Our stories may be different, but each one is worth telling.
I can‘t wait to see the story you share. Next up is: .photography


oaklandclassof2026

Some good news! One of my favorite photos was chosen as a finalist in the Landscape category for Click Magazine. 🎉This o...
03/12/2026

Some good news! One of my favorite photos was chosen as a finalist in the Landscape category for Click Magazine. 🎉

This one was taken on an epic road trip along the coast with dear family. I knew it was something special the moment I took it, but as family circumstances have changed, it has only grown more meaningful. So grateful for these little pockets of light to look back on.

Big thanks to Click Magazine for fostering such a supportive community (I heard the news from friends first, which made it even sweeter). And congrats to the winners — you all continue to blow me away.

Oh, and if you need to hear it today: always insist on just "one more photo." Your family will thank you later. 🩷

Today marks the last of the Lunar New Year festivities welcoming in the Year of the Fire Horse. And we didn't just show ...
03/04/2026

Today marks the last of the Lunar New Year festivities welcoming in the Year of the Fire Horse. And we didn't just show up, we showed UP: lion dances on repeat, two Chinatowns (SF + Oakland), the celebration at Oakland Museum of Modern Art, and yes, I made my mom's famous noodles. Because some traditions are non-negotiable. 🍜

There's something about watching communities fill the streets with pride that feels both necessary and healing right now. Let's carry that fire into everything we do this year. 🧧✨"

And hey, this is your sign if you've been waiting for the right time to finally capture your family, refresh your headshots, or let the love you poured into your work be seen.🔥🐴

Let’s talk. I'd love to make it happen.

02/12/2026

Slow your scroll and give yourself 3 min for this one. 💛

Because your voice matters. Your story matters.

THIS is what I’m most jazzed about. It’s the full story.

Meet Patricia of (!!!). This is what happens when we slow down and create space for the real story behind your business. She shares her journey from her grandma’s workshop in Honduras to her San Francisco studio: sewing, block printing, and creating art with her hands.

This is branding photography and videography done differently: immersive, intentional, and entirely YOU.

And remember: this longer film can be broken down into bite-sized clips for your feed, too.

We build the world we want to see. One story at a time.

San Francisco branding photographer and videographer. 📸 🎥

You guys! The DMs have been so heartwarming—thank you. It's clear we're all feeling the pull to connect, support each ot...
02/05/2026

You guys! The DMs have been so heartwarming—thank you. It's clear we're all feeling the pull to connect, support each other, and build community in real and tangible ways.

A lot of you have been asking what's the difference between short clips and the full films. These 5-10 second videos are bite-sized moments: your hands at work, the details of your process, quick behind-the-scenes glimpses. Perfect for staying visible and connected on your website, Reels and Stories.

The longer film (my favorite)? That's the full story, the heart of everything. Stay tuned.

Take a look at PATO and give this woman-owned and Asian/Latina-led small biz some love.

As the proud daughter of immigrant parents, I learned early that hope isn’t passive—it’s choosing to build beauty from s...
02/02/2026

As the proud daughter of immigrant parents, I learned early that hope isn’t passive—it’s choosing to build beauty from strength and struggle, and to speak up for what’s right. That’s the future I want to believe in.

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In a world that feels heavy, where we witness pain that words struggle to hold, we remember the core of our art: humanity.

Our cameras are tools of observation, but our hearts are the true storytellers.

This week, we channel our collective lens toward the light we wish to see. We share images that speak to resilience, to kindness, to the quiet, defiant act of hope. We believe photography is not just about capturing reality, but about illuminating a path forward—a reminder that even in shadows, there is form, depth, and the potential for light.

Let’s use our platform to weave a narrative of compassion. Let’s teach through our imagery what it means to be human, to be kind, and to stand together. Our art is a testament to the world we are building for the next generation—one framed with empathy, focused on connection, and developed in love.

I can’t wait to see the hope you frame.

To continue this journey, please visit the next artist:

Let’s keep this narrative of light moving. ✨

From family to brand photography + videography—same ❤️ , new stories.For over a decade, I’ve documented real moments wit...
01/27/2026

From family to brand photography + videography—same ❤️ , new stories.

For over a decade, I’ve documented real moments with real families. Now I’m ready to bring that same authentic approach to more businesses centered on community, equity, and meaningful values.

If you’re an artist, creative, therapist, maker, or healer—especially women-led, BIPOC, and/or LGBTQ+ biz owners—this is for you.

Together we’ll create short form videos (5-10 sec for Reels/TikTok), photographs, and immersive brand films that tell YOUR story. Just authentic storytelling that feels good to share and builds genuine connection.

Still figuring out your story? Let’s talk anyway.

More on my branding page—link in bio. 🎥📸

09/24/2025

I'll be honest, talking about myself on camera is about as fun as getting my first AARP invite in the mail.

But here we are with two big milestones this year: approaching the big 5-0 (!!!) and my biz turning 10.

And as one does when facing a midlife existential crisis, I handled it with the same reverence and fervor as an emo teenager and made a video.

After all, it's about time I stepped out from behind the lens and got real...in video. But what began as sharing my heart evolved into appreciating how I've stayed true to my promise to find beauty in the mess of every day.

Thank you for going along on this ride with me.

If you're curious about capturing your family's story, I'd love to hear from you.

Let's continue being brave and showing up for ourselves and each other. 🩷

Address

San Francisco, CA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

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