Melanie Dunea is an award-winning American photographer, artist, and author whose work, always rooted in photography, explores the intersection of portraiture, interactive art, and literary projects.

A classically trained photographer with training at the studios of Richard Avedon, the Gamma Agency in Paris, and New York’s Industria Superstudio, Dunea has established herself as a highly sought-after photographer and artist.

Creator of the acclaimed My Last Supper book series, which reveals the fantasy meals of iconic chefs, her five books have been translated into several languages and have sold more than 70,000 copies worldwide. Dunea is renowned for her intimate portraits of leading figures in culture and thought, from actors such as Steve Martin and Javier Bardem to musicians like Taylor Swift and Sting, and chefs such as Anthony Bourdain, Eric Ripert, and Ina Garten.

Beyond her portrait photography, Dunea’s Atelier Dunea crafts and creates immersive artistic photographic experiences which engage audiences in unique and memorable ways. Blending visual storytelling with photographic art, she creates moments that spark conversation and invite collaboration, fostering thought-provoking shared artistic experiences that linger long after the event. She also helms Mood Studios which offers a bespoke, on-site photography experience meticulously tailored to events.

Her success has led to appearances on projects such as her own twelve-episode series for Martha Stewart and SiriusXM; an eighteen-episode video series for Yahoo; guest judging on Top Chef: All Stars; and appearances on The Today Show, NPR’s The Splendid Table, and the award-winning The Mind of a Chef. She has received photographic awards from American Photography, PDN, Communication Arts, Graphis, the Society of Publication Designers, International Photography Awards, and the Lucie Foundation.

When not traveling the world on assignment, Dunea supports several international charities, including Food Bank for New York City, Wellness in the Schools, and Edible Schoolyard NYC. She has also been honored with Operation Smile’s Universal Smile Award for her work in Brazil, China, Kenya, and India.

A Chicago native, Dunea has resided in New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood since 1995.

For commissions or questions please contact studio@melaniedunea.com