Bio & Process

I’m Sammy. I take pictures. I also still occasionally act and make music.

I moved to New York City in 2004, after graduating from Oberlin College, and spending a year studying film and photography at FAMU (Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts) in Prague, Czech Republic. Then I didn’t pick up my camera for over 10 years. I acted in a lot of Off-Broadway shows, and toured and made music with my bands, The Point and The Lisps. We wrote a musical, won a bunch of awards, and then I had an existential crisis. I started photographing again, and realized that it made me happier, and more whole than performing, and that I was better at it than maybe anything else I had ever done professionally in my adult life,

I believe that having your picture taken is an act of bravery and radical self-love. My mission is to take photographs that make you feel present and seen in the moment, that look like the best version of you, and that make you love yourself when you look at them. My other goal is to ensure that the process is as low-stress, painless and as fun as possible.

As a performer, I’ve had my picture taken many times, and I’ve learned from being on the other end of the camera what is not helpful from a photographer. I know what performers need from the pictures I take of them. I also very much enjoy shooting non-performers, especially my fellow multi-hyphenates, introverts and the camera-shy.

Before we begin, I send you a handy prep document that helps you understand exactly what to bring and how to prepare beforehand. I encourage you to share portrait images with me that speak to you - colors, compositions, gestures, and postures you feel inspired by. If you’re an actor, there are specific questions to ask yourself or your representation. I want to make this as easy and collaborative as possible for you - less like a formal photo shoot, and more like hanging out together with a camera.

sammytunisphotography@gmail.com