About Melanie Dunea

Renowned portrait photographer Melanie Dunea travels the world on assignment, photographing the most influential and powerful people in the public eye. Her photographs are regularly published in prestigious magazines such as Vanity Fair, Time, People, Redbook, and Ladies' Home Journal. In addition to her editorial clients, Melanie has been privileged to shoot with some of the most influential advertising, entertainment, corporate, and music companies around the globe.

Her book projects are her side interests and also her passion. Her last book, My Country, 50 Musicians on God, America & The Songs They Love, was published by Rodale in October 2010. It was covered by The Today Show and by many national magazines.

Melanie’s first book, Precious, is a collection of celebrity portraits. Her second book, A Journey of Smiles, is a six-year long photographic study of the work done by the charity Operation Smile. She traveled to Africa, India, Brazil, and China documenting the missions. Her best-selling third book, My Last Supper, explores the lives and recipies of the world's top chefs. It is in its second printing and was translated into French and Chinese.

In 2010 Operation Smile honored Melanie with the Universal Smile Award for her photographic and charitable contributions. She also received photographic awards from American Photography, PDN, Communication Arts, Graphis, Society of Publication Design, International Photography Awards, and the Lucie Foundation.

She released her latest work, My Last Supper; The Second Course, in October 2011. Melanie Dunea asked fifty of the world’s famous chefs what their final meals would be. My Last Supper, the Next Course showcases their fascinating answers alongside stunning VanityFair-style portraits. Their responses are surprising, refreshing, and as distinct from each other as the chefs themselves. The portraits are informed by their answers and reveal the passions and personalities of the most respected names in the business. Lastly, one recipe from each landmark meal is included in the back of the book.

With My Last Supper, Dunea found a way into the typically harried, hidden minds of the people who have turned preparing food into an art. Who wouldn’t want to know where Paul Bocuse would like his supper to be? And who would prepare Heston Blumenthal's final meal? What would Joel Robuchon's guest list look like? As the clock ticked, what album would Rachael Ray be listening to? And just what would Bobby Flay eat for the last time?

Dunea lives in New York City and is represented by Creative Photographers inc.

Visit Melanie Dunea's Website