From Learning Light to Mastering Emotion in Photography
Photography is not just about clicking a shutter—it’s about learning, evolving, and capturing moments that resonate deeply. Every photographer starts somewhere, and the journey from a beginner to a professional is filled with trial, error, breakthroughs, and endless learning.
At AURA AWARDS, we created the NOW & THEN Project to highlight photographers who have transformed their craft—those who have refined their skills, built their artistic voice, and embraced growth through experience. Today, we feature Dustin O’Quinn from the USA, a photographer whose dedication to mastering lighting, composition, and emotion has taken his work to new heights.
His story is one of determination, continuous learning, and a deep passion for storytelling through the delicate art of newborn photography.
Meet Dustin O’Quinn – The Artist Behind the Lens
Some photographers find their calling through exploration, while others feel a natural pull toward their art. For Dustin O’Quinn, photography became more than a career—it became a way to capture life’s most tender moments with purpose and passion.
“Hello! My name is Dustin O’Quinn, and I specialize in studio newborn photography. My studio is located in Lebanon, VA, where I also live with my family. Our lives are simple, filled with love, faith, and connection. On weekends, you’ll find us in church, sharing meals, and enjoying time together.
I’ve always had a passion for creating something with my hands, whether it’s building projects, working outdoors, or crafting meaningful images that tell a story. In addition to photography, my days are filled with caring for our 21 backyard chickens, embracing the beauty of homemade and vintage treasures, and finding joy in the outdoors.
My journey in photography has been one of growth, challenges, and incredible rewards. What started as a passion slowly turned into a career—one that allows me to create timeless images for families while continuously pushing myself to evolve as an artist.”
NOW & THEN – A Journey of Learning & Growth
Photography is an ever-evolving craft. No one starts as an expert, and every successful photographer has faced challenges, made mistakes, and worked through countless learning experiences.
For Dustin, the biggest transformation in his work came from understanding the power of light and proper posing. Newborn photography is a delicate art—every detail matters, from the way the light falls on a baby’s skin to the subtle positioning that brings out emotion and beauty in the image.
Through years of dedicated learning, attending workshops, experimenting with lighting techniques, and refining his editing style, Dustin has grown from an aspiring photographer to an artist who captures newborn portraits with elegance and emotion.
What We Can Learn from Dustin’s Transformation
Dustin’s journey has been one of continuous learning and self-improvement. Here are some of the key lessons he has gained along the way:
Mastering Lighting – Understanding and controlling light is the foundation of a great photograph. Dustin’s early challenges with lighting were overcome through workshops, practice, and countless hours of experimenting.
The Power of Posing – A well-posed newborn creates an image that feels natural and peaceful. Over time, Dustin learned how to position babies comfortably while maintaining the artistry of composition and storytelling.
Finding His Editing Workflow – While editing is an essential part of photography, nailing the shot in-camera is even more crucial. Dustin refined his workflow so that each image requires minimal post-processing, ensuring consistency and efficiency.
Building a Business from the Ground Up – Turning a passion into a career requires more than just talent—it requires bold decisions. For Dustin, one of his greatest moments was taking the leap into becoming a legal business and fully committing to his craft.
The Importance of Self-Reflection – Photography is an endless journey. Looking back at older images and seeing the growth, improvements, and progress is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist.
Below is one of Dustins´s Work at his starting point in 2016.
The AURA AWARDS Interview with Dustin O’Quinn
As part of our NOW & THEN Project, we sat down with Dustin O’Quinn to discuss his journey, the lessons he has learned, and how he continues to push himself forward.
Q: How many years have you been working professionally as a photographer?
A: Dustin – I’ve been working professionally for eight years now, and every year brings new lessons and improvements.
Q: What are the most technical improvements you notice between your first and latest images?
A: Dustin – Without a doubt, lighting and posing. Understanding how to properly light a subject and position a baby in a way that feels both natural and artistic completely changed the way I shoot.
Q: What was the biggest challenge when starting out?
A: Dustin – Learning how to control lighting. It’s one thing to take a photo, but it’s another thing entirely to understand how light shapes your subject.
Q: How did you master lighting techniques over time?
A: Dustin – Workshops, endless video tutorials, and lots of hands-on practice. There’s no shortcut—you have to put in the work and experiment until it clicks.
Q: Was there a specific moment when you realized how much you had improved?
A: Dustin – Not really one specific moment, but when I look back at images from previous years, I see just how much I’ve grown. Photography is all about evolution, and we should always be learning.
Q: What advice would you give to your younger self when starting out?
A: Dustin – Don’t be so hard on yourself. Growth takes time, and you will get there—trust the process.
Q: What was the best decision you made for your photography career?
A: Dustin – Just going for it. Becoming a legal business and committing fully to photography changed my life.
Q: What’s the next big step in your career?
A: Dustin – I want to expand into teaching and hosting newborn photography workshops to help others grow.
Q: How has competing in AURA AWARDS helped your photography?
A: Dustin – It pushes me to be better. Competing isn’t about being better than others—it’s about being better than the photographer I was yesterday.
Q: If you could only shoot with one lens for the rest of your career, which would it be?
A: Dustin – 50mm f/1.4, hands down. It has gorgeous bokeh without distortion and produces stunning, natural images.
Dustin’s Journey – A Story of Passion & Dedication
Dustin O’Quinn’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, learning, and believing in your craft. From struggling with lighting to mastering newborn photography, his growth has been an incredible journey of dedication and self-improvement.
His work now stands as a reflection of his hard work, passion, and commitment to capturing life’s most precious moments.
At AURA AWARDS, we are honored to showcase Dustin O’Quinn as part of our NOW & THEN Project. His transformation proves that every photographer has the ability to evolve, improve, and reach new creative heights.
Follow Dustin’s work at:
Join the AURA AWARDS and start your own journey! www.aura-awards.com