Chris Gunn
Washington,DC
Summary
Accomplished photographer with expertise using various digital imaging systems. Experienced in optimizing color accuracy and dynamic range during image capture and post-capture processing for high-profile scientific projects, including the James Webb, Hubble, and Roman Space Telescopes. Adept at collaborating with scientists and engineers to create high-quality images that accurately document scientific and technical processes.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
Chris Gunn Photography
01.2000 - Current
- Specializes in scientific and technical imaging, applying advanced image processing techniques to capture high-detail subjects
- Work has been published in leading scientific and technology publications, including National Geographic, Scientific American, Popular Science, Wired, Smithsonian Magazine, The New York Times, and The Atlantic
Lead Photographer (Contractor)
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
01.2022 - 03.2025
- Company Overview: Roman Space Telescope Project
- Worked with engineers and scientists to develop imaging approaches that accurately document project milestones
- Captured high-resolution still images and high-speed video for engineering analysis and scientific visualization
- Coordinated and assigned multiple daily photographic assignments to optimize team productivity and ensure seamless collaboration
- Managed digital asset workflows, including archiving, metadata tagging, and retrieval systems for the photo team
- Conducted image quality assessments, ensuring sharpness and dynamic range optimization
- Roman Space Telescope Project
Lead Photographer (Contractor)
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
11.2009 - 12.2021
- Company Overview: James Webb Space Telescope
- Recommended and implemented medium-format digital cameras for improved resolution and detail preservation
- Created images featured in National Geographic, Scientific American, and The Atlantic, showcasing complex engineering
- Developed and maintained a consistent aesthetic and quality standard throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring images met both engineering requirements and public outreach goals
- James Webb Space Telescope
Photographer (Contractor)
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Company Overview: Hubble Space Telescope
- Captured high-resolution images of astronaut training and engineering operations in controlled environments
- Assisted with camera maintenance, image archiving, and structured documentation to ensure data accuracy
- Hubble Space Telescope
Education
Morehouse College
Atlanta, GASkills
- Photography Direction
- Creative Strategy
- Editorial Photography
- Documentary Photography
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Lightroom
- Digital Photography
- High-Speed Lighting
- Studio Lighting
- Digital Asset Management
- Sensitometry
- Color Correction
- Noise Reduction
- Color Grading
Awards
- Communication Arts Editorial Winner, 2024
- NASA Photographer of the Year, 1st Place, 2019, 2021, 3rd Place, 2019, 2021
- 'First Hasselblad Contest' Winner, 2019
Selected Publication
Inside the Star Factory: A Visual Journey Documenting The Creation of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope—MIT Press (Book, 2023) Author and Photographer
Timeline
Lead Photographer (Contractor)
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
01.2022 - 03.2025
Lead Photographer (Contractor)
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
11.2009 - 12.2021
Photographer (Contractor)
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
01.2006 - 01.2009
Owner
Chris Gunn Photography
01.2000 - Current
Morehouse College
Similar Profiles
Chris KirkvoldChris Kirkvold
Freelance Photographer at Chris Kirkvold PhotographyFreelance Photographer at Chris Kirkvold Photography
Emma BradleyEmma Bradley
Photography Assistant at Chris Bradley PhotographyPhotography Assistant at Chris Bradley Photography
Yuridia Anem MartinezYuridia Anem Martinez
Junior Internship at Chris Guillen PhotographyJunior Internship at Chris Guillen Photography