Portrait Photography Portfolio

Arthur Dong’s lifelong penchant for still photography continued into his filmmaking career, taking photos of his documentary subjects on location. The photographic portraits in this portfolio originate from work on the films Forbidden City, USA, Licensed to Kill, and Family Fundamentals, and were captured on 35mm film.

Jadin Wong, talent manager and dancer, at her New York City home office (1985). Photo by Arthur Dong, © 2020 DeepFocus Productions, Inc.

Jack Mei Ling, dancer (Oakland, California 1985). Photo by Arthur Dong, © 2020 DeepFocus Productions, Inc.

Dorothy Takahashi Toy, dancer (Oakland, California 1988). Photo by Arthur Dong, © 2020 DeepFocus Productions, Inc.

Dudley Lee, singer (San Francisco 1989). Photo by Arthur Dong, © 2020 DeepFocus Productions, Inc.

Dottie Sun, dancer (Sacramento, California 1986). Photo by Arthur Dong, © 2020 DeepFocus Productions, Inc.

Larry Ching, singer (San Francisco, 1988). Photo by Arthur Dong, © 2020 DeepFocus Productions, Inc.

Mae Lee, singer (San Francisco, 19850. Photo by Arthur Dong © 2020 DeepFocus Productions, Inc.

Charlie Low, Forbidden City nightclub owner (San Francisco, 1985). Photo by Arthur Dong, © 2020 DeepFocus Productions, Inc.

Corey Burley, inmate (Robertson Unit at Abilene, Texas 1996). Photo by Arthur Dong, © 2020 DeepFocus Productions, Inc.

William Cross, inmate (Danville Correctional Center at Danville, Illinois 1996). Photo by Arthur Dong, © 2020 DeepFocus Productions, Inc.

Donald Aldrich, inmate (Ellis 1 Unit at Huntsville, Texas 1995). Photo by Arthur Dong, © 2020 DeepFocus Productions, Inc.

Henry Dunn Jr at his trial for the murder of Nicholas West (Smith County Courthouse in Tyler, Texas 1995). Photo by Arthur Dong, © 2020 DeepFocus Productions, Inc.

Brian Bennett displays photos that chronicle his relationship with former U.S. Congressman Robert Dornan. Photo by Arthur Dong, Long Beach, California, 2001. © 2020 DeepFocus Productions, Inc.

Kathleen Bremner, founder Spatula Ministries (San Diego, California 2001). Photo by Arthur Dong, © 2020 DeepFocus Productions, Inc.

Guy Foti, left, and David Jester, grandson to Kathleen Bremner (Laguna Beach, California 2001). Photo by Arthur Dong, © 2020 DeepFocus Productions, Inc.