Henry Dunn was born in Devonshire in 1828 and is shown in the 1861 Census as being 33 years old and a Photographic Artist residing at 14 Victoria Road as Head of the Household with one servant. From his advertising on his Cartes, he started operating as a photographer from Le Tourgand, North Esplanade, St Peter Port from 1858.

In the 1871 Census his address is listed as being at 'North Esplanade and aged 43 - he is the only occupant on census night.

In the 1881 Census, he is shown as being at '1 North Esplanade' and aged 52, but is now married to 'Betsy' (born 1843 in Vale Guernsey) aged 38 and who's occupation is assistant photographer.

Previous research by others has intimated that his wife took over the business c1886.

On some Carte de Visites he is described also as a 'Consulting Optician' or 'Optician'. At some time he appears to have joined the Masons as their logo is printed on some of the Cartes.