We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Susanna Mariette. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Susanna below.

Hi Susanna, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I loved taking pictures as a teenager, but I didn’t really start learning photography until college. I do feel like photography isn’t necessarily one of those things you need to go to college for. Don’t get me wrong they helped me figure out how to use my camera and what all the settings meant and did. I also learned a bit about lighting. I feel like I could have gained knowledge faster shadowing other photographers. You learn a lot actually taking pictures and playing with lighting and poses. I do also take online courses from other photographers; I think it great to see and learn what has worked for their business. One of the skills I found most essential was how to work with outside lighting. I feel like because I shoot a lot of weddings outside that knowing how to the use the light, I have is very beneficial. I also think another essential skill I learned was how to use flash. Sometimes you need to add a little extra light and flash can be an amazing tool if you know how to use it.
I think for me the biggest obstacle was that I didn’t know a lot of other photographers and I really didn’t know how to go about asking anyone if I could shadow them. I also think money is a big issue. You can take all these really great online courses but if you are just starting out you might not have enough money to pay for them yet.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

So, I have been married to my amazing husband for 10 years. We have 4 beautiful children, two girls and two boys. I also have a golden retriever named Shadow who has been my best buddy for the last 11 years. I got into photography in high school. When they start asking you what you want to do with your life, I figured that I loved taking pictures, so I decided to go to college for it. I didn’t think I would actually take pictures of people. I wanted to be a nature or landscape photographer. It wasn’t until a professor told me that I had an eye for taking pictures of people.
I didn’t start photographing wedding until a girl I graduated high school with asked if I could take pictures at her wedding a week before hand. I feel in love with weddings that day, I just didn’t know it yet. I love weddings before I get to be a part of something special and capture amazing memories that people can hold onto forever.
I am most proud of all the progress I have made on my craft. the amazing things I have learned, and getting to meeting the most spectacular people.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think the most rewarding aspect of being a photographer is getting to capture memories people will cherish for their lifetime and maybe even longer.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of clients for me at the moment has been working bridal shows, or word of mouth. I meet so many wonderful brides at shows. I also get to network with other vendors which is another plus for business. Otherwise you can’t go wrong with word of mouth.,

Contact Info:

• Website: www.suzie-qphotography.com

Image Credits
Suzie-Q Photography