My passion and areas of study had always been
art, but to survive financially during college in the early 70's, I ended
up in retail management and ownership. In 1994, after 20 unfulfilling, uninspiring
years in retail during the oil bust, I liquidated my 10,000 square foot
furniture store in downtown Casper Wyoming, got a divorce and went back
to college. My motto that year became "less is more in '94…"
With my daughter in one arm and my belongings in another, I walked away
from my marriage, my home and my business …penniless.
My goal was to begin living again. I wanted to complete my degree in English
with a writing emphasis, but in order to graduate I had to take a Photography
class. In addition the fact that I couldn't afford to buy the 35mm camera
that was required for this class, the idea of photography didn't interest
me.
A good friend of mine, Jim (who later became my
husband) sensed the enthusiasm and fervor I had to complete my degree, and
surprised me with a Canon Rebel 35mm camera so I could take the class. I
remember holding it for the first time, wondering how in the world anyone
could express passion and emotion through something so mechanical. A mound
of clay on a potter's wheel, a freshly stretched canvas, or a blank piece
of paper could always inspire me…but photography?…It only took
a moment of shooting our first assignment in the open air of the Rockies
to realize that photography was an art. The inspiration that emerged from
within, as I viewed the world through the lens of a camera fulfilled a craving
for creativity that I had longed for since I left college the first time.
After I graduated in '96, I began working with
the top wedding photographer in Casper. He had recently attended a workshop
on wedding photojournalism and hired me to assist him and try out this (then)
new concept of "shooting emotion". I was hooked.
I married Jim in 1997 and we were transferred
to Dayton, Ohio. It was then that I decided to combine my business knowledge
with my newly acquired passion of wedding photography and start another
business of my own. Photography By Suzette was born.
Jim and my daughter, Alexandra hung by my side
through it all. Their support and encouragement makes all the difference.
Alex is now 15, attends Centerville High School, and she's beginning to
assist me during outdoor portrait sessions.
Donna Nunke is my steadfast associate. She assists
me with all weddings, studio, and lab work. Her spirituality and gentle
nature has been a powerful inspiration to me during the chaos of everyday
life.
Joining and becoming involved with PPSO has been
one of the defining factors with the success of my studio. The insights,
wisdom, and camaraderie gained from other photographers has become invaluable
to my business…not to mention FUN! I look forward to this year as the
FOCUS newsletter editor, and hope that we can use this forum to share our
trials, successes and insights… Let's move into the New Year together!
~ Suzette
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