Saturday, April 9, 2011

A Passion for Photography

I have a feeling that today's guest is not new to you. Susanna's Sketchbook, is an amazing blog and it's author has a special talent for friendship. Susanna Gordon is a remarkable woman, full of talent and generosity. If you haven't met her yet, today is your lucky day.



Without a doubt, photography is my personal passion. Ever since I developed that first roll of film and printed that first contact sheet in Art College, I was hooked.


Whether I am wandering through a neighborhood in New York or walking down a dirt path in a local park, I tend to pay more attention to my surroundings when I have my camera slung over my shoulder. Graffiti on wall in the Meat Packing District or an abandoned farmhouse along a dirt road in the countryside can become the setting for a good story or two. That's one big reason I enjoy photography so much. Images tell stories.


My most favourite subjects for photography are people. During my twenties, I spent many weekends photographing weddings. From that experience, I got over the fear of asking strangers if I could take their photo. What I discovered is that more often than not, people will say yes. I think many of us are curious as to how an artist or a photographer may see us. Why would someone want to take my photograph...? And it requires trust on behalf of the person posing for me, particularly is I am a stranger to them, that I will represent them in a good way. Needless to say, I feel very lucky when someone agrees to post for me.


The best moment of all - that state of bliss when my heart races and time disappears - occurs while I am shooting. IT is when that indescribable something happens that is beyond what I had envisioned. It could be the way the light may fall upon a scene of the expression that crosses the face of my subject when I know that she is lost in thought. It can be in an unexpected movement or a pose. That's the moment in photography that I love most of all. ~ Susanna

14 comments:

Char said...

there is a dark side to your photography that i enjoy

susanna said...

Thank you, Char. And thank you, Relyn, for inviting me to participate in your month long celebration of personal passion posts.

Jennifer Richardson said...

photographers are wonderful
storytellers!
I think it's because they
listen so well with their eyes:)
-Jennifer

Amy said...

Oh, I love the stories photos tell; but I haven't quite gotten over my fear of asking others if I can take their picture ... so most of my photos are "the end" of a story, if you will ... :)

Marilyn Miller said...

Susanna, Thank you for sharing your passion. Photography is just beginning to catch me in it's grasp. I am trying to learn to ask strangers for photos yet. I love your photos so much, they do inspire me.

Unknown said...

Susanna captures life in her lens so beautifully...how wonderful that she is highlighted here!

Tracy said...

"...time disappears - occurs while I am shooting..." I love that feeling too! So great to meet Susanna and her amazing photos & art! :o) ((HUGS))

Connie said...

thanks for sharing your passion! and Relyn I am loving this series!

Rita said...

Thank you Susanna for sharing your passion of photogrpahy with us. As Relyn can tell you, I love photos. I'm the picture hound in our family! Relyn, thank you for sharing this post with us.

susanna said...

Thank you, everyone. Thank you for putting a big *smile* on face tonight.

christina said...

susanna rocks my world with her art. i love it to pieces!

XOXO

Elizabeth said...

Susanna
YOU ARE A STAR!

Jeanie said...

Oh, Susanna, what wonderful images you have shared with Relyn's readers! I loved how you described the state of bliss when you are shooting. That is such a gift. Thank you.

Jaime said...

I wish I wish I wish I had that kind of bravery, to ask strangers if I can take their picture.
I'm working on it.
And that perfect state when time disappears? Blissful indeed!

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