Susan has been a member of BetterPhoto for over 5 years and we celebrate her success and inspiring images.

How long have you been a photographer?
I believe I have been a photographer all of my life, at least in my mind. As a child I could sit and look at photographs for hours. They were a link to far away people and places, the magic carpet that carried me away from the four ordinary walls of my bedroom.

What got you started?
It took a long time for reality to catch up with my imagination and I didn't pick up a camera seriously until 1999 when I received a Nikon N60 film camera for Christmas. The first year was an exercise in futility. I wanted my photographs to look like the ones in the magazines and I had no idea how to make it happen. I took an adult education class at a local high school and while it pointed me in the right direction it did not even come close to scratching the surface of what I wanted and needed to learn.

It wasn't until I discovered BetterPhoto in 2004 that things began to click. I devoured the site and looked longingly at the courses offered. My skeptical side found it difficult to accept that a "real" pro was on the other end prepared to critique my work and offer advice. Finally I talked myself into taking a chance. I became an official BP member in June of 04 and signed up for my first class, Creating Visual Impact with Brenda Tharp and the rest, as they say, is history.

What inspires you?
A beautiful sunset, a new puppy, light dancing on the surface of the water, my grandchildren, sailboats, the colors of fall, late afternoon reflections, (did I mention my grandchildren) and light. It's really all about the light, isn't it? Without the light, we have nothing.

What are your photography goals?
My goal is simple, to be the best photographer that I can be. And while in a perfect world I would love to earn enough money to support my obsession, my real goal is to learn as much as I possibly can about the technical side, and to stretch myself creatively. I want to see the possibilities and bring them to life.

How has BetterPhoto helped you attain your goals?
Along with a little ambition, BetterPhoto has been the key to achieving my goals thus far. I am inspired and challenged by the work of the many wonderful photographers who gather here, motivated by classes taught by instructors who care, and rewarded for my efforts by the friendships I have made through this wonderful organization.