Photo Blast 2013 - Professional Photographers of Ohio

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of attending Photo Blast 2013, put on by Professional Photographers of Ohio (PPO).

Wow, what a crazy busy weekend, not only did I have the chance to attend  two full day workshops, but I had the opportunity to make a bunch of new photography friends!!  I loved the energy of this event, I have been a member of  PPO for three years, but last year was the first time I was able to attend their winter seminar and I was only able to catch a few of the speakers.  This year, I was able to take two full day class/workshops and also attend three more seminars through out the weekend.  By the time I got home, my brain was on over load!!  It took a few days for me to catch up on my sleep!!

The first workshop I took was with Hanson Fong, this man is amazing!  He is a master photographer, who has been winning awards since he started his business in the 70's!  He was extremely kind and  very funny!!  He had us laughing the entire day!  He also never tired of the endless questions our class threw his way!  He was so open and honest about everything, it was truly an honor to get to train with this legend!!  Thank you Hanson!

The legendary Hanson Fong and I!

The second workshop I took was with Ted & Rachel Linczak, Linczak Photography.   This power house couple is one of the most amazing wedding photographers in Ohio, and they are located in the Cleveland area!  I have followed their work for years, and had actually met them about four years ago, when I contacted them about a one on one training day.  They were amazing back then, and have become even more awesome as the years have gone by!  It was so wonderful getting the chance to take a class with them again!  As always, they are both the kindest people you will ever met, they are also always willing to answer my millions of questions!!   I am sure Ted and Rachel would tell you that I never run out of questions!!  I am so thankful that they are so willing to help me out when I need something!  What a fabulous class this was, thank you Ted and Rachel!! 

Ted Linczak and I.

Rachel Linczak and I.

Handsome & single - Erik!

My cousin Erik came into town for Thanksgiving, along with his mom and dad.  It has been a really long time since we have all been together for Thanksgiving.  Since, we had a few minutes my Aunt asked me to take a new portrait of Erik for her wall.

So, here are a few of the images, Erik was a trooper, seriously he did not want to do this, but he did it because he is a nice guy and wanted to make his mom happy.

An FYI - to all you single ladies out there, Erik is single and available (oh, when he reads this he will be so embarrassed.  I will just have to remind him that he loves me!! :)

He is super handsome (as you can tell in his portraits!), has a fabulous job and is currently working on his second master's degree (yes, you heard me right, one was not enough for him, so he is continuing his education!).  I know you are all asking why is he still single?  Well, it is because he has not found anyone as awesome as he is (my words, not his, Ha Ha!, I think he may now die of embarrassment, which would be awful, because he is still single!  Yes, ladies you heard me right, he is single!!)

Erik,
You are an awesome cousin, and I love you dearly!
Remember you love me too and you will not kill me when you read this post!!  :)

Love ya!
Susie

A world traveler, A beautiful little girl and FOP

A few weeks ago I received a call from Incredible Features.  They needed someone to help assist a photographer/reporter, Jeff Werner,  who would be on assignment near me. They are doing a feature story on a little girl who is battling FOP.

I was available the two days that they needed someone so I said yes, why not, this sounded like it would be a fun adventure!  Holly from Incredible Features sent me more information.  Once I started to read about this little girl and what FOP was, I thought I was in way over my head.

For those of you who don't know me, I am extremely sensitive and cry at everything.  While I was reading Ali's story, I started crying.  When my husband came home from work, I was still crying, and I told him I had made a huge mistake.  I told Holly I would help out, and I just was not sure I could do it.  FOP is a very serious and rare disease, it has changed the way this little girl and her family lives life.  Of course, Nate being the calm person he is explained, how I would be helping this family by offering my services, so Incredible Feature could do their story and bring awareness to the masses about what FOP is.

By the end of the two days, I was in love with this family and little girl!   They are so positive and so motivated to help others.  They want to educate the masses on what FOP is and give their little girl an awesome life, as she battles this disease.   Of course they would do anything in the world so that their little girl would not have to have this battle, but they are doing everything to educate themselves and protect their little girl.

I encourage all of you to take a few minutes and read Ali's story and become educated on what FOP is so, that maybe you can help another: Ali's Army


Ali and Family,

It was an honor to meet all of you, I am so glad I was able to help out, even if my part was very small! 

Wishing you the best of everything!
Susan

My Rose of Sharon in full bloom!  So beautiful! 

Lederhosen, Sausage & Heat

Nate and I spent Saturday with my parents.  We decided to take a road trip to Columbus, OH, to eat lunch and to do a little bit of shopping.
We stopped at Schmidt's for lunch!  Oh, what a wonderful and yummy restaurant!  We all ended up getting the buffet, which means we all way over ate!
We than walked to two different stores after lunch, but since the weather was 100 degrees, with a head index of 111!  We decided to head back home to the air conditioning and a movie!
What a fun outing!

Love you guys!
Susan & Nate

The Dragon!

A few weeks ago my brother-in-law got a new tattoo.  While I think this tattoo is super scary, I also think it is pretty awesome looking!

So, I had him sit for a quick session, so I could shoot this crazy, awesome, scary dragon!

I could not decide if I liked the colored or black and white version, so I am posting both!
Which do you prefer?


Andy,
Thanks for sitting super still and holding your breath for long periods of time!
You did awesome!
Love Ya!
Susan

Outdoor Studio!

My neighbor has been working on her English Garden for years.  She has spent countless hours, preparing a beautiful garden!  And she loves to share this wonderful creation!

On Saturday, she let me know it is ready for me to use!!  She has spent the last month, spring cleaning out there to get it in tip top shape!

So, for all of you that need outdoor portraits this summer, check out this beautiful location, and let me know when you want to book, so we can go play in this English Garden!

Pam,

You are the greatest neighbor!  Thank you so much for everything you do for us!

Love ya!

Susan

An Adventure!

In April, I had the chance to visit Lisle, IL, a suburb of Chicago.  Nate had a meeting and at the last minute I decided to go with him, so I rearranged my schedule and packed my bags.

I have traveled with Nate in the past, but I have always just visited the library before we left and I would literally spend days in the hotel reading.  Well, since I was so late in deciding to go, I only had one book in the house to pack for the trip, so I had to find something to fill my time.

I ended up adventuring out of the hotel, way crazy for me!  Oh my goodness, what fun I had, I found a fabulous city Naperville, Il, this town had a ton of boutique shops and restaurants.  I literally spent hours just walking the strip over three different days and explored!

I had my eye lashes dyed (I didn't even know this was possible!!), got a full makeup make over, a massage and a manicure!  There was also this fabulous dog boutique, www.twobostons.com, so of course Simone and Maisy (Simone's best friend)  got a new toy and a dog treat shaped like a squirrel!

On my last day, I decided to try something different, so I headed to the Brookfield, Zoo.  While this was a very nice zoo, it was not as fun to do alone!  I mean who can I ask "is that animal breathing!?" when I am all alone.  :)

I was very thankful for my time away and for being so brave to explore a new city, but I am glad to be back home!

There is no place like home!

Wishing you the best of everything!
Susan

Welcome!

OK folks, for those of you who live in Ohio, when you see an animal laying like this, it is usually on the side of the road and it is dead.  This is a Wombat, and per the sign at the display, they sleep like this!!  This made me laugh!

Giraffe's are always one of my favorite exhibits!

Cool and gross all at the same time!

A beautiful fountain at the Zoo!

A peacock decided to show off his feathers!

Bye!

New office & viewing room!

Last fall, I decided it was time to revamp my office and create a viewing room for my clients.

I am so pleased with the results!

A huge thank you to my friend Rose, for helping me design and create this beautiful space!

Wishing you the best of everything!
Susan

The viewing area

The view from the brown chairs, there is a projector screen that comes down for the client viewings.

The coffee table, holds albums and products for my clients to see.

Some pretty portraits and the fridge w/ coffee maker.

Office and camera storage.

My work space.

Wisdom Day

I have survived!  Last Thursday I went in for Wisdom Day (aka - impacted wisdom teeth extraction day).
A friend of mine called it Wisdom Day, because she thought it sounded way more fun than what it really was!  Sherry is very silly!

Anyway, today is my first day up and about, I am still sore and moving slow, but definitely feeling better than a few days ago!

My biggest concern was how much pain I would be in after the surgery, little did I know this would be the least of my worries!  I became very sick from the anesthesia that the doctor gave me and I am still having a lot of nausea issues. The antibiotic is also making me very ill, I do not like this one bit, but I have 4 more days to go, so I will be taking it easy and pushing through.

I am so glad to be on the road to recovery!

A huge thank you to Nate for taking exceptional care of me!  He was fabulous!!  Neither one of us were ready for me to get so sick, but he took it in stride and figured out a game plan, to get me feeling better ASAP.  He did force me to drink a lot of Alka Seltzer, and although this alway seemed to make me feel better, I was not the most pleasant patient, that stuff is very gross, and when your belly is sick, it is even worse!!!

Wishing you the best of everything!
Susan

Woke up today to a little Ohio Snow!  Finally, winter has arrived!

Ohio Snow

Happy Valentine's Day!

I am very blessed to be married to my Valentine! 

Last Friday, I received a shipment from Pro Flowers, a dozen long stem roses in a rainbow of colors, and in it was the following card:

 

Of course I got all teary eyed and had to call Nate at work to thank him over and over and over again.

I assumed they were my Valentine's present, but when I woke up this morning I found another set of flowers on the kitchen table.  I was super shocked, I looked at Nate and asked, why did I get another set of flowers.  He informed me it had been a while since he sent me flowers so the roses he sent on Friday were just because.  AH, I love this man!!

As you will see in the picture there are four chocolate bars.  As a rule forever, Nate has never purchased me chocolates for Valentine's Day because I always tell him not to.  I do not need the chocolate hanging around begging me to eat it.  This year he broke the rule and I could not have been happier.  You seen the above are Wonka Chocolate bars, my ultimate favorite candy bar of all time.  Just last week Wonka announced that they will no longer be making this bar of chocolate.  So, Nate bought all the bars that our CVS store had in stock.  He is to adorable and always thinking!

Thanks for always being so thoughtful,  I love you bunches and thank God everyday for you!

Below is a picture of me with my Valentine, on our vacation in California, a few years back.  The portrait is courtesy of Black Cat, White Cat Photography.

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!

Wishing you the best of everything!

Susan

Our Garden

Five years ago, Nate and I remodeled and landscaped our back yard.  One of the projects Nate added was a couple raised garden boxes.  Oh, what a wonderful addition to our yard this has been.  Every year we get to enjoy yummy, tomatoes, peas, cucumbers, green beans, green peppers, yellow peppers and more!

Today I was able to pick the first two items from the garden, it is going to be a great garden year.


Sorry Nate, I already ate the tomato, I just could not wait!

This year's first tomato and green pepper.

My Bicycle

Nate is the greatest husband ever, he surprised me yesterday with a cool basket for my bicycle!

I guess he was listening when I told him trying to balance library books and groceries in a bag while I try to steer my bike was getting to be tricky!  I do remember bike riding, as a kid, to be much easier!! 

Already tested out my new basket this morning, had to return two library books!  This made my life so much easier.
Thanks a bunch Nate!!  Love You!

African Elephant Crossing - Cleveland, OH

As Nate and I were driving to the Cleveland Zoo last night, he turns to me and says, "Merry Christmas"!  I just laughed and said THANKS!!
The reason Nate said Merry Christmas is that last Christmas Nate adopted an elephant from the Cleveland Zoo and gave it to me as my Christmas gift.  This is honestly one of the coolest gifts ever!!!
I love going to zoos and the elephant exhibits are always my favorite. With the Cleveland Zoo opening the new African Elephant Crossing, Nate knew he had a winner with this gift idea.
Since, I am a Zoo Parent, I had the chance to go and see the new African Elephant Crossing before it opened to the public. Oh, it was amazing, the elephants are so beautiful and the new male elephant, Willy, is huge!! 
We had a full two hours to hang out with the elephants and to enjoy all aspects of the new exhibit..

Thanks Nate for a fabulous Christmas gift!!

Lots of learning to do...

The month of March is full of networking and learning opportunities for me.
This pasted Monday, our SONOPP's group met at Jerry Bruno Productions, for an open forum on how Photographers and DJ's/Bands can work seamlessly together to make a wedding even better for our clients.

Jerry Bruno Productions, is an amazing place.  If you are looking for a DJ or a 1 piece to a 20 piece Orchestra these are the guys to call, they can arrange any type of music you need for your special event.

This Sunday, I leave for a week long seminar at the Annual Triangle Institute of Professional Photography, in Pittsburgh, PA.  I will be learning from one of the best Senior Photographers in Ohio, Larry Peters.  It will be an honor to meet him, I cannot wait!

I will arrive home Saturday, and than on Sunday be off again!  This time to North Carolina to train with Blair Phillips.  This is going to be an amazing two days, jam packed, with lighting, posing, marketing, post production and more for the High School Senior market.

The day I get back to OH, I will stop in Columbus, OH, to see "The Power of Passion" tour, with Sandy Puc and Jerry Ghionis.  Two of the most amazing photographers!!  Sandy specializes in children and family photography.  Jerry specializes in wedding photography.  I have had the opportunity to meet Sandy for three other seminars, which were all fantastic.  This one will be just as amazing, I am so excited!!

When I finally arrive home, I will be ready to do some shooting, so all you High School Seniors, Families and Brides-to-be, give me a call and we will schedule your session!!

Wishing you the best of everything!
Susan

A waterfall in Tennessee.

Michael Steinberg Photography

I absolutely love being a part of the SONNOP's group.  Not only are there wonderful members, who are willing to answer my millions of questions. But our President, Patrick Rice, owner of Rice Photography, finds the most amazing speakers!
This pasted Monday I had the opportunity to meet Micheal Steinberg, owner of Micheal Steinberg Photography, a very amazing and talented photographer!
Oh, the information he shared was incredible!  Now I have lots to play with for my next wedding! 

Micheal, thank you for all the lighting information and for answering all the questions the group tossed your way!

Wishing you the best of everything!
Susan

Last night's snow fall, 3/10/2011

One Eyed, One Horned, Flying Purple People Eater...

So today's adventure was me out on the town riding my new bicycle.
My new toy is purple and for some reason I started singing the song "One Eyed, One Horned, Flying Purple People Eater", as I was pedaling through the neighborhood.   I definately have two eyes, no horn, I was not flying (going pretty slow actually) and there was no people eating involved. But my bike is purple, so for some reason I though this song fit as my bicycling adventure theme song.  I know this seems insane, but I truly enjoyed riding in the glorious sunshine singing my theme song.

A hugh shout out to Nate for my wonderful present!

The Sandusky Community Church of the Nazarene - Our Church

For years I have taken the pictures of all the baptism's at our church, The Sandusky Community Church of the Nazarene.  This is an incredible honor for me, I am able to use the skills God has given me to capture one of the most important times in a person's life.  It is amazing to watch and I am so blessed with the priveledge of capturing this moment for our church family.  This passed Sunday, six of our church family members were baptized.  Amen!

I have attached the pictures of Grant's baptism.  These pictures amaze me every time I look at them!