What can you write about Sue Bryce? She’s a multi-talented artist and a huge part of the CreativeLive family. She’s inspired people around the globe to bring their dreams to life and turn a hobby into a full-time job. Sue is one of those successful, inspiring and motivating people that you want around in any situation. Here’s a quick interview with Sue:
Did you go to school to study photography?
No, I started working in a retouching room at 18 years of age and was shooting in a portrait studio by 22.
What or who got you started in photography?
My mother was a pro retoucher. She ran an art room with 8 retouchers that serviced over 300 pro photographers. I used to love to look at their work.
What is your favorite photography accessory, other than your camera?
My Wacom tablet for all the hours I spend on my computer. It’s definitely my favorite toy.
What would you have like to have been if not a photographer?
A fashion designer or a shoe designer.
We know that each of us has someone or something, which inspires our life and work. Can you tell us the basis of your inspiration?
My Mother gave me this love of seeing beauty, but I didn’t find my niche until my early 20’s when I first saw Herb Ritts photography. Natural light fashion. So evocative and beautiful.
If you had to give one piece of advice to a photographer that wants to quit their day job and go full time with their passion, what would it be?
Work in the industry first and get a job in a studio. There is a big difference between the notion of wanting to be a photographer and “The Business of Photography.”
What are 3 things you wish you had been told before beginning photography?
You do not need validation, simply provide the best service you can.
Spend more time learning about the business of photography.
Learn to balance the business person and the creative in you and nurture both.
If you were able to sum up your portfolio in just one sentence, what would you write?
Contemporary fashion style beauty portraits.
What are 3 items in your gear bag that really help achieve your style? Or is there anything in your gear bag that we might not find in another pro’s bag?
As a natural light shooter, I go to great lengths to manipulate it.
– 9 neutral density filter shooting natural light at 1.2 1.8 2.8 in bright light.
– A large piece of white polyester chiffon. The world’s best light filter.
– I always have a half piece of white polystyrene the best reflector you can get.
This interview was originally published during CreativeLive Photo Week