Art & Life with Suzie Barber

Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzie Barber.

Suzie, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I am a former US Navy Veteran and corporate HR recruiter that found photography once I had children. I went absolutely crazy with the camera in order to capture every moment of their childhood. When my husband purchased a nice digital SLR camera for my birthday, I was hooked. I am mostly self-taught and hungry for any and all education regarding photography. I started shooting professionally almost ten years ago and have loved every minute of it. I constantly work to improve my craft and have enjoyed the creative journey that photography has provided.

I have earned my Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation, which in a nutshell, means I have met rigorous requirements measuring my artistic and technical competence as deemed by the Professional Photographic Certification Commission. I had to pass a written exam as well as an image review board. I am also an active member with Professional Photographers of America (PPA), and Arizona Professional Photographers of America (AZPPA).

Originally, I photographed everything and have now honed my interests to families, high school seniors, and athletes. As a former collegiate athlete myself, I can relate to all the hard work that goes into a dedicated athlete’s practices, triumphs, and defeats, and I love showcasing their athletic story in dramatically lit images.

My absolute favorite part of photography is the creative part of making a memory. If I can either tell a story or evoke emotion with a professional image that I have created, then I have done my job well.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I make portraits. I use dynamic lighting to showcase high school athletes in a way that highlights their hard work, determination, and skill in the sport they invest hours of time into. Today’s young athletes have to be disciplined to maintain their practice schedule and still fit in school, friends, and extracurriculars. They are super multitaskers with a competitive focus. I enjoy capturing these athletes as for many this time will be the highlight of their athletic career.

I am inspired to create portraits of these athletes as they also represent our country’s next generation of dedicated young people that will be leading and taking on major roles in the growth of our society. They are awesome!

Finally, there is something magical about a portrait that evokes a feeling of hard work, dedication to training, and respect for the desire to push oneself in a sport of choice.

What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
I believe that the role of artists is ever evolving. Creatives contribute to different ways of looking at things and explore new ideas that could possibly lead to a new way of solving problems or looking at issues. I believe that the expression of ideas is always a good thing.

While my art is mostly concentrated on individuals or families, it encourages thought and evokes emotion that may contribute to the inspiration of others.

Our future lies in what the next upcoming generation will do, inspire, and achieve. I feel that by capturing the essence of that growth in a creative image, we can take a glimpse into what the future holds. Maybe, maybe not.

Regardless, I love what I do!

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My website is www.freshbysuzie.com, and my Instagram is @freshbysuzie. I have not done any exhibitions yet.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.freshbysuzie.com
• Phone: 704-650-2731
• Email: suzie@freshbysuzie.com
• Instagram: @freshbysuzie

Image Credit:
Suzie Barber

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