ChicksPhotoGraphics, Fine Art Photography by Susan Christensen

"TITMOUSE in WINTER"

Sundays are beautiful days. Long, lazy, especially in the summer. Winter Sundays are my favorite though as we get to cozy up in front of the fireplace, the family all together, sharing stories, laughing and having a good time. And on this warm Sunday, I'd like to start my 'Sunday Spotlight' feature, where I interview an Etsy artist so that we may get to know the person behind the art!


Susan Christensen from ChicksPhotoGraphics has a fun shop on Etsy with beautiful nature shots. A little while ago I had the honor of having my work (along with work from other photographers) turned into photo note cards by Susan for her Somalia famine relief project. The proceeds will be donated to aid in the famine relief till the end of 2011. 


I had the pleasure of interviewing Susan and I'd like to share it with you, so with no further ado:


1.When did you first become interested in Photography?
Both my parents were very artistic. My mom painted and sewed and was very clever. My dad drew and painted some and, not a lot. But, he was good at it. He also would get into the kitchen from time to time to create his "specialties." I see photography as an artistic trait and so, even though I may have been doing other things, the desire to capture and the "eye" were present in early life.


2.Are you a self-taught photographer or did you attend school?
The only training I've received has been from an incredible photographer/teacher in Murfreesboro, TN, Titus Bartos (MadeInMurfreesboro.com). I attended several of his classes, however I still consider myself a student with much to learn ~ only because my learning style is so trial-and-error. So, I'm very self-taught since I have to make all the mistakes before the correct method sinks in.


3.Do you have an area of specialty or favorite style of photography? 
All things of nature are my favorite things to photograph. And by far, children are at the top of that list. It's priceless to catch that childlike thought running through that little head of theirs. With your own daughter, I'll bet you know just what I'm talking about!

"A Tisket A Tasket"

4.With what lens do you work the most? 

I use a Nikkor 70-300mm most of the time since I'm usually shooting nature at a distance. My favorite lens for crispness is a Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8.

5.Besides your camera, what piece of equipment do you always have with you?

Other pieces of equipment ~ that makes me smile...nothing much - I guess my purse or phone? Really, though, now that I think about it, I take notes often. So, I guess I'd have to say pencil and paper.

6.What do you enjoy most about photography?

The thing I know I've taken from photography is the awareness it's heightened in me. I see myself recognizing beauty even more (and relishing it!), and then also, looking for the "perfect" shot.

"The Praying Mantis"

7.What are some of the challenges you have overcome as a photographer?

 I guess the biggest obstacle I've faced in any endeavor is my own self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy, inferiority, etc. However, I continue to remind myself that while there will always be those that are so much "better" than I, we ARE all unique and we all bring our own spin to our art!

8.When did you decide to sell your work and how do you keep yourself motivated in this competitive field? 

Starting my Etsy shop last summer, at the suggestion of a friend, was when I began to sell photos other than to individuals for whom I'd done a photo shoot. The Etsy shop kind of "gave me permission" to go out and shoot more; gave me a purpose for doing what I liked doing!

Motivation comes and goes. Finding a meaningful reason is usually what gets me focused, and realigns my motives and life purpose.

9.What goal are you working towards within your photography?

And my goal is to simply present something to others that creates a stirring in them - ultimately a stirring that draws them to God. 

"The Schoolhouse"

10. And finally, and in my best James Lipton voice (select questions of his!), what is your favorite word?

The question of what my favorite word is makes me recall a friend I used to work with/for. He was a very positive individual. Whenever he was asked how he was doing, he'd say "excellent." That word rings true with me. For, we were made in God's image..."Excellent," right?!

11.What is your least favorite word?

Any negative word would be a least favorite.

12.What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

As for other professions that interest me (and there are more than a few), given the opportunity I could easily be persuaded to go into the culinary field / restauranting business. I worked in that industry for a number of years and bnever got to fulfill the desires I had. It wouldn't be too difficult to make a switch :o)

"Just Within Reach"

There you have it! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Susan's responses, she reminds us that motivation comes and goes but we have to look within and know that our passion for the things we do should move us forward. 

And finally, this made me smile (very clever Susan!) do please stay calm and choose four prints! 

"Any 4 5x7s"

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I did! You can find Susan here: 
www.ChicksPhotoGraphics.etsy.com
www.ChicksPhotoGraphics.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Chicks-Photo-Graphics/337969674579

Next week's interview: A cat lover from Belgium! You don't want to miss it!