Meet Susan Blackburn

We were lucky to catch up with Susan Blackburn recently and have shared our conversation below.

Susan , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

When I started my journey to become a Wedding Photographer, it was mostly a male dominated industry. I honestly did not care or think much about it. I just sought out the best mentors and teachers (all males at the time) and learned from them. I was just driven to do this and I did not waste time thinking about being one of the only women. I only wanted to be a good photographer.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I have been a Wedding and Portrait Photographer for over 30 years. I have always believed that Photography is an important art form that freezes moments in time and tells stories. With my particular genre, I like to think I am creating heirloom pieces for clients that will help them tell their story for generations to come. I have photos of my great grandparents and grandparents that I treasure and that is part of what motivates me–I want others to have that.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I think for me personally, learning to treat what I do as not only an art form but a business has been critical. I needed to separate my emotions from the business side so that I could make a living and stay viable. Whenever a young person comes to me to ask about the photography industry, they often ask about gear, technique, etc. But what I tell them is to learn basic accounting or take some business classes. I don’t really respect the “starving artist” myth. If you are starving, you are dying.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

I don’t think it was any one person, but many different mentors in the Photography Industry. I always joke that the right person always came along at the right time. But really, I think it is just a case of understanding that I never had all the answers and there was someone out there that knew something I needed to know. I just had to recognize who that person was. So I would say be open to hearing other voices and know there is more than one way of doing things. Also, don’t be afraid to try something and maybe fail at it. We can learn a lot from failure.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://susanblackburn.biz
• Instagram: @blackburnportraitdesign
• Facebook: Blackburn Portrait Design Wedding and Portrait Photography
• Linkedin: Susan Blackburn
• Youtube: Susan Blackburn