We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Suzanne Rothmeyer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Suzanne below.
Suzanne, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
“How to stay inspired” is a big topic in the photography world… whether you’re shooting weddings, branding, editorial, or commercial. My answer? I make time for personal projects. Even when my calendar is full of client work, I try really hard to fit those projects in – even if it’s just me trying something out solo rather than bringing together a team of other vendors.
Personal projects are where I get to experiment, play, follow my curiosity, and shoot without a brief or client expectations. They’re my creative reset button. No pressure, just a chance to explore new ideas, test out techniques, and try things that wouldn’t usually show up on a typical shot list.
My favorite projects have been themed editorial style shoots—for example a retro vibe, a social statement, or maybe just a color story . I also love composites that incorporate nature.
They not only keep my creativity alive but end up connecting me with amazing collaborators, like hair and makeup artists, stylists, and floral designers that I later hire for paid jobs. And when I book clients who want more of an editorial edge to their brand imagery, those personal shoots become valuable experience to draw from. I already know how to approach the styling, lighting, and mood to bring that vision to life.
So while personal work might look like play, it’s actually an essential part of staying sharp. It’s where I stretch, explore, and gather inspiration that ultimately feeds back into what I offer my clients—often in ways they didn’t even know to ask for.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a lifestyle brand photographer for women, based out of the Seattle area – and I’m all about the 40+ crowd!
Every day I work with real women who are navigating the real world – who have a deep passion for what they are doing and who they are serving.
I create unique brand images that tell your story visually, establishing a level of trust and credibility that makes it easy for your ideal client to say “yes” to doing business with you.
And when I’m not behind the camera you can find me plotting my next passport stamp or hiking and camping like a proper resident of the Pacific Northwest.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Listening.
Not being afraid to take risks.
Knowing when to say no.
Trust your instincts, set expectations, under promise and over deliver.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
I think the most impactful thing my parents did for me was to teach me to see. To pay attention to the colors of the sunset, for example, by sticking us on the front porch in the evening with a pack of pastels.
Also by letting us play freely outdoors, creating our own worlds without interference or hovering until the dinner bell rang… the very best thing for imagination.
And letting us struggle with figuring things out for ourselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://suzannerothmeyer.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-rothmeyer
- Other: Substack: https://suzannerothmeyer.substack.com
Image Credits
Copyright 2025 Suzanne Rothmeyer
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
