Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Floyd.
Hi Susan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a small town in rural Western Oklahoma. My mom was always painting or creating something when she wasn’t working. We had a tiny farm and I always remember loving that we had chickens, rabbits, a garden and horses. We had to move when I was about 14 and I dreamed about having a horse again non-stop. My mom and grandmother made that dream come true when they asked what I wanted for graduation and I said, “a horse”! I found a black mustang at a horse trader on the side of the road and that horse changed my course in life. I went from having no idea what I wanted to do with my life to pursuing a degree in equine science. My dad and bonus mom got into racehorses after that and that’s what led me into learning photography. I spent a lot of time photographing race horses and small horse shows in college. I met my husband who was from Hampton, GA, we started a family in a small neighborhood there in 2010 and I put my camera down for many years. Three years ago we found a small 7-acre farm in Sharpsburg and I picked my camera back up and Thistle Farm Studio was born! I have a small home studio, we have ponies, chickens and bunnies that I use in a lot of my photography. I tend to have a fine art style and love capturing children and animals. I also create hand-colored and textured photo prints which look like paintings. Horses and art have always been a huge part of my life and I love that I can combine those together and create artwork.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I feel like anytime you pursue making something you love a business it’s a struggle! Being a photographer is challenging because the market is flooded with talented photographers and phones have amazing cameras now! I have spent the last two years taking classes and learning to create storytelling photos and fine art editing. I think another big challenge is staying true to your own style and creating art you enjoy versus following trends in the industry!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I will not show up and ask you to look at my camera and smile! I want to capture connection, emotion and tell your story in a creative way. I was very proud to be published in multiple photography magazines over the last year and continue to pursue education and creative growth. This year I have started offering more studio fine art sessions as well as print products. I started creating hand-textured and hand-colored prints and canvases that look like paintings and I’m so excited to offer these to clients! Most of my clients love that our sessions are laid back and really capture them and tell their story intertwined with a little whimsy in the final artwork.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
With the advance in technology, I see photography continuing to be a competitive and tough business. I think those that pursue it will have to have excellent marketing skills, a niche or genre they specialize in and give clients an experience. I also think we are seeing a big transition to video and short films in photography. I definitely think photography is important and isn’t going anywhere, but will take passion and dedication to stay relevant in the market. I love the nostalgia and beauty of a photograph so I plan to keep clicking away despite industry shifts!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thistlefarmstudio.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thistlefarm_studio
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thistlefarmstudio
