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Meet Lena Suh of Lena Suh Photography in Woodstock

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Lena Suh.

Lena, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I came to the states when I was 4 years old. My parents met in the Vietnam war. My late father was a sergeant in the USA Army. I always thought of it as such a wonderful love story. I grew up in Marietta, Georgia. My family was a very big family with 5 brothers and 1 sister. I was the 3rd to the youngest. We did not have a lot and I used my imagination and fell in love with music and dance. My father passed away when I was 17 years old. Sadly, my mother left and I was on my own. I married my high school sweetheart and I had 3 beautiful daughters. I found myself sadden when I would search for a picture of my father and I did not have one. I have a picture of him from the side view sitting down and that is all that I have. I have a total of about 3 pictures of myself growing up and not until I was around my early 20’s did I have pictures of my life.

I found myself capturing every moment I had with my children. Not even realizing how obsessed I was with taking pictures until my kids grew up and I had no one left to take pictures of. Life takes it changes and my path grew apart from a 24 years relationship with my husband. I became a single parent about 8 years ago and I learned a lot from that situation. I learned that never believe someone that tells you that you are not capable of. I always knew as a child that I could learn to do the things that I wanted to do. I would check books out at the library and learn dance steps so I could dance because we could not afford dance lessons. So, I took it upon myself to pick up a camera and shoot – professionally. Sure, the first 3 years, I will admit that I had no clue what I was doing except on the creative side. I was asked by a close friend to come in to her daycare and photograph the kids as their specialty photographer. I was very excited and I purchased my first 85mm. Until recently, it was the only lens I had other than the kit lens. When I look back at my portfolio now, I think to myself, “How did you all of that with just one lens?” It wasn’t easy and I didn’t give up. I did not let what I didn’t have materialistically stop me from doing what I loved the most. Every time I captured a beautiful smile from one of my clients; it absolutely made that moment and session worth every bit of struggle. I’ve had to learn so much in life and I am still learning. I miss my Dad like crazy. I don’t think there is a day when I don’t think of him and want to share so much of my life with him. I believe that my passion comes from my heart. My heart is as pure as gold and I think anyone who can take on the responsibility of bringing 7 children to the states – has a really big heart. I feel that I have my father’s personality, courage, mindset and willingness to find their own way when needed. I take my mother’s creative and stern side. Together, that gives you the drive and that person that wants to be an entrepreneur. I knew this because every job position that I held; I grew bored with and I needed more to challenge myself. Owning your own business is a constant work, it is something that you make every effort to work because this is your livelihood. In recent, I fell in love with my partner, Stephane Caron. He has helped me grow the business with his investments. I now have not only one camera but three top of the line Nikons! Along with a full set of lens to walk in a wedding and feel confident and ready! I work through my own business as a preschool photographer and I travel throughout the southeast regions. It is a wonderful experience! I love hearing the feedback from the directors and parents when they see my work! I want to continue down the path and definitely grow the business! It takes one person to believe in you!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My challenges are the slow month and I have to keep pushing the advertising! I have to keep believing in myself and stay positive!

Lena Suh Photography – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We specialize in portraits! I work mainly with children and family photography. I am venturing out towards the wedding business. I am definitely known to work well with the kids! You definitely have to have a talent for it. It is not only about taking their picture but thinking on the spot when the next child comes up to you ~ how to interact with the child to make them feel comfortable! I have many preschool teachers tell me, “I don’t know how you do it but the kids usually will not go with anyone else”. I think it’s all in my personality and really caring about what I do. It is my job to put a genuine smile on the child’s face for the parent’s keepsake. It kills me when I hear stories from a parent about their child’s school picture from Lifetouch who hires you in at $10 an hour regardless of experience. I’m proud of my work and the feedback that I get from my clients.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My spring season was awesome! I booked over 22 preschools in a 9-week period and worked it completely on my own. When I say that, I mean setting up the shoot, photographing the kids, printing the proofs, selling, and printing the print packages for the parents. I was invited back on every preschool and it made me feel very proud!

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Image Credit:
Lena Suh Photography

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