Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan J Bertram.
Susan J, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
After a divorce two years ago, and after having raised my family, I needed to strike out on my own path, following my dreams and passions, while figuring out how to support myself. I was in a healing phase and coming to terms with the about-face my life had taken. However, I rediscovered my love of photography (I was a visual arts and communications major with a photography specialization in college). Each month that passes finds me more focused on making it all come together and work. I’ve connected with some awesome local photographers, like Lauren Holley who runs the Atlanta Urban Photo Walkers and reignited the drive that kept me in the darkroom for hours on end. The darkroom is now Lightroom and Photoshop, and minutes turn to hours without my noticing when I’m deep into editing a group of photos from a recent photo walk around town. Working on my fine-art photos is my bliss. I shoot corporate events to help pay the bills. I love to travel and take photos and have recently returned from a trip to Cambodia where I was visiting a friend and enjoying the photographic opportunities.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s never a smooth road! Life is a struggle, but that’s part of what makes a victory so sweet. I’ve struggled personally and professionally, but every difficulty has something to teach. I try to learn from my mistakes, keep a positive outlook, and face my fears head on.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and career?
I don’t believe in luck, although some people definitely seem to live charmed lives, at least from the outside looking in. But, everyone has his/her own struggles and crosses to bear. I’ve had what many would call some really bad luck in my life. But, I have a deep and abiding faith that things will work out. I’ve learned to use difficulties as growth opportunities, so maybe in the end that bad luck is really good luck in disguise – one can hope! Maybe without those bad experiences, I wouldn’t be so attuned to the beauty that exists all around me that beckons me, inspires me, and drives me to pick up my camera. Have I wished things were easier sometimes? Absolutely. But, the bad experiences have made me all the more grateful for what I do have. I’ve had to downsize substantially since my divorce a couple of years ago. Instead of worrying about what I no longer have, I focus on being grateful for the abundance in my life. I’m blessed with wonderful family and friends and lots of love. And here I am with the opportunity to pursue a new career.
Is there a quality or characteristic that has played an outsized role in your success?
Our modern world seems to define success mostly in materialistic terms. While it’s important to be able to pay the bills (and believe me, I’m working hard on that), I’m driven by my passion for wanting others to see what I see -the beautiful and the extraordinary that lies within the ordinary scenes that we pass by every day, mostly without noticing. Photography enables me to do that. So – not sure if the characteristic is obsession or passion – or something in between!
Tell us about your favorite and least favorites things about our city.
Atlanta is an interesting city. I grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles in Southern California and then spent years in San Diego – two places that are postcard perfect in so many ways. But, I’m drawn to the streets of Atlanta and find so much that I love to photograph. There’s a wonderful eclectic mix of people and places. There’s so much to do here. It seems like there’s a festival or some major event nearly every weekend that brings people outside and together. There’s a ton to explore, and there are so many great natural treasures. I’ve barely scratched the surface. As for my dislikes, man do I hate the traffic around here!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.susanjphotography.com
- Email: susanjeanphoto@gmail.com
- Instagram: @susanjphotography
- Facebook: Susan J Photography, LLC
- Other: twitter: @susanjphoto
Image Credit:
Susan J Bertram
Judy Erlichman
December 3, 2016 at 6:04 am
Nice story about you, Susan. Your photos are just wonderful. Glad things are working out for you. I think of you often. Perhaps we can catch up sometime soon.
Judy