Cable Release monthly newsletter person
cleverinc@cox.net
Hi, I'm Susan. I live at the ocean front on purpose. Most people think that's nuts what with the tourists in the summer but I really like it. I have taken oodles of beach and sunset photos. Watching the sun plop on the horizon still fascinates me.
You'll have to excuse me, I'm inclined to ramble.
I'm one of the few in the club who doesn't own an elaborate, sophisticated camera. That's doesn't mean I wouldn't like to own one, it's just not a priority. Although I have used the manual settings on my Sony, I'm just as inclined to use the automatic setting. Natural light seems to work best for me although I have played with lighting.
I enjoy close-up photography. I shot a series of orchid and spring flower pictures at Philpps Conservatory in Pittsburgh and many photos through the glass at the Chrysler Museum - for my own enjoyment. They decorate my office.
I have had three separate careers in my lifetime. I graduated in 1972 with a BS in what they used to call Library Science, from a state school called Clarion (used to be State College) Universty in Pennsylvania. And used this education for about 5 years in the public school system. But the kids made me nervous.
My second career lasted quite a bit longer. One day I took a job at a floral shop as part time help. Part time turned to full time and full time lead to my own flower business.
Owned it for 3 years and during those years I had my precious daughter. Amber will be 21 in March. The business wasn't as lucrative as it needed to be and went under. For the next 20+ years I designed flowers for other shops. Some days I miss it and then I remember the long, long hours at holidays.
You know how as you get older you also gain a few pounds... well, that made standing in one spot all day designing flowers really hard. So I decided to try another creative outlet, art. I enrolled in Commercial Art school and earned an associate degree in commercial art. I did well in school. I was the oldest one in my class and maybe the oldest student at the whole school. I took all the fine art classes like watercolor, drawing and such and enjoyed them. I even used a darkroom and developed a few black and white photos. That was cool. Haven't done it since. Computer art classes are hard when you're new to computers. It was a struggle. I still remember Photoshop 5 and the frustration of using it. But I'm living proof, you can teach an old doggie new tricks. It just takes them a little longer get the hang of it.
About 2 years ago, with a stagnant marriage and several humdrum jobs under my belt I applied for a graphic artist job in Virginia Beach. When the job became mine, I ran away from home to live and work at the beach. It seems like years ago... I love it here!
My job at the oceanfront Methodist church is a perfect fit. I think I've found my niche. I create their newsletter,brochures, flyers, posters, logos and any signage needed. This past Christmas, I took the photographs for the Advent/Christmas bulletins and created the bulletin cover from scratch. Perhaps the photographs weren't as professional as they might have been but the bulletins were well received by the congregation. And the most important thing, I enjoyed doing them. Easter is coming fast and furious and I've been asked to come up with an Easter bulletin. Aha, another challange.
My membership in the Photography Club started in September of 2007. I produce the Cable Release newsletter. The January issue was my first. Basically I'm still getting my feet wet. Constructive criticism is always welcome.
Sincerely yours,
Susan