Meet Susie Bielefeldt | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Susie Bielefeldt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susie, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking, to me, had always sounded a bit scary. It has taken me, sadly, 10 years to overcome the fear of taking risks. In the photography business, taking risks is necessary in order to pursue a career as a photographer. Taking risks has changed my career tremendously, I had seen my business flourish in just a years time once I decided to start taking risks. This past year I had taken risks and added new sessions to my profile, such as mini sessions. I also decided to branch out on social media, starting an instagram account. Taking risks has also changed the way I view life and has opened all new possibilities and new passions in my own life. For example my husband and I have backpacked all around Arizona, we backpacked havasupi and the grand canyon, we have also become scuba certified and have gone scuba diving in Hawaii. non of this would have happened without taking risks. Taking risks is coming out of your comfort zone and seeing what you are capable of achieving. The sky is the limit!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a photographer andI love to capture any important or special event in someones life. I have photographed events from weddings, to family sessions to newborn sessions and so much more. I like to really get to know each one of my clients and know what their likes and dislikes are, I feel once you have a connection with them it makes my clients feel more relaxed and can be them selves throughout a session, their personalities always shine through when relaxed. Weddings have always been a favorite of mine. I get asked a lot what is my favorite to shoot and I always answer with weddings. they are by far the hardest physically, but always always a joy to see a new couple just starting out on life together.
It was not easy by any means on getting to where I am today, I still strive to learn and grow my business daily. I am constantly wanting to learn new techniques and better my skills. I have been a photographer for 10 years and I would say the hardest starting out was building my clientele. I had to reach certain people who liked my work and was patient with me as I continued to learn and better my skills. I learned that by being true to myself, and taking risks had helped me succeed in my career. I absolutely love what I do and I feel passionate about it. I always encourage young photographers to never give up, each photographer has their own special artistic view and you will find the right clientele to work with.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend visiting I would definitely take them backpacking through the Grand Canyon or Havasupi. I absolutely love being outdoors and going on adventures. One of the many things I discovered about myself by taking chances. Backpacking we would need to pack light and only eat dry foods and tons of water. Havasupi has the most beautiful waterfalls here in Arizona so we would definitely take a swim after hiking 10 miles down. If you have never been to the Grand Canyon I highly reccomend it. it really is a photographers dream, even though I still have yet to see a photo do it justice.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to thank my husband, he is the biggest supporter in my life. He encourages me and lets me know how amazing I am on a daily basis. I would not have believed in myself if he had not believed in me first. I love you babe!

Instagram: www.instagrm.com/photos.by.susie

Facebook: photos by susie

Image Credits
Photos by Susie