Sue Bird's Biography:

 

Sue's background leading to an animal lifestyle photography career came from a combination of a University Degree in Sociology, a college diploma in Photojournalism, mixed with 10 years as a staff newspaper photographer at 3 major daily newspaper across the province of Ontario, Canada. During her ten years as a photojournalist, Sue's photographs captured numerous national news awards as well as an awarded spot at the incredible Eddie Adams Barnstorm workshop in New York. 

 

The last news feature story Sue worked on was the catalyst that directed Sue to take a leap of faith and re-examine how her news photography career was either impacting or not impacting people the way she wanted, artistically, emotionally and personally. 

 

Sue spent 8 months documenting a dying homeless man named "Jack" at the local mission palliative care unit. She was with Jack when he took his final breath and spent hours learning about Jack's "could have's & should have's" in life. Jack's failures and choices in life reminded Sue to respect the time we have here, to make an impact and to choose how and when to make that impact. Sue chose to leave her career in newspaper, dedicate more time with her two young girls and  slowly build her animal lifestyle photography business from home as Canada's Urban Dog Photog. Combining her love to tell stories through photography and her innate ability to capture these furry little souls, Sue has created an award winning combination for editorial and private commissioned clients. 

 

What's in my Bag? Currently shoot Nikon, I have a very simple kit, I need to be on the go and have freedom to move with my subjects.: 

Jill E camera bag,  Nikon d700 & 1 back up Nikon body, 70-200 2.8, 35-70 2.8, 2 off camera flashes, pocket wizard transmitter & 2 receivers, couple of stands & umbrella, 1 reflector, a few holga toy cameras ....and lots of doggie treats! 

 

Post Production and Marketing : Light Room 2, CS3,  Kubota actions, Portrait Life Embellishments, V Gallery designs,  Design A Glow templates & hundreds of dollars invested in all kinds of magazines for ideas and design inspiration.

In my search for new talent, I came across an amazing photographer who'se work I just had to acknowledge.  I couldn't put her in the "Young Guns" catagory since she has been photographing for over 10 years, but felt the body of work was so strong, fresh, and just plain interesting, I had to feature it in My Legends catagory.  Congratulations Suzanne Byrd owner of http://www.photobysuebird.com/ 

Suzanne will be submitting images and "how too's" shortly.  Stay tuned!

Last month I decided to feature young talented photographers who I felt were trend setters in the industry.  I looked for a fresh approach, a photographer who understood composition, lighting, and knew an fstop from a bus stop.  I looked for someone who was creative, and across the board expressed that talent.  I reviewed over 500 portfolio's and must say it was no easy decision.  I eventually came to my decision based upon the strength of the entire portfolio. 

Congratulations DeEtte Sallee.  DeEtte will be sending me some images to post,  but in the meantime, feel free to view her gorgeous work at http://salleephotography.com/wordpress2/