Suzanne Strong

PHOTOGRAPHER/DIRECTOR

Los Angeles, California

http://www.suzannestrong.la/
Instagram @suzanne_strong
Twitter @SuzieQStrong
Facebook
Vimeo

WHAT DO YOU DO?

“I suspend time through photography, film-making and directing.
”

Through photography, I suspend time into a single moment in a frame to capture the beauty and unique qualities of my clients. Through my films, I create a suspension in time where you can daydream about the moments in life where everything is right. Where everything is possible. Where everything is wonderful. I shoot for fashion brands, musicians, commercial clients and publications creating gorgeous images, films and videos that bring a little magic to the every day.

WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

I've always known I wanted to be a photographer. It all started with learning the skills, of course, followed by practice, practice, practice. Filmmaking fell into my lap when I moved to LA almost 5 years ago, and it became a natural extension of my photography.

I built up my portfolio early on through trades and test shoots until I was able to develop my client list.

Many of my clients at this time are referrals or they connect with me because they know my work. I also make it a practice to reach out to people I don't know but with whom I'd like to work. If you never ask, the answer will always be "no."

I got to where I am now through my talents, hard work, ethics, and my superhero power of being able to make my clients and subjects feel very comfortable with me. I create space for them to let their guards down and be themselves. From that space is where time suspends, we find beauty, and all the magic appears.

FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?

There are a lot of very talented people working in photography and filmmaking. One of the best things you can do to stand out is to make sure you are communicating well with your clients: call people back right away, respond to emails as soon as you can, deliver your images in the fastest time possible, etc. You'd be surprised at how many jobs are lost because of these basic steps.

The other thing that is very important is to be super cool with everyone on set. EVERYONE. People remember how they were treated. Always leave a wake of kindness, confidence and dedication.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?

I am currently working on the pre-production for an upcoming cover and editorial for a new LA based fashion print magazine that I'm shooting. I'm also in preproduction for a catalog, look book, and mini video series for an emerging t-shirt line based in Park City, UT.

WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?

I create the best version of what you're looking for in the most natural way possible. My work is very emotive which can even be seen in catalog shoots. I blend ethereal qualities with an edgy vibe to create something authentic and new. I prefer to use natural light, as the light in SoCal is truly magical, but I am well versed in studio skills as well.

I'd like to share a personal project that reflects my style.

WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?

I would love to take on more directing jobs! I love leading people and encouraging them to bring out their best work in order to create a collaboration that is much more than the vision of one. When people are honored for their unique talents and skills, they rise to the occasion and the end result is infinitely more powerful than the individual components on their own.

WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?

I find accounting and finances to be a really boring part of freelancing. I dedicate time every week to this, but it definitely lands at the bottom of things I'd like to do.

IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?

I would definitely hire a personal assistant to handle the mundane tasks of running a household.

LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?

If I could travel back in time, I would tell myself at age 18 to always listen to your heart. You can do anything and be anyone! Don't delay in following your dreams!

IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?

I would love to have more insight on best practices for social media success.

WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

In photography, I am looking to shoot editorials for magazines, look-books, inspired catalogs, and creative commercial work where my aesthetic, skills and talents are aligned with like-minded clients.

In directing, I am looking for work in directing music videos, artistic fashion shorts, short films, and feature films in which my clients are also aligned with my work.

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?

In photography, I would love to work with Zara. Their look-books and catalogs are minimal and classic, coupled with super interesting compositions. I also love the new aesthetic direction that Nordstrom is going. Lately, they've been pushing boundaries with inspiring and edgy art direction.

In directing, I would really love to work with Pretty Bird. The Daniels are my favorite directing duo. I love how they create videos that appear to be super complicated, but in reality, they work with what they have in a very resourceful way. They infuse a lot of magic realism into their work, which is one of my favorite things ever.

WHAT IS YOUR RATE?

I price my projects starting with my base day rate. My fees tailor from there depending on the scope of the project, how much is needed from me in pre and post, and if I need to hire assistants, for example.

For example, a one day look-book shoot with one model including editing on selected images would start at $1000.00.

HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?

It would be very helpful to receive information regarding budget and scope (how many models or actors, location, what is needed from me in pre and post, turn around time, etc.). Also, who wouldn't want to receive a hilarious GIF? That would be an amazing bonus.

suzieQstrong@gmail.com

HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?

please trust your instincts ~ you are very magical ~ take inspired risks

Suzanne Strong

Suzanne Strong

PHOTOGRAPHER/DIRECTOR

WHAT DO YOU DO?

WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?

WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?

WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?

WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?

IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?

LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?

IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?

WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?

WHAT IS YOUR RATE?

HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?

HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?

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