Susan’s career in photography began in 1978 with a Master’s degree in Photography and Media Studies from Webster University in St. Louis (undergraduate degree in Education from the University of Missouri). She was a photography instructor at Webster University and The Windsor School in Boston.  She later worked as a commercial photographer in St. Louis specializing in large format architectural photography. Her experience also includes weddings, portraits, sporting events, brochures, book layout and design.

While living in Minnesota, Susan became aware of the incredible enthusiasm for the Minnesota State Fair. As she had never been to a state or county fair, she wondered what the big fuss was all about. She was hooked after the first visit in 2004.  Multiple visits followed in ’05, ’06,  and ’07 and resulted in a photo book called “State Fair-The Great Minnesota Get-Together,” published by the Minnesota Historical Press in August of 2008.

A second book, “Minnesota County Fairs: Kids, Cows, Carnies, and Chow” was published in 2009.  Susan spent three years visiting all 87 counties in Minnesota and put over 30,000 miles on her car in the process!

Susan’s career is now branching off into a whole new realm of inspirational speaking. Her first presentation, “Possibilities:  A Photographer’s Journey” uses images from her life, state and county fairs to illustrate that there are always new possibilities to be created in one’s life and career. She is currently preparing a second presentation entitled  “The Power of Creativity: Remembering The Things We Already Know.” Through a series of photographs, original childhood artwork, and dialogue, she explores the idea of reconnection to the “beginner’s brain” and the rediscovery of creativity, curiosity, joy, and passion.