Shutter Sisters

Behind the Book : An Interview with Susan Tuttle

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 We’re thrilled to kick off our brand new author interview series, Behind the Book, with the lovely and talented Susan Tuttle.

An Interview with Susan Tuttle

Shutter Sisters: First, tell us about your new book.

Susan Tuttle: The title is Art of Everyday Photography: Move Toward Manual and Make Creative Photos. It was published by North Light Books in August 2014. My publisher did an awesome job of creating a brief summary about the book as seen on Amazon. I’d like to share that with you… “In this easy-to-understand book, Susan Tuttle encourages the reader to get her camera out of “auto mode” and finally learn how to use its features to create beautiful photos capturing the everyday moments of life, including portraiture, landscape, still-life scenes, food, pet photography, street photography and more. In addition to camera basics, Susan includes many tips and techniques for getting the most out of smartphone cameras and photo apps.”

I was thrilled to have a variety of talented digital SLR and mobile photographers contribute to the book. Within its pages you will find the work of Tracey Clark, Susannah Conway, Vivienne McMaster, Daniel Berman and many more!

Since I wrote more than the book could hold, my editor and I came up with the idea to include it in an e-companion to the actual book, which you can access through a link mentioned at the bottom of every other page of the book.

SS: Tell us why you wrote the book Art of Everyday Photography.

ST: I get so excited by the process of teaching and learning! Before my photography/author/online instructor career, I was a K-12 public school music teacher for 10 years. So, I’m definitely a teacher in spirit and feel a calling to share my passions with others. I feel fortunate to be able to share through my blog, books and online photography, iPhoneography and Photoshop classes.

Art of Everyday Photography by Susan Tuttle

SS: What did you enjoy the most about writing the book?

ST: A digital SLR camera is a tool plain and simple. I am excited to be able to empower the reader to learn about all of his/her camera’s functions so that he/she may make more creative photos. Yes, you can learn to shoot in manual, and I guarantee the process of learning how is way less daunting than you may think. Shooting from the gut will always be the most important factor when it comes to making beautiful photos, but think how much more powerful your photos will become if you know how to use your tool to best realize your creative visions!

SS: What was the most challenging part of writing it?

ST: That is easy to answer. It would be making sure that all of the technical information was spot on, especially as information was edited and shifted around during the layout and design stages. Also, I made it my top goal to make sure I presented this technical information in a fun, easy-to-understand and inspirational way. This required me to make multiple drafts and edits, to make sure I was giving my best teaching throughout the book.

SS: Did you shoot the photography specifically for the book or did you curate the images you already had, or both? What was the process like?

ST: Both! Every image in the book had to be selected with such care as each needed to demonstrate a specific technique or tip. I also wanted them to not only be technically-good, but infused with something much more which comes from ‘shooting from the gut’ — something spiritual, if you will. Some of the images that I had in my archives made perfect fits, so I used them. The meat of the book was composed during the winter months. Drawing from my archives allowed me to include photos from multiple seasons, thus allowing for color! I also took fresh shots — for one I wanted to include new shots never before seen on my site. I also needed to take shots of things I didn’t have examples of in my archives. For instance, I needed shots of lightning and some fireworks. I think I got some spiritual help along the way — we experienced a lightning storm like never before, so I had lots of stunning lightning shots to choose from.

SS: What is your favorite photo you shared in your book? Why is it your favorite?

ST: I honestly don’t have a specific favorite, but one that always makes me smile is this wide angle shot I took of this little girl at a birthday party. Wide angle shots taken from above like this distort figures and can give them a cartoonish effect that looks adorable with kids and pets.

Interview with Susan Tuttle

 

SS: What one tip would you share with  people who want to start taking better pictures right now?

ST: Shoot from the gut!

“I believe that there is extraordinary to be found in the ordinary, and that we can elevate our everyday lives by embracing and honoring that which is simple.” – Susan Tuttle

Susan Tuttle Author of Art of Everyday Photography copy

Susan Tuttle is both an iPhoneographer and DSLR photographer from Maine, USA. She is the author of four instruction-based books (published in the US and abroad by F+W Media, North Light Books) on the subject matter of mixed-media art, digital art with Photoshop, iPhone photography and DSLR photography. Her fourth book on DSLR photography and iPhoneography called Art of Everyday Photography: Move Toward Manual & Make Creative Photos has just been released. Susan’s iPhoneography has won numerous recognitions and awards, including American Aperture Awards (AX3) 2013 first place in the ‘nudes’ category, first place in ‘portraits’ for the Paris Mobile Photography Awards 2013, and several honorable mentions for the Mobile Photography Awards 2012 and 2013. Her mobile work has been exhibited in New York, London, Paris, Prague, and was recently part of the Photo Independent Art Fair in Hollywood. Susan just released an online course co-taught with mixed-media artist Alena Hennessy, called Co-Lab: Paint, Paper and iPhoneography Magic. She also offers an online course called The Art of iPhoneography Self-Portraiture. Susan was recently named Technical Advisor for Somerset Digital Studio Magazine.

Her past titles include Photo Craft: Creative Mixed-Media and Digital Approaches to Transforming Your Photographs (North Light Books, 2012, co-authored with Christy Hydeck), Digital Expressions: Creating Digital Art with Adobe Photoshop Elements (North Light Books, 2010) and Exhibition 36: Mixed-Media Demonstrations and Explorations (North Light Books, 2008).

Susan shared a stunning photo essay with Our Collective this month. Don’t miss it! And be sure to take advantage of the amazing discount she’s sharing with us for her Art of iPhoneography Self-Portraiture class.

Find Susan Tuttle: SITE/BLOG : INSTAGRAM : FLICKR : FACEBOOK : TWITTER : PINTEREST

The Adventures of Shutter Sisters and Lensbaby

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Image courtesy of Henry Lohmeyer

Image courtesy of Henry Lohmeyer

Ladies and Gentleman, Sisters and Brothers, we are proud to announce a brand new photography project full of exploration, intrigue and visual delights. Brimming with creativity, community and fun, this is a project of great adventure where we send a lens off on a journey like no other. Yes, we said a lens.

Introducing The Sisterhood of the Traveling Lens.

It’s got a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?

On this, the maiden voyage of the Traveling Lens project, we’re partnering up with none other than Lensbaby, the innovative folks behind the unique lenses we all love so much. Yay! In case you hadn’t heard Lensbaby has recently released a new mobile baby, the LM-10. Yes, mobile! As in, a sweet spot lens especially made to use with mobile cameras. Isn’t that awesome? We sure think so. Which is exactly why we wanted to take the new baby out for a spin. Or rather, we wanted YOU to.

You follow? Let us continue. If you’re interested in showing this lens around your hometown for a week, while using it to capture the moments of your daily life, all you’ve got to do is jump up and down, wave your arms, and shout out “pick me, pick me!” JK. We’ll save you from all that and just ask that you follow three simple steps.

First off, you’ll need to submit a few images to tell us you’re interested. Either shoot new images for your Instagram stream or sift through your archives and find images that capture the essence of travel, adventure or exploration. The visual interpretation of the theme is up to you. Be as creative as you’d like with the images you submit. Feel free to submit 1-10 images. Please note: We will take submissions from 9/17-9/22 through Instagram only.

Second, hashtag these images with the project hashtag #travelinglensproject AND add the city, state, country where you’re located. Your location is important for this project.

And lastly, give Lensbaby some love on Instagram by following them @seeinanewway. And if you don’t follow us already, please do, @shuttersisters. You’ll want to keep tabs on the Traveling Lens, right?

Three steps. Simple as that.

What happens then? From the submissions, we will select 30 participants that span the globe with the intention of giving this Traveling Lens the trip of a lifetime; all the while inspiring and delighting each of the 30 photographers along the way and showcasing and sharing the images they capture on the journey!

As for “the fine print”,  you knew it was coming, right? There are a few details we need to mention. Please pop over The Sisterhood of the Traveling Lens project page, scroll down and take a peek before you summit your images.

Bon Voyage! We’ll see you on Instagram.

The Must-Have List

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Vintage Camera Collection

We know that no two camera bags (or their contents) look alike (nor should they) , which is exactly why we’re asking YOU for your photographic opinion. We’re working on an article for Digital Photo Magazine’s annual “Buyers Guide” issue and we’re looking to compile the coolest, most useful and inspiring list of photo gear ever. Well, that might be an overstatement but still, we need your suggestions.

That said, answer us this:

What is the one piece of photo equipment you could couldn’t live without and why?

What piece of photo gear do you covet (we’re taking wish list) and why?

What is your favorite photo-centric gadget and why?

What’s the coolest photo-item that you own?

What photography accessory are you in love with?

What do you think the coolest “thing” in photography is at this minute?

That’s a lot of questions, we know. You’re not meant to answer them all. But, you get the gist of what we’re doing here, right? We’re crowd-sourcing in our own shutter sisterly (and brotherly) way to find out from you what kind of stuff your photographer-self can’t live without. We want this list to be a collaborative effort and we want to include the stuff that matters to YOU. We promise, that if we include your gear/gadget/equipment/accessory suggestion, we’ll give you credit for it. Yep. Your name, in lights (or perhaps better said, in the pages of DP Mag) because, that’s how we roll.

All you need to do is share with us an item (or 2? or 3?) here in the comments. Be sure you share with us where we can see your suggestions and please do elaborate on why you shared what you shared, if it’s applicable. The why is as important as the what! At least, we think so. You’ve got a week to come up with something. We’ll be compiling our list of faves late next week so please share by Aug 7th. Note: We’re also collecting suggestions via our Facebook Page so feel free to pop over there and add your suggestions to that thread. Easy-peasy.

Thanks for your input! We can’t wait to see what you love/need/want/must have (photographically speaking, that is).

The Thread that Connects Us

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heart shaped thread

What can I possibly say to express what’s in my head and on my heart? It seems the words that keep repeating in my head are here we are, again. Again, yes. Only this time, the entire world is different.

Beginning again here with Shutter Sisters—in a rebirth of sorts—has had me reflecting on the very start of it, 6 years ago. I feel as excited now as I did then, but in an entirely new way. Over the past years, the breadth of the internet has widened and deepened and it’s exploded with beautiful content, inspiring communities, and creative collaborations. And photography? Photography’s place in our everyday lives has transcended anything I could have ever imagined!  Whether it’s our creative outlet, our happy place or our saving grace,  our photography is an integral part of who we are now. And that is awesome.

But through all the growth, all the change, all the evolution—there are still things that remain unchanged. Sisterhood, ah sisterhood, that’s the constant; the universal thread that continues to connect us. It’s not just that we’re women. It’s that we’re creative, passionate, brave, and adventurous. We’re seekers, dreamers and storytellers. We shoot from the heart. And we want, more than anything, to share it with one another. I believe it’s not just the shooting, but it’s the sharing that’s the crux of it all. It’s what motivates us, energizes us and inspires us. It’s why we value our shutter sisters so very much. And that’s not changing.

I’m humbled and deeply grateful that there’s a sisterhood here, and there, and everywhere. I know my life wouldn’t be the same without it, back then, or right now. So, thank you. For being a part of it.

One Day More

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From what I’ve been gathering, I’m not the one who has got the soundtrack of Les Miserable running through my head. The lyrics arise within me when I wake, I hear the melodies when I drift to sleep, and I singing all through the day. Although I was expecting to enjoy the movie, I wasn’t expecting the kind of reaction I’ve had. There is a passion and fervor that has permeated my very soul.  

Fight. Dream. Hope. Love.

It’s not just me, is it? Can you feel it? Does it speak to you?

And it all feels so timely. I can think of no better way to end 2012 and begin 2013 but to hold onto these ideals, these words, this music…the celebration of the power, strength, and resilience and of human spirit.

“One more dawn
One more day
One day more!”

the last of 2012

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What does your last weekend of 2012 look like?

Today’s prompt : warmth

Sunday’s prompt : peace

time for rest

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I felt it coming a few days before Christmas…scratchy throat, stuffy nose, a little achey. I popped some vitamin c, gobbled down a few oranges and carried on. It just wasn’t enough. I’m down for the count with a nasty post-holiday cold. 

What to do? Snuggle into bed with some hot tea, my laptop, a few favorite magazines and plenty of rest. I can’t believe how much I’ve been sleeping. Sometimes the body needs a break and the only way to make it happen is to knock us right off our feet.

Are you taking time to rest, relax, refuel…hopefully before your knocked off your feet? Share a little glimpse of cozy…comfort….recuperation with us today.

Love

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As I sit here to write this post, I ponder on what else is there to say about love that hasn’t already been said and reiterated.

But here is the thing, when it comes to picturing love, it is probably the single most personal thing one can capture, because we each have been touched by it in a very unique and special way. Love that is bigger than ourselves, love that endures time and hardship, love at first sight, and love found in the most ordinary moments.

As we decompress from the hoilidays and start our countdown to the new year, I want to invite you to look at your own precious life with the intent of capturing love that is real and that is simply yours. The love only you can feel and see, but that is also understood and felt universally.

Shoot, share, and then tuck that sweet love reminder forever in your heart.

Let is Snow

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Snow. So many of you today are out there playing in it, thoroughly enjoying it. Or maybe you’re  cursing it. Two years ago, we traveled to Illinois to spend the holidays with my parents and it snowed on Christmas Eve. It was magic, I tell you. magic. I grew up with snow but for most of my adult life, have only lived in cities where snow is a rare occurrence. I’d forgotten how magic it is. How quiet it is. How it so silently covers every little thing in sight. How it seems to make color and light sing.

Today, show us magic. Snow magic, that is. Dig up the old favorites. Or, if you have snow, get out there in it and make some new ones. Whatever the case (or whatever the weater), share a few shots of your outdoor surroundings with us here with us today as we recoup from the haze of the holiday.

The Other Side of Perfect

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You know how it is.

All you want, for the love of God, is one family photo. One sweet family photo where everyone smiles and looks lovely towards the camera. Is this too much to ask, people? I mean for Christ’s sake, it’s Christmas.

Sometimes we succeed and no big damage is done. Other times we succeed and everyone feels like crap. Like the year I positively tortured my then husband and kindergartener into their Christmas best for The Nutcracker, the best holiday photo op ever.  Or the time I marched my then preschooler and toddler for the Santa shoot that played more like a horror show than a friendly visit.

Thank God we get older and a little wiser.  Thank God we each year have the chance to lay down our perfectionism and take the shot of the way things really are…chaotic and out-of-sync and irregular and real.  

This photo you see above? Someone called for a crazy/silly face and there you have it. Eighteen people fully alive in the frame. Eighteen people who have been struggling to be together for so many years now that we didn’t have the heart to even try to pull off a giant family holiday after the last time until now.  Eighteen people who decided that maybe they could manage a three hour dinner that turned into a photo shoot that turned into mayhem that turned into bliss.

Because isn’t this what the holidays are about after all?  The miracle that we can somehow keep loving each other even when nothing is perfect? The miracle that we somehow keep coming together even when we don’t know how to handle how different we are? Even if we can barely understand how fierce and irrational the glue that keeps our love together?

Today after you manhandle everyone into their Christmas best, after you get the shot you were waiting for, ask for everyone’s silly face. Then put that photo in a frame.  Slap it on your fridge, on the mantle, wherever you’ll see it most often.  

This is the other side of perfect, and it’s the reason why your family is so fantastically unlike any other family on the planet.  It’s the reason why you love these people. And why your love, year after year, remains so amazing and true.

Comments are all yours kitty kats. Show us your crazy family today.  Shots from all cameras, mobile or otherwise welcome.