Today we’d like to introduce you to Susannah Treadway.
Susannah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My mom was a single mom and didn’t have a lot of money, but for my 12th birthday she found a local photographer with some old gear – She was able to work out an arrangement to buy the photographer’s old camera for me. I loved that camera and photographed anything and everything. I quickly became my family’s photographer for senior photos, engagement photos, family photos, and even a wedding. Somehow it never occurred to me to start my business until I had my own baby. Something shifted when I discovered more than an artistic passion but a depth of meaning in photography that I hadn’t understood before. Being able to freeze a moment through a photograph, capturing the emotion and personality and interactions of that time in a photo, is so meaningful to me as a mother and a photographer. I want to remember these days with my kids, and I want to have photos that I actually like of myself in those memories – This is what I want for the moms I serve as well. I specialize in family photography – I love photographing families in every stage!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It certainly has not been totally smooth – Starting a business from scratch while raising two under two was wild! Then, just as I was starting to feel established, we moved from Minnesota to the Knoxville area. I am embracing it as an adventure and I love everything that I have been able to learn in the process!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Photography to me is much more than just clicking a button. I am very strategic and intentional in styling families in outfits that are color coordinated, fit their session location (and the vibe of their family) and help tell their story. I also have a questionnaire for moms to fill out before their session so that I can get to know their family – I use this information to guide my poses and prompts.
I love using light and color in my art, but the third piece I am paying a lot of attention to is the EMOTION that is happening (and that I am curating by the types of prompts and poses I give.)
For example, one mom shared with me that pregnancy had been really hard on her, she struggled to feel excited and connected to her baby because of how hard and anxiety filled it had been. She shared that her husband was really the one that was feeling the excitement for the both of them. She knew she wanted the maternity photos to be able to show her daughter one day, but she was struggling with all the health complications. When I heard this story, I knew immediately how I was going to pose her – I wanted to emphasize her strength and perseverance, and I wanted to highlight her husband’s care and protectiveness of her and their baby girl.
A huge part of my brand that I have taken great care to curate is this personalized touch – I am hands on helping my clients prepare for their family, maternity, or in home newborn session, offering suggestions, direction, feedback, and personalized styling. At the session, I take a lot of time to set everyone at ease so that each person feels seen, cared for, and affirmed. My sessions are relaxed, comfortable, and filled with really sweet moments., along with the elevated touch of client closet access.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.susannahrayephotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susannahrayephotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susannahrayephotography
