Monday, January 25, 2010

Hall of Fame {Susannah Tucker Photography}

Good morning! Thanks for stopping by today. A warm welcome to new friends and old :)

Meet Susannah, a self taught photographer who's love for capturing moments in time began at the age of eight.

Her shop, Susannah Tucker Photography, is filled with beautiful images "inspired by my daughters laugh, my sons newborn deliciousness, the connection I see between people, the warmth of the sun, and a stark landscape. I love vibrant colours, watching the clouds drift across a blue sky, spring blossoms, the feel of sand and grass underfoot, rustic country scenes, all things vintage and brown paper packages wrapped in string. My favourite thing of all....getting lost in a daydream...."

Keep reading to learn a bit more about the girl behind the camera.

What inspires you?
So many things inspire me – a blue sky, sunshine, all things vintage ~ especially old cameras, pale pastel flowers, the beach, rustic country scenes, dandelions.......I could go on and on......

Where do you call home? Are you from there originally?

I’ve called Australia home for the past 6 years, and lived in the States, London, and Germany, but HOME will always be New Zealand.

Name something unique to where you live.
Koalas, Kangaroos, spiders...the Australian heat!
Share an interesting fact about yourself.
Not enough sleep + not enough coffee = a very grumpy Susannah

If you had to describe yourself in a word, what would that word be?

Determined.

What made you decide to open up shop?
When I had my daughter and became a full time mother I needed a creative outlet. I had been pottering away at photography since I was given my first camera when I was 8, and thought why not? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I am so glad I did, so many wonderful things have come from having an Etsy shop, and I would be lost without it!
How did you come up with your shop name? Any special significance?
I have dreams of opening a portrait business for families and children, and it just seemed right to use my name for the fine art side of things, and for any other future photography projects/businesses I get into.

Your work is stunning! Have you had any formal training?

No. I am self taught. I used to think I had to be formally trained to ‘be’ a photographer, but the more you experiment and teach yourself, the more your own style develops and you don’t need a piece of paper to follow your dreams.

Name your favorite thing about selling handmade.
I get to work at my own pace, doing what I absolutely love, and be at home with my little ones. Plus I think there is something unique about creating something you love, then wrapping it up and shipping it off to someone else in the world....hoping they love it too.
Do you have a day job or sell on Etsy full-time?
I am a full time mother to a 3.5 year old, Annabel and a 10 month old, Otis. I fit in the photography around my children, and while I would love to have more hours in the day (and dream of having my own studio), I wouldn’t change anything!

Give us a little glimpse into what a typical day in your life looks like.
I am normally woken by my little girl tip toeing in to ask me if I am awake (her face millimeters from mine)– better than an alarm clock! We have breakfast together, I have coffee (mmmm, coffee....) and check emails, respond to any queries, check orders etc. We get ready (which as a lot of you with stubborn little people at home will know, can take hours), and head out of the house for the morning - to the zoo, the park, playgroup, music, depends what day it is and what we have on. During the afternoons when the kids are sleeping it’s my quiet time to package up orders, list new items, work on new photos, email, read a few blog favourites. I have a wonderful husband who takes over when he gets home from work so I can go to the gym and/or do some more photo work. I call it work but it never feels like work!

Share with us a favorite Etsy purchase or shop.

My favourite Etsy shop is Erin Carver. She is the most incredibly talented artist – www.ErinCarver.etsy.com
List a few of your most favorite pastimes.
Long summer days at the beach or swimming pool, hands down my favourite past and present time!

Read any good books lately?
A Song in the Daylight – Paullina Simons. That lady is such a good storyteller!

What is your most prized possession?
My camera collection, box of polaroids, and family photo albums.

What are three of your favorite foods?
Chocolate, coffee, sushi. Does coffee count as food?
What would you like to learn to do?
Speak Italian

What are you listening to right now?
The sound of summer – cicadas and other insects outside in the garden. I love that sound.

Name one place you must visit in your lifetime and why.

Italy. I’ve spent 2 weeks there, and it is the most romantic, incredible, cultured place I’ve ever been to. The light is incredible. It is AMAZING. We want to spend a year in an Italian village while the kids are still young, and I would spend my days biking around the villages taking Polaroids. Heaven!

***
Susannah, thank you so much for stopping by to share with us. It was a pleasure getting to know you better.

While you're visiting, stop by Susannah's blog and facebook page!

Time for a Giveaway!
This week's lucky winner will receive Susannah's beautiful "Today Would be a Lovely Day to be a Butterfly" Photo Block!

To enter, tell us your favorite piece from her shop. Don't forget to include your name and email address or Etsy username so we can contact you!

For extra entries you can:
Tweet this giveaway, and/or follow me on twitter
Follow my blog and/or Susannah's blog
Blog about this interview/contest
Purchase from Susannah Tucker Photography

Just leave a comment with your answer. Then, an additional comment if you are applicable for extra entries.

For example: If you want to enter and you also tweet the giveaway and follow my blog; leave your original comment + another that you tweeted + another that you are a follower = a total of 3 comments. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.

You can also tweet this giveaway once per day or follow me on twitter and get an additional entry for doing so!

Contest ends Sunday, January 31st at 11:59 pm EST. Winner will be chosen at random and will be announced the following day.

Good luck!

123 comments:

Anonymous said...

I like:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34384315

Betsabè
ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

Anonymous said...

I follow your blog.

Betsabè
ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

Anonymous said...

I tweet:
http://twitter.com/dakha/status/8195824306

Betsabè
ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

Anonymous said...

I blogged:
http://giveawaymania.blogspot.com/2010/01/sunshine-studio_25.html



Betsabè
ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

Anonymous said...

I love her Any Which Way Photograph! Thanks for a great giveaway!

MadeInCanarias said...

I like her Feathery Wishes
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30002814
madeincanarias at yahoo dot es

MadeInCanarias said...

I follow your blog.
madeincanarias at yahoo dot es

MadeInCanarias said...

Follow you on Twitter too (MadeInCanarias).
madeincanarias at yahoo dot es

MadeInCanarias said...

Tweet: http://twitter.com/MadeInCanarias/status/8197473132
madeincanarias at yahoo dot es

Sydney said...

I can't decide between Last Light and The Butterdly Travles, such beautiful work!

Sydney
scoobidoo540(at)aol(dot)com

Sydney said...

I follow the Sunshine Blog

Sydney
scoobidoo540(at)aol(dot)com

Joanna said...

I love the pictures of the vintage cameras! Thanks for the entry.

jmeyer814@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I like the "Where Shall We Go".

kowandamcbride@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I follow your blog.
kowandamcbride@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I love this photograph of butterflies: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38277092. Oh and I love the giveaway--this is such a unique concept and what a lovely gift it would make. Thank you for the chance!
Marci
june_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com

♥Vale♥ said...

My favourite photo is "The resting place"http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35949263

Valentina VaBo

♥Vale♥ said...

I follow your blog...very beautiful!
Valentina VaBo

♥Vale♥ said...

I post your giveaway in my blog
www.vabodesign.blogspot.com
Thanks!
Valentina VaBo

Celene said...

I liked the Rainbow swings!

celene08@gmail.com

picnut1512 said...

I love the Butterfly block best....but my second favorite is the "You Can Fly" block.

picnut1512@yahoo.com

picnut1512 said...

I'm a follower of your blog :)
picnut1512@yahoo.com

Nature Manipulated said...

My favorite is Spring Sunshine photo block.

naturemanipulated AT hotmail DOT com

Amber said...

The Butterfly Travels is my favorite from Susannah's shop!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I love the whimsical notecard set.
e.estt[at]yahoo[dot]com

Catherine Ivins said...

I have loved this shop a long time-hard to pick a favorite- I do love the surf and soul series and her butterflies

xo- Cat :)
I follow

Camille said...

My favorite is the Wish Photograph! It's so pretty and sweet :)

cam22190 at gmail

Unknown said...

Anything "Butterfly" wins my heart. I especially love The Resting Place photo.

judyweicker(at)gmail(dot)com

Taylor said...

I like the Vintage Cameras - set of 4 photo blocks. I'm very much into cameras and photography.

Thank you!
CurlyfrySC.etsy.com

ArtsyCraftsy said...

I love anything pertaining to summer & the beach, so my pick is the Summer set found here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_2&listing_id=30778130&ga_search_query=beach&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5515005

Those are gorgeous!

Jess =]
Jessence22@yahoo.com

Wehaf said...

I love the ranunculus photo set: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31324438

Not enough people appreciate the beauty of the ranunculus!

urchiken at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

I LOVE the Ranunculus Photo blocks! Everything is so beautiful!
ms.johnsonmahs at gmail dot com

lo said...

I love so many things from the shop it's hard to pick a favorite! Thanks for the post about this shop and introducing me to her lovely items!

My favorite (out of many close seconds) might be the Together we will fly photo block. I have a butterfly theme going on in my room where this would fit in perfectly!

Thanks,
Lauren

lo said...

Tweet tweet :)
http://twitter.com/luckylauren06/status/8220748790

Thanks!
lauren

Anonymous said...

I love the Beach Love Photo Block!

bakergurl02[at]yahoo[dot]com

EVA SB said...

I love the I Heart Summer photo blocks.

eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com

EVA SB said...

I follow on Twitter and I tweeted
http://twitter.com/EVA_n_essence/status/8223776146

eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com

EVA SB said...

I follow your blog
eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com

Anonymous said...

i like the last light print :)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29233446

please enter me

judy bloom flowers at hotmail dot com

Kalynda said...

I just LOVE butterflies, so one of my faves is the Sweetness - 8x8 Fine Art Photography.

Kalynda
kindym1985@hotmail.com

Kalynda said...

I follow your blog.

Kalynda
kindym1985@hotmail.com

Kalynda said...

I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/LittleKDesigns/status/8228540713

Kalynda
kindym1985@hotmail.com

LisbonSky said...

Wow - Susannah has been one of my fave sellers for AGES!

I want her whole shop, but i'll say the Summer Love (set 9 photo blocks) as they look so nice as a series.

LisbonSky said...

Hi, I'm following your blog: Imelda Dickinson

LisbonSky said...

Hi,
I'm a Twitter follower: LisbonSky!

Dovile said...

My favorite is the Secrets print

spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

Dovile said...

I'm following your blog

spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

Chocolat said...

I love
in my heart of hearts - 8x8 Fine Art Photograph

ale
aleematti@hotmail.com

Michelle said...

I LOVE the vintage camera set of photo blocks!!! Love it!

mandm_2002 at hotmail dot com
Michelle

Michelle said...

I'm following with google friend connect.

mandm_2002 at hotmail dot com

PerfectBlueMoon said...

ooo I'm so excited she's doing another giveaway! I love her new butterfly prints! especially the 'she wore butterflies in her hair'!!!

Anna
perfectbluemoon@gmail[dot]com

jaquelyn {mama thoughts} said...

Beautiful! I love the butterflies in her shop, especially this set:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38973912

thesweetestpetunia {at} gmail {dot} com

jaquelyn {mama thoughts} said...

Blog follower!

thesweetestpetunia {at} gmail {dot} com

jaquelyn {mama thoughts} said...

Follow you on Twitter: @thesweetpetunia

thesweetestpetunia {at} gmail {dot} com

Unknown said...

Susannah is such a wonderful photographer and artist. I love the Summer Love set and She Wore Butterflies in her Hair. Gorgeous works.

Hugs...Tracy :)

Unknown said...

I love this item:
She Wore Butterflies in her Hair - 8x8 Fine Art Photograph
so pretty!

Melissa
www.EyePoetry.etsy.com

laia said...

I love http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36850244

Regards from Barcelona,Laia.
laiafortuny(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

daily tweet:
http://twitter.com/dakha/status/8241772710

Betsabè
ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

Rosa Forino said...

wow it's beautiful!!!!! sorry for my english helped me google
I would love to win because I started hours
This is really some wonderful candy.. Thanks for a chance to win..
un saluto dall'Italia bye bye rosa
i like http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=36850244

Rosa Forino said...

i am old follower ;-)

Rosa Forino said...

I blogged:
http://blogcandymania.blogspot.com/2010/01/sunshine-studio.html

Cabootique said...

I love the The Butterflies - set of 3 photo blocks.

carethediva[at]hotmail[dot]com

penny threads. said...

3 Wishes - set of 3 dandelion photo blocks are my favorite from her shop but I also really LOVE the carnival swing shots. So lovely. I want all of them!
Renea Hanna
pennythreads {at} gmail {dot} com

penny threads. said...

http://twitter.com/pennythreads/status/8249938277

TWEETED! :)
Renea Hanna
pennythreads {at} gmail {dot} com

penny threads. said...

i am a blog follower. :D
Renea Hanna
pennythreads {at} gmail {dot} com

Kez said...

Just purchased 2 of her photoblocks! You Can Fly & Minolta...
Her work says so much with the click of her camera.

You Can Fly is my Fave!

OwlyKez - Etsy
kerrifenn@gmail.com

Roots and Feathers said...

she is fabulous! great interview choice! so excited for this giveaway!

i follow you!

Roots and Feathers said...

i now follow her, excited to be a new follower to her blog, looks so pretty!

Kelly said...

Can just imagine a series of these blocks on my wall. Love the blue. I love The Sweet Life spring photo the best.
k3ll3yb0b@gmail.com or mudpots on etsy

Ronnie said...

Susannah is such a talented photographer! I really enjoyed going through her Etsy store.. her pictures are so artistic. My fave is the Sweet Life photo block:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36758919

Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

Ronnie said...

I blogged about this giveaway!
Here's the link:

http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/01/photo-block-from-susannah-tucker.html

Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com

Linda Kish said...

I like the to the west print

But if I won my sister would cry when I gave it to her..she loves anything with butterflies.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Maz said...

amber/beach love

I wish there were more autumn pictures....

rmaslow a@t yahoo d.ot com

Anonymous said...

I like the Hello, you - 8x8 Fine Art Photograph
digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net

K said...

I love the Feathery Wishes - 8x8 Fine Art Photograph but I love the prize! That is a awesome saying!
I had to add to my favourite stores!

busybbee05[at]yahoo[dot]com[dot]au

K said...

I follow you on twitter @umeplusone
busybbee05[at]yahoo[dot]com[dot]au

K said...

I follow your blog - Kym -
busybbee05[at]yahoo[dot]com[dot]au

K said...

I follow Susannah's blog
busybbee05[at]yahoo[dot]com[dot]au

Anonymous said...

daily tweet:
Betsabè
ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

Trains and Sewing Machines said...

Ooo I love the minolta photo block!

Kristen G. said...

I like the Daydreaming Photo Block.

krissygrl84@yahoo.com

EVA SB said...

My Daily Tweet http://twitter.com/EVA_n_essence/status/8297120892

cls said...

Such beautiful work! I love the "Glass is half full" 8x8 print. Gorgeous!!

cassandrawebb82 at yahoo dot com

cls said...

I am following you on Twitter as cassandrawebb.

cassandrawebb82 at yahoo dot com

cls said...

I am following your blog as Cass Webb.

cassandrawebb82 at yahoo dot com

Rhian said...

I love the Ikonette. Vintage cameras are beautiful.

rhian_jenkins@hotmail.com

Mel D said...

Hi, I retweeted about your giveaway!
LisbonSky

:)

knits4kids said...

I like "3 Wishes - set of 3 dandelion photo blocks"
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29428556

Mariel said...

Oh wow. I grew up close to the beach, so I am loving the beach and summer images. I think my favorite block is the "Daydreaming" cloud block.
- Mariel

v.jungkunz at yahoo dot com

Heather! said...

Oh, I sooooo love 'Believe in the Magic'!! It's lovely, gorgeous, simple and inspiring. My fingers are soo crossed for this one!

h4schaffer at gmail dot com

Heather! said...

I follow MrsMabe on Twitter as hybroanglid.
h4schaffer at gmail dot com

Heather! said...

I follow The Sunshine Studio on Google Connect!
h4schaffer at gmail dot com

Heather! said...

I follow Susannah's blog on Blogger...and I hope to one day have 1/10th of the talent she has!
h4schaffer at gmail dot com

EVA SB said...

My daily tweet
https://twitter.com/EVA_n_essence/status/8341525276
eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com

Nancy said...

All of her pieces are amazing. My favorite is Sweet Blue. There's something about that shade of blue that draws me to that piece and makes me smile :)

etsy user: pennysocks

Anonymous said...

daily tweet:

http://twitter.com/dakha/status/8367303767

Betsabè
ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

Chantele Cross-Jones said...

I love this set
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39511484

daisydayz25 at googlemail.com

Anonymous said...

daily tweet:
http://twitter.com/dakha/status/8408874312

Betsabè
ale84.vercelli@hotmail.it

h. mcnaron said...

hmcnaron at g mail dot com
i love the old cameras and the beach images.

Mel said...

I love her photography - i especially love the carnival series. They're all so bright and beautiful!

Mel said...

I bought the "rainbow swings" print for my birthday. Love it!

Mel said...

Just followed your blog, but I already follow Susannah's. She briliant!

Mel said...

Just followed you on twitter too! User: paperandribbons

Yay for twitter!

sabrita said...

Lovely photos-my favorite is the Daydreaming Photo Block. Thank you.

sabrita@juno.com

sabrita said...

I folloow on Google friends connect. Thank you.

sabrita@juno.com

Jblanton said...

Love the butterflies- 3 photo block set
ejxd95@gmail.com

Jblanton said...

following you on twitter-jblanton41

Jblanton said...

following Susannah's blog

Unknown said...

I like the calendar. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37860349

Trianna at http://www.etsy.com/shop/TriannasTreasures

Unknown said...

I'm following Susannahs blog.

Trianna at http://www.etsy.com/shop/TriannasTreasures

Unknown said...

I'm following you blog.

Trianna at http://www.etsy.com/shop/TriannasTreasures

http://triannastreasures.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Blogged about this contest.

Unknown said...

Following you on twitter.

Trianna at http://www.etsy.com/shop/TriannasTreasures

http://triannastreasures.blogspot.com/

TriannaH on twitter

Unknown said...

I tweeted this giveaway.

Trianna at http://www.etsy.com/shop/TriannasTreasures

http://triannastreasures.blogspot.com/

TriannaH on twitter

Anonymous said...

daily tweet:
http://twitter.com/dakha/status/8456722198

Betsabè
ale84.vercelli at hotmail dot it

The Lingo Family said...

LOVE the "Believe in the Magic" photoblock with the dandelion on it.

atrain365@hotmail.com

balanced. said...

I love the one entitled "Picnic with a View - 8x8 Fine Art Photograph".

What's not to love about that photograph?


rachel@balancedcrafts.com

Life's Simple Pleasures said...

A Little Bit of Love - 8x10 Fine Art Photograph is my fave!

reviewsbyabby at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

Love loads. White Petals - 8x8 Fine Art Photographic Print is great!

shiki6210 at gmail dot com

Melanie @ Whimsical Creations said...

Love the Whispers - 8x8 Fine Art Photograph. Beautiful!!

melanieadey at hotmail dot com

Melanie @ Whimsical Creations said...

follower


melanieadey at hotmail dot com

Julia said...

Whispers, I've always loved spring blossoms.


sugareaterATgmailDOTcom

kanishk said...

love her Any Which Way Photograph! Thanks for a great giveaway!


Domain registration india

First Light Photography said...

Beautiful blog and wonderful artisans!