Alumni Spotlight - Susie Howell
What is your current occupation/career?
I am a self-employed photographer, with a studio in my home in Marysville. I work with commercial and private clients. Having photographed events and special projects for the Schack Art Center for more than a decade, I was named Volunteer of the Year in 2015. I photograph portraits, community events around Everett, weddings and artists’ artworks. I enjoy exploring alternative methods of producing my own fine art photography and do my own printing. I have also been self-employed for two decades as a tailor and designer/seamstress in downtown Everett at Burkett’s.
How did you choose EvCC? Was there a selection process involved in your decision making?
Choosing EvCC was natural. I graduated from Everett High School in 1969; I then enrolled in my first class at EvCC that summer. No one in my family went to college and I was never encouraged to go, even though it was my dream to continue my education. So it was up to me to figure out a way. I got a secretarial job and attended EvCC part time. One of my early favorite classes at EvCC was ballet. Yes, this was offered at EvCC in the early 1970’s! As a student of Mike Jordan’s, our troupe performed at elementary schools and around town. I also had a dream of becoming a veterinarian, so I left my job to attend EvCC full time as a science major. I didn’t realize at the time that I was a creative soul with a passion for photography.
Twenty years later, I was a single mother and decided it was time to go back to EvCC to pursue that passion. My four children were very supportive, although our lives were chaotic with me working, going to school and trying to keep up with their activities. The cool thing is that it changed my life in such a wonderful way! I had only worked with little film point and shoot cameras! I attended photography program courses while working as a tailor and seamstress..I still don’t know how I did it, but it was well worth the effort. Within the first year of taking that first photography course, I began photographing weddings and portraits with Van Nordquist . We worked together for several years before I went out on my own. I seized every opportunity to learn and create photographs, learning how to do everything from working with studio lighting, developing film and printing in the darkroom. I’m so grateful to have learned photography this way.
Was there anyone during your time at EvCC who acted as a mentor for you? If so, please tell me about that relationship and why it was valuable. .
Yes. On the first day of that photography class, I purchased a new manual camera, yet had no clue how to use it – thus began a new adventure. Then, a few years later, I embraced the digital world of photography with the encouragement of Lloyd Weller. He was a terrific mentor in many ways, including encouraging me to overcome my fear of the computer. Eventually, I embraced the world of digital photography and never looked back. I loved our class critique sessions, which opened my eyes to a new way of appreciating photographs.
One of my favorite classes at EvCC was History of Photography with Ellen Felsenthal. She expected so much class participation that I really had to get over my shyness with speaking before groups.
My time at EvCC gave me the gift of meeting new friends with common interests. I met fellow student Tonnie Wolfe, an amazing textile and digital artist, in Lloyd Weller's digital photography course several years ago. She thoughtfully critiques anything I ask her to and points out things about myself that I'm not even aware of! I think she's my biggest fan! In addition to being a very close friend, we encourage each others' personal growth.
I'm so grateful for the time spent at our terrific local college, the knowledge and confidence gained, connections made and a career that brings me joy.
My advice is to stretch your comfort zone and keep learning! Education opens your eyes to experiencing the world around you in ways you cannot imagine. You won’t regret it. You’re never too old!
Anything else you'd like to add?
The computer inspires me to be more creative with what I can do with my art photography. I love to create images of landscapes with simple lines and form. Infrared and pinhole photography are always interesting to me. I have printed my art photography on alternative surfaces as well, including fabric and metal. I truly enjoy photographing people and bringing out the essence of who they are in a portrait. As I edit my photography for clients, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction in what I do.
I had been quite unsure of myself for a long time; however, my education at EvCC helped me gain much self-confidence. I am very open-minded and truly enjoy the diversity of my career, including the wonderful people I have met along the way.
