Susan Wingerter is a Photographer Based in Chicago, Illinois, USA
I first met Susan many years ago in Chicago, Illinois. In the years since, Susan and I have stayed in touch, traveled to Cuba, and shot together on occasion. I’ve watched as Susan as she pours passion and talent into everything she takes on.
Thank you Susan for taking time to share with RedDotBlueDot readers! I’m thrilled to have you as a Photographer in Focus!
Five Foto Facts
First camera: Leica D-Lux 5
Favorite camera: Leica Typ 109
Photographer who has most inspired you: Israeli Photographer Dina Alfasi. She predominantly chronicles people while riding on a train...I am in awe of her ability to find a story in every face she photographs. She’s truly an artist. And, incredibly she takes all of her photos with an iPhone 11.
Favorite travel destination: Frankfurt, Germany
One place left on your travel bucket list: Prague, Czech Republic
Photograph by: Susan Wingerter
The Interview
RDBD: Tell me a little bit about yourself. What do readers need to know about you to get to know you? What is your personal, professional, and photography background?
S.W.: My grandfather was a photographer, so my personal interest in photography has stemmed from both a childhood of being constantly snapped for photos and by my own acting career; which introduced me to the concepts of dynamic lighting, subject and composition and capturing a defining moment.
RDBD: What type of photography do you consider your primary genre and why? What does it mean to you? How did you become focused on this area of photography?
S.W.: I consider street photography to be my primary genre. Humans are endlessly fascinating and going out into the world with a camera to find moments of everyday beauty truly inspires me. I find joy in the imagined storytelling of capturing an illustration of emotion in the people that surround me while they are working, playing, traveling or simply living their lives.
RDBD: What motivates you as a photographer? Specifically, why is photography important in your life? When you are tired of shooting, what gets you out the door anyway?
S.W.: Honestly, FOMO keeps me motivated. Missing out on an opportunity to snap a great moment is what has me kicking myself every time I leave the house without a camera. I can try to remember in my mind something lovely I’ve come across out in the world...but if I can take a photo of it, I get to keep it and then have the opportunity to share that split second of loveliness with others.
RDBD: Please tell me why you chose the image to submit as your one image. What meaning does the image have to you?
S.W.: The image I’ve chosen is a photograph of two brothers playing “catch me if you can” (hiding from other children as they circumnavigated the enormous fountain) around the Millennium Fountain in Chicago. Capturing the excitement of play, the bond of brotherhood and the invigorating glee of cool water on a hot summer day is everything I love about taking a photo.
RDBD: In an era where everyone has a smartphone and selfies and micro-blogging daily activities are quickly becoming the norm, why does traditional photography still matter?
S.W.: I applaud anyone who wants to capture moments in any medium. I think it’s wonderful that pictures can be taken with a phone...how marvelous is technology now that anyone can share what moves them with smartphones and blogs. That being said, traditional photography is an ART. And art always matters. The skill, artistry and grace it takes to use an actual camera to create photographs can’t be understated. The time taken for slowing down, for choosing the moment, really seeing what’s being captured...the effort of finding the right light, focus and aperture...the indelible nature of the images being made. And for me: the use of the creative spirit to feel the story that’s going to be seen through a photographer’s eye, one that can’t be deleted or edited in the moment, is something that can’t be duplicated in any digital form.
RDBD: What is one question you thought I should ask but didn’t?
S.W.: Question you should ask: "What’s your dream camera?"
Answer: "Leica M10-P with a Leica Summilux 50mm f/1.4."
RDBD: What photographer would you like to see answer these questions and recommend RDBD contact to be featured?
S.W.: Mark Spence, https://www.goodbeerhunting.com/beer-is-offal. Mark is a friend of mine, a prolific traveller and a keen photographer.