This interview is a bit different. I asked Jim Klenk, Sue's brother-in-law, if he would write the introduction for me. Jim approached me with the idea of interviewing Sue for the blog and I thought it would be nice to hear what he had to say. This also brings a bit more insight into who Sue is than I could have provided. I would like to thank Jim for taking the time to write such a great introduction.

Introduction

I met Sue when she was in 9^th grade. At the time I had just begun dating her older sister at Rutgers. Sue was different than most junior high students as she was extremely focused and driven. Her interest in photography was inspired by photos she had seen in The National Geographic Magazine. It's important to note that at this time in the late 70's the internet had yet to be invented. Newspapers and magazines were the primary vehicles used to share information. There were no cell phones, no selfies, no Facebook and or Instagram. Photographs were taken with film that had to be developed. The only instantly available photographs were from a Polaroid camera and the quality was no where near that of our digital photography era of today. The best photographers in the world worked for National Graphic. The pictures featured in their magazine were literally some of the finest photography on this planet. The exquisite shiny photographs spoke to her and she was hooked.

image by Shawn Urbine

Sue's parents wisely reinforced her interest in photography! Her father built her a dark room in their basement. My first recollection of her work are some black and white photos that she had take of Bruce Springsteen in concert. She was shooting in B&W because she was concerned that if she used a flash her camera and film might be taken away from her. Driven and wise beyond her years she was literally off to the races. She took photography classes in high school. Her instructor recognized Sue's potential and continued to fan the flame of interest within her.

As I continued dating Sue's sister she became her family's official photographer. She would always gather and arrange everyone at all family gatherings to capture a group shot. Needless to say Sue's passion for photography continued to grow and was full blown by the time she entered college. She made a wise deal with her school. Sue was given a custodians closet to use as her darkroom and she agreed to photograph all events at the school.

By the time Sue was graduating from Clemson her parents had moved. Her father built her another darkroom in their new home. However Sue never moved back home as she had secured a job and didn't use the new second darkroom. Her knowledge and passion for chasing and capturing light still continues to grow. While sharing some of my favorite shots from a photography group I joined Sue and her husband pulled out beautiful waterfall pictures from the same location! Occasionally she will share with me a shot she captures for herself. Seeing the world thru talented trained eyes is a blessing in itself.

Over the years Professor Sue has shared her exploits about teaching her students. She no longer instructs how to develop film the old fashioned way with chemicals. Capturing the light and processing the images have become the main focus. She genuinely cares that each of her students get a proper photography education and will hopefully become enlightened and energized as she once was. Her children capture great photographs as well, go figure... They all went to the University where Sue teaches. They are talented musicians and artists. Sue's husband has taken some amazing photographs as well. His method is quite simple. He told me that he stands next to Sue and does exactly what she says!

This picture sums things up nicely, it's one of the shots her husband took while standing next to Sue and listening to her directions.

The Interview

Personal questions

What is your favorite childhood memory?

My favorite childhood memories are of the summers I spent at Lake Hopatcong, NJ with my family. Swimming until our lips were blue, picking wild blueberries, fishing, and sailing with my father.

What’s the best advice anyone has given you and who gave it to you?

Jay “Doc” Smith was my high school photography teacher who encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming a photographer. He told me photography is about passion, patience, and practice.

What is your favorite thing to do when you aren't photographing or teaching?

I enjoy reading both mystery and feel good inspirational novels. I take long walks in the woods in my backyard where my mind can relax and enjoy nature.

If you could spend an hour with any famous person, past or present, who would it be and why?

I was fortunate to meet Ansel Adams when I was in high school but can’t remember anything he said because I was so awestruck. I recall his hands were big and soft and that he smelled like Old Spice when I was expecting him to smell like fixer. If I could meet him again, I would discuss the early years of photography when images were formed on glass plates. It was Adams who said, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it”; I try teaching this concept each day in my classes.
(Joe: I’m not sure I would remember much either, there are few public figures that I admire as much as Ansel.)

What is something that most people don’t know about you?

Each semester, during the third week of photography class, I lecture on top of my desk as we discuss perspective.
(Joe: That is quite a unique approach and I would be quite effective.)

What do you think about when you are alone?

In no particular order I pray, I think about how to improve my classes and engage this generation of students, I think about what I’m going to serve for dinner, and what the golden hour is going to look like today.

What would you like to be remembered for?

How I raised my three children, being a good wife to my husband Shawn, and doing my best to be kind to others.

Professional questions

Why photography?

My background is in Industrial Education primarily in the printing and publishing fields. Those skills are extremely technical and finite in their application. Photography is an escape to infinite possibilities of light and composition.

What is the greatest challenge you face teaching photography on a university level? Greatest reward?

My teaching philosophy for photography is a simple equation: Photography = Art + Science. Teaching students the relationship between light and composition (Art) plus the technical skills of Photoshop and digital output devices (Science) is my greatest challenge. My greatest reward comes when the students don’t realize that two hours have passed and they don’t want to leave for their next class.

What is your greatest professional achievement?

Professionally, my goal is to teach students the needed skills to find meaningful employment in the print publishing industry. Personally, my goal is to inspire each student to be the best person they can be. My greatest professional achievement is when both goals are reached and the student becomes the master.

If you could share a gallery show with anyone past or present, who would it be?

If I could share a gallery show with anyone it would be Steve McCurry from National Geographic. I have been a fan of his for decades and when he came to campus for a lecture and showcase, I ask if he would speak to my students. He taught in my classroom for over an hour. His work with National Geographic has been awe-‐inspiring and the documentary of the last roll of Kodachrome film is a crowd pleaser in my classroom.
(Joe: Great choice! I have checked out his work and it truly is awe-inspiring. How great it is that he agreed to speak with your students.)

Where do you draw inspiration from and what is your favorite part about the process?

Inspiration comes in all forms but to me it’s all about the light. I wait for light, I chase light, I think about how to manipulate light on my subjects, and then I capture it. Additionally, I’m a huge fan of Scott Kelby and Colin Smith as I follow both of them on the Internet. I’ve been using Photoshop since 1990 and recall how I anxiously awaited for the new addition of Photoshop User Magazine to arrive.
(Joe: It’s all about the light…. I follow Scott and Colin, too. In fact, I have interviewed Scott – check it out, here.)

What is your favorite location to photograph?

The easy answer is wherever I am at the moment. However, I tend to migrate to wide-‐open spaces such as beaches, mountains, or anywhere near a water source.

What is your favorite piece of equipment?

My Canon Camera and my tripod, I don’t leave home without them.

How did you get your start and what advice would you give to someone looking for a career in photography?

I started as a yearbook/school paper photographer in high school and continued on that same path in college. I took photography classes throughout my undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate education while studying printing, publishing, instructional technology, and human resource development. My career goal was to be a trainer in the print/publishing industry. After graduating from Clemson University I went into industry as the manager of the film prep division of Jersey Printing. A year later I was asked to join the faculty at California University of PA in the digital media technology program. Each day I have the opportunity to inspire students, future educators, and future photographers, to reach their potential and achieve their career goal. My advice to any and all of them is to follow the light.
(Joe: Great advice!)

Bonus question:

What are your Top 5 "Deserted Island" albums?

Fleetwood Mac Rumours
Bruce Springsteen Born To Run
Chicago Greatest Hits
James Taylor Sweet Baby James
Jackson Browne Running on Empty

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Exploring Photography with Joe Valencia

Monday, June 8, 2020

Interview with Professor of Digital Media Technology Sue Urbine