Meet Suzann Kaltbaum | Fine Art Photographer/Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Suzann Kaltbaum and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Suzann, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
The most important factor behind my success is believing in myself and staying true to my passion. People will always have opinions—art galleries, collectors, critics—but you can’t make everyone happy. I create art that I genuinely love, inspired by my own experiences and memories. This authenticity resonates with people and makes my work special. Building personal relationships with my collectors and making them feel like part of my journey has been key. It’s all about being real, sharing my story, and creating pieces that spark joy and conversation.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Absolutely! So, my art is all about capturing memories and moments in a way that feels personal. I take photographs from my travels and transform them into digital art, giving them a new life on HD metal through dye sublimation. What sets me apart, I think, is how I blend my love for photography with digital techniques to create something unique—each piece tells a story, inspired by my own experiences.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how my work makes people feel. When someone tells me that a piece reminds them of a special memory or brings them joy, that’s what excites me the most. It’s like my art becomes a part of their lives, and that’s special.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy, though. There were challenges—learning new techniques, finding my voice, and, the ups and downs of running a business. But I’ve always believed in the power of perseverance. I learned to keep going, even when things got tough, and to trust that the work I’m doing is worth it.

A big lesson for me has been to stay true to myself and my vision. It’s easy to get caught up in what you think you should be doing, but I’ve found that staying authentic is what connects with people. I want the world to know that my art comes from a place of love and passion and that it’s not just about creating something beautiful—it’s about making something meaningful.

My story is one of growth, both personally and professionally. I’m always learning, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Orlando for a week, I’d want to show them that there’s so much more to see and do here beyond the theme parks. I’d take them to some of my favorite spots that most people don’t know about.

Day 1: Theme Park Fun
We’d kick things off with a day at one of the theme parks—probably Universal Studios or Disney’s Magic Kingdom. One of the highlights of being in Orlando is having these parks right in your backyard, so I’d definitely want to share that experience. After a day of rides and all that excitement, we’d grab dinner at Disney Springs. I’m thinking The Boathouse for some delicious seafood and a great view.

Day 2: Downtown Orlando
We’d spend the day exploring downtown Orlando. We could walk around Lake Eola, check out some local art galleries, and grab lunch at The Stubborn Mule. For dinner, we’d head to The Ravenous Pig in Winter Park—the food there is amazing. Another option while we’re in Winter Park is to take a guided boat tour of the lake and explore the different canals. It’s such a great way to see the area.

Day 3: Beach Day
Orlando is close to some great beaches, so we’d take a day trip to Cocoa Beach. We could just chill on the sand, maybe try surfing if we’re feeling adventurous, and then have fresh seafood at a local spot right by the beach.

Day 4: Art and Gardens
We’d spend the morning at the Orlando Museum of Art, then head over to Leu Gardens for a relaxing stroll through the beautiful gardens. Dinner would be at Prato in Winter Park—perfect for some incredible Italian food.

Day 5: Shopping and Night Out
We’d start the day shopping at The Mall at Millenia, and then check out the Orlando Science Center for something fun and interactive. That night, we’d go out in the Church Street District, and hit up a rooftop bar like The Courtesy for drinks and live music.

Day 6: Nature Day
People often think Orlando is all about theme parks, but there’s so much more to explore. We’d take a break from the city and head to Wekiwa Springs State Park for some kayaking and swimming in the natural springs. It’s such a peaceful escape. Then, for dinner, we’d unwind at The Osprey in Baldwin Park—fresh oysters and cocktails would be the perfect way to end the day.

If we wanted to see manatees, we could plan another day trip to Blue Spring State Park. It’s a bit further out, but worth it for a chance to see those gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Day 7: Brunch, Brews, and Mount Dora
On the last day, we’d start with brunch at Briarpatch, a favorite spot in Winter Park, then head to one of the local breweries like Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company to enjoy some craft beers.

Since Mount Dora isn’t far and it’s one of my favorite towns, we’d take a day trip there too. It’s such a charming place, full of antique shops, cozy cafes, and stunning views of Lake Dora. We could explore the shops, take a scenic boat tour on the lake, and maybe even catch a sunset over the water. Mount Dora has this quaint, small-town vibe that’s perfect for a relaxing day.

This itinerary would give them a real taste of Orlando—theme parks, beaches, amazing food, and the hidden gems that make this place so special.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people and influences that have contributed to my journey. I have to shout out to my family. Their love, support, and encouragement have been my rock. My husband, especially, has been incredibly supportive, always cheering me on and believing in my work.

I also want to give credit to my art collectors. Knowing that my art brings joy to others keeps me going.

Lastly, a big shoutout to the local art community and the galleries that have showcased my work. Their support and belief in my art have been invaluable.

Website: https://www.suzannk.com

Instagram: @suzannkfineart

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannkfineart/

Facebook: @suzannkfineart