Meet Suzanne Barton | Professional Photography and Fine Art

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

Hi Suzanne, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
A favorite concept of mine is “detaching and allowing”. “Get out of the driver’s seat, stay neutral, and practice the observer mode. “It is in this state of detaching from what we think we know (the intellect) that we can allow the flow of divine wisdom that comes through our higher self to authentically integrate. Leaving the intellect behind brings about an expansive potential of purposeful energy. (Even Divinci and Einstein did not know what they were bringing forward until it was mid -manifest).To detach , surrender and trust is challenging- resistance will be met there. But if we allow ourselves this “space’- magic happens! I “follow the energy” when shooting underwater- the quiet underneath the surface calms my mind, and I capture what the energy shows me. When I edit the images, I calm my mind and allow the energy to take the lead. I can get lost for hours creating and I could never create an image exactly the same way again. In these moments of “connectedness” I can feel myself “shift”- “Lost in the moment- Found in the Next!
My advise to anyone is : 1) Follow your passion 2) Learn how to master “observer mode” which allows you access to infinite possibilities, so that 3) You can “author” your own reality.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been a Professional Photographer in South Florida, since 1985. My affinity for water and childhood passion for photography helped spawn my Underwater Fine Art Series. In 2015, a gallery owner who had seen my photography, asked if I ever created underwater images. I had never done it before, nor did I have the necessary equipment. As I am never one to miss opportunity or take a challenge, I grabbed my favorite model, experimented with some equipment and went below the surface to “play”.
The grace and fluidity of movement, the soothing quiet and calm beneath the surface, along with the weightless suspension, as my subject floated to the surface, left me transformed. I witnessed the perfect communion between a dancer’s heart and the “inspirational wisdom of water: Water takes the form in which it is held and moves in a path of least resistance.
I was absolutely hooked! So my first foray into the underwater world became my “Tiny Dancer Underwater Fine Art Series.” That same year I was commissioned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines to create two pieces of art for their onboard, international, art collection aboard the “Harmony of the Seas”.
I have since created “Mythical Maiden Series” using my underwater images in combination with acrylics and alcohol inks on canvas.
I still have my professional photography business, but I am happiest in the water creating more fine art. I enjoy being commissioned for Underwater Portrait Sessions which I call “Unleash Your Inner Goddess”.
Underwater Photography has many challenges .Equipment challenges, lack of control over movements, lighting challenges, wardrobe issues are just a few. All I can say is : I love it, I am inspired by it, and intend to keep creating.

“Aqua Essence”
In, around, through,
sensation suspended in
the essence of life,
where art and artist blur and merge,
until it is simply impossible,
utterly undesirable,
to determine where one begins
or the other ends
in a world so ancient that
ever retains genesis
as I float and dance,
twist and turn
with no thought
to what comes next,
lost in the moment,
found in the next.

I hope my art brings joy to your senses and leaves you transformed as well!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely take them on the water taxi in Fort Lauderdale. My friends that live up north don’t get much chance to be on the water and it’s a great way to get a feel for life near the water with amazing restaurants to stop at on the way. If they were here during a full moon , we would definitely watch the moon rise over the ocean- I do it every month and it is breathtaking. I would take them to Miami to visit Viscaya and to the virtual Van Gogh Exhibit .

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Although self-taught, my work drew the attention of renowned portrait photographer Willie L. Hill, who mentored me in the art and became my teacher, friend, critic, and today remains a steadfast supporter. I am forever grateful for his guidance and encouragement.

Website: https://www.Underwater-Fine-Art.com https://www.SuzanneBartonFineArt.com https://www.SuzanneBarton.com

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Facebook: Suzanne Barton Photography https://www.facebook.com/Suzanne-Barton-Photography-205866526178959