August 28, 2018
BBW MEMBER INTERVIEW WITH: Sue Bruce – Business & Boudoir Photographer
What is your name and occupation?
Sue Bruce, Business & Boudoir Photographer
What is your instagram handle?
SueBrucePhotography
How long have you been a Boston Business Women’s Member?
Less than 1 year
Were you born and raised in Boston? If not, what brought you here?
Born and raised in England, emigrated to California in 1996, and then Boston in 2004. Worked in high-tech for Symantec in England and then in California.
Tell us more about your job or company and what led you to your career?
For as long as I can remember, I have had a camera. Now my cameras are digital, but when I started they were all film ... and always Canon brand. Every vacation, I would spend more time packing my camera bag than my clothes, and it was widely accepted that we'd be making extra stops so I could capture every tiny detail of our travels. In 1996 I emigrated from England to America (California), and eventually switched coasts in 2004 to Massachusetts, settling just north of Boston ... and this is where, for the first time, I started taking actual clients. I have always been fascinated with photographing people, even more so than landscapes or objects (although I did spend many years doing product photography from home) because it's so challenging to do well. To me, the ability to capture an individual, a couple, several small active children or pose a large family 'well' is a skill that truly comes with time and practice. 4 years ago I opened my first commercial Studio in Lexington, MA. It was several years in planning, because it was important to me to find the 'right' space. Opening my own Studio was a huge turning point for me professionally - I have never looked back. I do still work with families (especially in the Fall), however, my primary focus and expertise has become business portraiture and personal branding under my Studio name: Sue Bruce Photography. After establishing the Studio, I also pursued my dream to start working in the boudoir and intimate photography genre - a skill that is by far the most difficult to master! And Courtier Boudoir was born. My clients (whether business or boudoir) enjoy the finest level of hair styling and makeup artistry (all in the Studio), wardrobe and styling assistance, professional retouching and digital proofing. I enjoy furthering my skills in both portraiture AND boudoir photography, and travel widely to learn from the best in the industry. I have won over 17 awards for my work in both genres of photography
What would your clients say about you and your company?
They often say that I'm very good at making them feel at ease during their session - whether it be business or boudoir photography. My clients love that I offer full service hair styling and makeup artistry onsite in the Studio in a fun and elegant setting. I often get thank you notes saying how much they enjoyed their session and love their images.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Stay calm and take your time in posing.
What is your favorite book?
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane
What is your secret weapon? An app, a tool, a organization method, anything?! (Can be a personal or professional life tool)
17Hats - revolutionized the way I am able to do business by allowing me to make all my paperwork, correspondence, business accounts digital!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don't hesitate, follow your dreams. I have often wished I started my photography business earlier in life.
How do you enjoy your free time?
I love the Cape, and have a tiny cabin beside a lake and many friends there. I also enjoy time at the gym, traveling and love to eat out.
What is something that not many people know about you?
My 23andMe genetic DNA results say I have more neanderthal variants than 98.4% of the population! LOL
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