Slàinte!
Slàinte!
Hey you!
I’m Susie, your friendly, down to earth, Scottish AF wedding and elopement photographer, planner, and new pal. Maybe a bit of a misfit.
Loves mountains and disco balls.
Q: Why is the ‘About’ page so important?
A: Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you will make for your special day! It’s not just about the aesthetic of your images, but more about how you FELT on the day!
When the day is over and you have gobbled up all the food, eaten the cake and you are back into your jeans, it’s the photos and memories that you get to keep forever!
The more you ‘vibe’ with (that’s me trying to be cool btw), trust and feel relaxed around your photographer, the more relaxed and happy you’ll look and feel in your photos.
Who?
“A big warm hug in human form” - bride Lynsey, 2022
Yes that IS Prince’s actual guitar and piano at his actual home! (no biggie)
Hello lovelies!
(Don’t tell anyone but my name isn’t actually Susie Olzen! Olzen is a mashup of mine and my wife’s surnames - OLiver McfadZEN!)
Wife to the amazing Nonie, proud mum to Blair and Taylor who are 2 of the kindest people in the world, momma to Flo the cat (Flo Flo, Flo rider, Florence nightingale) and Jean the cockapoo (Jeannie Beannie Weannie Woo, Jean Therapy)
I’m a music lovin’, van driving, mountain climbing, light chasing, wedding and elopement photographer from bonnie Scotland! Thank you so SO much for stopping by!
I get excited about all the lovely little things in life such as family, gorgeous music, good food, really tight hugs, animals, dancin’ at wee Scottish music festivals, old crackly vinyl, beautiful sunrises, road trips, having a cold beer in old mens pubs, spontaneous adventures, the smell of Autumn, listening to Nonie play guitar, catching someone singing at the top of their voice while driving, salt and vinegar crisps, and meeting new and interesting people!
What?
A photographer for people, moments, love, and connection.
I love telling stories through photographs. When I see a beautiful moment I always want to freeze it forever. I love how you can do that with photos.
Style
Natural, fun, creative.
Inspired by you, the landscape and the light.
Telling your story in the most truthful and fun way. Capturing real, spontaneous moments. Helping you feel so relaxed that your true personalities shine! Less focus on the ‘perfect’ shot, I love when raindrops and light flares leak onto my lens and create interesting patterns and shapes! A little blur to show movement. A wee bit grain to get that filmy look.
Real, imperfect moments….
Approach
The way I work is to get to know you a little first, so that you feel comfortable in my company. I’ll find out what you are like as a couple, what you enjoy doing in your every day life, what music you like, movies, activities. I’ll blether (chat) to any friends or family who are there with you. I’ll be constantly observing, looking for interesting or flattering light. I’ll be clicking away, building a story of your day, the weather, the details that you have spent so long on choosing.
On your wedding day you shouldn’t be away from your friends and family for hours while you get photos done. I always try to get 2 short sessions with just the two of you at some point, for portraits, (depending on the time of year, availability of light and your timeline). The first session usually lasts only 15-20 mins. As well as getting the ‘safe’ shots, I like to give you something a wee bit more creative, to give you a piece of art unique to you.
If we can squeeze another 10 minute session in later on, around golden hour / sunset, you won’t regret it! Light changes everything. So if I run up to you at any point, with a big silly grin, saying ‘The light! The Light!' - please pop outside with me for 5 mins.
Why Photography?
This is my most treasured photograph, my lovely wee dad.
I was only 9 when he died and so I don’t have many memories of him. And the ones I do have, have faded so much over time. But this one single photo reminds me of who he was as a person and how special he was.
This one photo reminds me that he would do something different every year to raise money for ‘Children in Need’. I remember the dinner ladies always asking me ‘what’s your dad doing to raise money this year?’ And me feeling immense pride! This was the year he shaved his hair into a mohican and dyed it bright green. I thought he was so fucking cool. This one photo reminds me that he was funny, kind and a wee bit rebellious!
That’s the magic of photos! They allow you to hold on to fading memories. They freeze that lovely wee bit of time!
It’s so important to take them, loads of them, all the time! No matter how shit they are! They are so special. And for your wedding, choose a photographer who can see you.
Values
LOVE IS LOVE!
All love welcome here! In all of it’s beautiful (skin) colours, (body) shapes and (sexual) queerness! The queer-er the better. The more colourful the better. Love is beautiful and everyone deserves to feel seen and represented.
PASSION
I’ll be bringing 100% good, positive, contagious energy to your day! Your experience is my number 1 priority. It is such an honour to play such a big part in someone’s wedding day and I never take it for granted.
LEAVE NO TRACE!
Our beautiful but very fragile planet must be protected at all costs. That’s why we will only leave footprints wherever we roam together! No littering, no walking off clearly marked paths, no sending paper lanterns into the sky (I know, they look spectacular!)
If you want a wee crackly fire on a beach on your elopement day we can do that! I have a wee portable fire pit!