This week, in our continuing photographer interview series "SmugMug Corner" where we interview a photographer from SmugMug.com, we meet Arizona-based photographer Susan Bronstein-Klein. Enjoy a look into her photography background, experience and advice, and enjoy some of her favorite photographs below.

Name: Susan Bronstein-Klein
Website: SusanKleinPhotography.smugmug.com

Under the Pier

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Susan Bronstein-Klein, I'm 50 yrs old and live in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona for the past 10 years. I'm a Photographer by profession and passion, I enjoy capturing moments and making memories with my photographic work.

Serenity

What is your background/training in photography?

Photography has been a life long passion and profession for me. Back in high school I took several photography classes and then continued and progressed at College at SUNY Albany and still keep current by reading photography books, using "artistic" trial and error, working in the field, and learning what works for me. We had a photography business for several years doing weddings, sport teams, and events photography and now enjoy my stock photography and selling it online.

Tranquility

How long has photography been a passion for you? When, where and how did it start?

Photography has been a passion for over 35 years - from the first time I was given my first brownie camera around the age of 12. I was hooked; there was something about seeing with what I call a photographic eye and capturing that moment in time, that I love. I want my photography to bring a joy to those that view it.

Colorful Moments

What equipment is in your camera bag? What piece of equipment will be added to the collection next?

dSLR Cameras: Canon 40D, Canon 20D. Various lenses: Canon 18-55mm, Canon 70-300mm IS USM. Canon digital point and shoot for quick capture the moment shots. I want to add HD video equipment.

Sunset Grand Canyon

What are your favorite places/subjects to photograph? Why?

I think that everything and anything has the potential of being a great photograph. It is what you do with it that makes it special. This attracts me, such as a scenic view, a color, an event, seeing an emotion, capturing action, expression; all are what make a great photograph. My personal favorites are ones that capture the moment, emotion, expression, ocean scenic, nature, sports, and weddings, portraits that are an expression of who they are.

Bursting with Color

Who are your biggest photographic influences? Why? What about their work influences your work?

Ansel Adams, Annie Leibowitz - they have both impacted my own interpretation of what I see, or feel that I want to convey in my photography. I believe photography can be the modern version of the artist's canvas, by capturing the essence of the beauty surrounding us. A great photograph focuses the viewer on a piece of the grand design and filters out clutter. Allowing the viewer to experience it on an emotional and pleasurable level.

Dolphins Leaping

How long have you been Smug with your photographs? What features do you most enjoy with your SmugMug account?

I've been passionate about photography for over 35 years and have been Smug the past two years. SmugMug is a great photography website, your within a community of fellow photographers who all share the same love of photography and all expressing themselves within their unique individual work and all supportive of each other. The SmugMug staff couldn't be more helpful when you have those moments or need their help. I recommend it to all my photography friends and colleges when given the chance.

Grand Canyon

If you had do sum up in 50 words or less the impact SmugMug has made on your photography/photography business, those 50 words would be...

SmugMug has become my photography cyber office, allowing me a gathering spot to place my photographic work, that I can then store, work on, display, and sell my photographs. SmugMug is well known and respected. I'm happy to say I'm a SmugMugger.

Sailors Kiss

If you had to give one piece of advice to those wanting to pursue photography, what would you tell them?

Follow your passion and let your natural ability combined with skills you learn lead you to your own creations and enjoy the passion of photography. I hope my photography will bring joy to those that are captured in them, by them, or want them for themselves.

Swan Lake