BCM- How did your life change when you became a mom?
Suzanne - Becoming a mom instantly changed my focus on life. Suddenly, everything was about my son and what I could do that would make his life the best that it can be. Everything from switching my reading material to parenting magazines to obsessing over the latest and greatest products for my son consumed my every thought. I instantly became a fan of Big City Moms because of their amazing connections to must-have products and they allowed me to become exposed to a variety of cool things.
BCM - What has been your most memorable moment as a mom?
Suzanne -My most memorable moment as a mom cannot be summed up as a single thought. The entire experience has been such an incredible journey each and every day! Every milestone my boy has passed and continues to hit has been so amazing to experience. My husband and I truly think our son is the most special person on the planet who surprises us every second with something else!
BCM - If you could give another mom or expectant mom one piece of advice, what would it be?
Suzanne -Take time to go to dinners, Broadway shows, museums or whatever it is that floats your boat before your due date. You might also think about taking trips away with your husband or a trip to see your family members who do not live close by while you can still travel. Once the baby comes, all life as you know it will change. I would also recommend researching products you will need and talk to other friends who have already had their baby to find out what they could not live without. Keep in mind, everything is trial and error. What may work for one person does not dictate it will work for you!
BCM – Congratulations on your success! What was the inspiration behind your photography business?
Suzanne -Thanks so much! As cliché as it sounds, my son was 100% my sole inspiration for wanting to take photos of him and others. I remember the first amazing photo I took of him and the joy it brought myself and other family members. I could not wait to also give this gift to others so they could also have something tangible to pass along to their friends and family. Producing something that will last for generations is such a thrilling experience for me and I only want to produce the best image I possibly can!
BCM - Do you have any photography tips you would like to share with us for photographing kids?
Suzanne -1) Get down on the child's level so you can look right into their eyes with the camera. The eyes are the windows of the soul and even through a picture, one can see the true personality of a child.
2) Get close! I love close up pictures. The closer the better! Make no distinction what your subject matter is. Use a zoom lens, so you do not have to be right on top of the subject.
3) Try not asking the child to look at the camera and smile. You will be astonished at the results. A natural, unposed, and truly candid photo that captures the genuine spirit of the child. This is my favorite type of photo. Combine this with #2 (close up) and you will have a winner!
BCM - How do you manage your work/life balance? Any advice for moms?
Suzanne -Do something just for yourself. Have other goals unrelated to your work that inspire you. For me this was my recent accomplishment of running and finishing the NYC Marathon. I set my goal early on and took time out for myself during the weekend and once during the week to do something “only” for me. I did not see this as selfish or time consuming , but looked at it as “necessary” to help balance my otherwise crazy life! I work on and off all day with my son and stay very busy on the weekends with my business. My schedule is very atypical at the moment, but I could not enjoy anything more than building my dream business from the ground up. I recommend setting goals and creating visions of where you see your life heading and following those guidelines to the best of your abilities. It goes without saying as a full time mom and business owner, you will be burning the midnight oil, but seeing results is worth it!
BCM - What type of activities do you like to do with your son?
Suzanne -I enjoy taking him to real mind-blowing, larger than life events and activities! Whether it’s taking the subway to Toys-R-Us in Times Square riding the Ferris wheel, or going to the Children’s Museum on the Upper West Side, we enjoy doing it all! We also love the shows at Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall. We also love to take him to events in Texas when I visit my family. The annual “ICE” show is a favorite and speaking of, I am just getting him dressed in PJ’s for a real life experience the “Polar Express” train ride around the Dallas area. This should be fun! Whatever it is, my husband and I actually enjoy taking Marc to all various activities and love to see the joy on our son‘s face!
BCM - What has been your favorite Big City Moms event to date?
Suzanne -My favorite event was an expectant event I went to when I was 8. 5 months pregnant. The 2 moms-to-be I met sitting next to me turned out to be close friends to this day. Big City Moms events offered everything I needed as a new mom. It gave me a reason to leave the house with an infant and surround myself with informative lunches, great friends, and exciting events! I still LOVE going to all the Big City Mom events and photographing various events and parties. My son has a blast and it’s an awesome family outing! I constantly spread the word to any new mom or someone who may not know about the events.
FUN FACTS:
I’m totally obsessed with……
Suzanne -creating photo art (i.e. creating images worthy of hanging on the wall without looking like a snapshot of your child)
My biggest influence is…..
Suzanne -My husband. He’s my biggest fan and supporter and constantly giving me great tips and advice as it applies!
My favorite drugstore by is…..
Suzanne -Physician’s formula mineral wear products and Rimmel extreme black mascara!
Products I can’t live without…….
Suzanne -I’m a product junkie as my husband will attest. I’m constantly experimenting with various potions etc. I love all Kiehls products, Stila lip gloss, Palmers olive oil lotion, Aveda paddle brush, Bobbi Brown bronzer and MAC brushes, Vitamin C serums, Dr. Perricone’s no foundation foundation, Dr. Brandt’s microdermabrasion in a jar and current favorite nail color is Essie “merino cool”!
My guilty pleasure is ….
Suzanne -Shopping for the perfect boots and jeans and also eating a nightly dose of butter pecan ice cream from the bodega downstairs!!
Favorite restaurant………
Suzanne -I have so many! A few are Umi Sushi, Hillstone, & Shake Shack!
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