NIGHT SKIES

Exploring Life Through The Lens

In life, we all have interests, gifts, and passions. Sometimes, we know what they are instinctively from a very young age, and at other times, we may not have discovered or had the opportunity to explore that they even existed. The latter applies to me in my discovery and passion of photography, especially as fine art.

During my earlier years, I first enjoyed capturing special moments of my children through my lens. I invested in a decent film camera and lens. For many years, I began volunteering to shoot for church camps and events. It was during this time that my photographic journey really began… it was when someone referred to me as “the photographer.” That was a pivotal moment for me. Sometimes in life, people unknowingly make a profound statement that can change the course of your direction. It was that statement, “the photographer,” that really struck a chord with me and set me on a new path. After having an epiphany, I realized I needed more skills to earn that title. Without hesitation, I enrolled in the earliest scheduled photography class at Indian River State College (then Indian River Community College) in pursuit of knowledge.

Written and photography by Susan Pantuso

My first class was Beginning Photography that was led by accomplished photographers and instructors, Denise Russell and Howard Stickler. I owe much of my knowledge to these wonderful teachers. While taking this class, the light literally came on after discovering the power of shooting in manual mode and the creative license it gave me. It was during that time that my deep passion was born. Being hungry for more knowledge and technical skills, I continued and studied Intermediate, and then Advanced Photography at IRSC. I also attended workshops with other photographers and joined Professional Photographers of America, earning the M. Photog. Degree.

CIRCLING POLARIS - Rural Florida’s night sky,

Centering on Polaris (set-up and ready before dark), this star trail compilation of over 500 images was taken during timed intervals for over 4½ hours and later stacked in post processing. Since there was an airport in the area, I took the time to remove any plane lights. One single long exposure could have been used to capture this image; however, it is less noisy and cleaner to do multiple exposures and then stack. There is also the risk of camera movement, etc. It is so rewarding when your patience pays off and the skies stay clear and the stars bright. A few weeks before I captured this image, fog rolled in and ruined my entire sequence.

While I dabbled in painting in my earlier years, I began to see photography as an endless way to express myself and the world around me. The camera and lens metaphorically became my canvas. There is really something magical that takes place when isolating a scene through the lens, while taking time to pause, reflect, and simply be still. Sometimes, I think of looking through my viewfinder as “tunnel vision.” In photography, that isolation and separation can bring a whole new perspective and interpretation of the scene or subject that may go unnoticed. There’s always that sweet moment when you feel it, and the stars above seem to align. It’s hard to put in exact words. I can only describe how it makes me feel, and then, words are still lacking. On some level, it’s also a kind of spiritual connection with the subject that becomes all consuming. My desire to create and capture this inspiration obsessed me. Ask my family (and some friends), and they will not hesitate to tell you that I can be a bit challenging and trying on their patience in my pursuit of capturing “the moment.” My husband, (jokingly, I think) tells others that he secretly puts blueberry jam in my backpack when out shooting in bear country.

While camera settings, equipment, and technique are all certainly important; it is always about the light, inspiration, intuition, connection, and strong determination. Sometimes, it may take many attempts returning to a scene before I am satisfied with the right conditions. It is definitely an exercise in patience and perseverance.

People have often asked what inspires me. While I have photographed many different subjects and people, and have loved them all, my passion is capturing landscape and nature photography in both color, black & white, and especially infrared black and white. Infrared is amazing with Florida’s hot summer when we have the most amazing cloud formations. I also love capturing the moodiness of long exposures, dramatic skies, early mornings, evenings, the blue hour, and the wonder of the night skies.

CELESTIAL SUMMER - The Milky Way in July in rural Florida with foreground light painting.

When the scene calls for it, I will use different types of lights and flashlights to illuminate the foreground for a specified amount of time while the camera’s shutter remains open until the background is properly exposed. Here, I light painted the trees, fence, and grass with my handheld light manually for approximately 4-5 seconds while the shutter remained open for 29 seconds to capture the night sky. The color in the horizon is light pollution from the nearby city.

During the night, and low light scenes, there is a sense of peace and calmness that is ethereal. Sometimes, when photographing such scenes, I am completely overwhelmed with emotion by its beauty. Those moments in time become embedded in my senses and become a part of me. I can specifically remember the details such as the feel of the air, the sound of quietness, the dampness of the fog, the stillness of the water, and so on. While I am in awe of this magnificent creation, I know on a grander scale there is a Creator and He alone is responsible for that which inspires me.

Behind The Lens

Susan Pantuso is very passionate about photography. Her love for God’s creation sends her in search of all that is wondrous. In a world that can be harsh and troubled, she finds inspiration by focusing on that which is beautiful hoping to inspire and resonate with others on a deeper level.

Susan has received awards both locally and internationally for her work. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Professional Photographers of America Master of Photography (M. Photog) degree. She also believes in being a lifelong learner and focuses on advancements in photography and technology.

Where the skies meet the sea and the clouds are its mountains, South Florida is where she calls home. To see more of her work, visit SusanPantusoPhotography.com