My name is Susan Wall, and I am a photographer. Gosh that was a hard thing to say years ago, actually it still can be a tad difficult!

3 years ago I met a photographer, Mr Rob Heyman he won’t remember meeting me. I was hiding. Actually I was one of the work-shoppers at the yearly event called August Exposure. Rob and his wife Shirl put on an amazing week of world class speakers. Who motivate, teach and share freely and openly. LOVE that workshop. Life changing stuff.

I was at a dinner that night with some other photographers and Rob (Mr Social) came up to the table and introduced himself to us all. He mentioned to my friend Kat and I that we should consider one of his smaller workshops. But “don’t come if you’re a sook, I do make some people cry”. Wow I thought, I won’t be going. I thought he was serious (maybe he was??).

Then the opportunity came for me to go to the workshop, and it was at Kingaroy so it was close and too handy to not go. So I did. And I didn’t cry might I add ;)

Rob and his wife Shirl had seen a personal project I had worked on, and let me know that they appreciated it. Then Rob said “I want to mentor you”. I soon after ran to the loo and rang my husband. “As if this world class photographer will do that for little me, I am no-one”. Little did I know at the time that Rob is a man of his word!

One year ago Rob was here in Bundaberg, mentoring me. This was a *huge* turning point for me, and something I can never put into words. I appreciate and value that time more then any other time in my photography journey. He showed me light and shadows as I had never seen them before, he shared decades of business principals and marketing. He lifted my spirits, and my portraits. He changed my professional life!

The past few days I have be reliving that time. Missing it actually. I wish I could do it over and over as nothing compares to that experience.

Today one year ago I was in Gladstone photographing the wedding of Nadean and Garren here and I remember seeing the world in my new “Heyman influenced eyes”. It was beautiful. I had lost my voice and was really unwell but I had the best time. Happy anniversary to you both – you are adorable!

So this is a post to my all time most favourite photographer, to a man that inspires me all the time. To a team (Shirl and Rob) that are always there for me and looking out for me. I love you guys, and I think you are the most amazing and giving people I know. I can’t wait to see you in two weeks time, to once again learn, be inspired, share and laugh.

And finally, an image from Garren and Nadean’s wedding last year:
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