We're honored to feature photography by Susannah Jordan in Issue One of Orson's Review. We're also very fortunate for the time Susannah took to sit down and chat with us about her journey as a photographer. 

*The following interview involves Orson's Publishing (OP) and Susannah Jordan (SJ). 

OP: How did your journey with photography begin?
SJ: I started taking pictures when I was about six years old. This was back in the '80's, so I had a little Kodak camera that required actual film and a flash stick. My earliest subjects were stuffed animals.

OP: Is photography your occupation? 
SJ: I'm actually a pre-school teacher. Photography is a side passion. I adore my day job, but I'd happily take photos for a living.

OP: What about these photos are you most proud?
SJ: I like the challenge of taking photos that are still eye-catching, minus the color. I hope others find something striking about these photos as well.

OP: Tell us about your process. Do you approach all photographs in the same way?
SJ: I just keep trying different angles until I find one I like. With trees, I'm forever experimenting with how the light filters through the branches or how they look at night when it snows. Macro photography is fun for me too. My process is still evolving, but I love learning and experimenting and then applying that knowledge to my photography.

OP: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? How has that impacted your photography?
SJ: I wanted to be an eye doctor, but eventually abandoned that notion. Something that definitely had an impact from my childhood was spending a lot of time outdoors.

OP: Tell us about the biggest sacrifice you’ve made while pursuing photography.
SJ: Between work and other obligations, I don’t have as much time to devote to photography as I’d like. I squeeze it in when I can.

OP: Tell us about the best shoot you've ever been on. What made it so good?  
SJ: In February of 2010, I wandered outside one snowy evening and started snapping pictures. That started the obsession with photographing trees, particularly in winter, so I’m thankful I decided to tromp around that night. Every year since, whenever it snows, you can find me outside with my camera. 

OP: What do you cross your fingers for as a photographer?
SJ: I’m crossing my fingers that I can have a book of photography published someday. A more short-term goal would be to have my work exhibited in a gallery. 

OP: Where do you see your journey with photography going?
SJ: I hope to keep learning and taking photos for as long as I’m able. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of photographing nature. 

Susannah Jordan earned an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Queens University of Charlotte. Her flash fiction and poetry have appeared in Daphne Magazine, Twisted Sister, 50-Word Stories, Tiny Text, and Apocrypha and Abstractions. Her artwork and photography have appeared in Gravel, The Tishman Review, Oxford Magazine, Figroot Press, Riggwelter Press, and Calamus Journal.  

Be sure to check out Susannah Jordan's photography in Issue One of Orson's Review.