“I LOVE TO LOOK AT A PHOTOGRAPHER’S PERSONAL WORK BECAUSE IT IS EITHER GOING TO TELL ME A LOT ABOUT THE SUBJECT OR A LOT ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER.”
– David Friend, Director of Photography, Life Magazine, Photo Fusion Workshop
”…visuals are processed 60,000 times faster than text, which means you can paint a picture for your audience much faster with an actual picture…”
RACHEL GILLETT, Fast Company Magazine
Many paths have led me here.
One is reclaiming the strong voice of my youth to support and fight for causes.
Another is using visual communication and storytelling to bring awareness to social issues.
My high-level Director of Photography roles in the photo industry have shown me the power of visual communication.
My observations as a cyber optimist tell me we are only scratching the surface of the communication possibilities of the digital age.
Having completed my Rutgers University Masters of Communication and Media (MCM) program, I am harnessing new approaches in digital media and my cutting-edge research and analytic skills to bring to all my projects and to my community.
My world and my work depends on being deeply connected to others, to my colleagues, the photographers I have had the privilege to represent, to the companies I have helped build, and to the young people I mentor.
My approach has always incorporated community building and creating environments where everyone can perform their best work.
Together we exceed expectations, we win awards, and we are agents of change.
Enough words, let's look at some pictures!
Susan Carolonza Chanin, MCM
J&J Corporate Social Responsibility Fellow, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, 2021-2023
Rutgers’ Master of Communication and Media (MCM), 2023
Founder & Partner, Director of Development, Mother Image
Getty Images Creative Grant Recipient
THE RAINN SURVIVOR SERIES, A multimedia awareness campaign for the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
MY professional background
BEHIND THE SCENES IN THE PHOTO BUSINESS
I am a director of photography, visuals producer, content strategist, team builder, and art advocate.
I bring images and storytelling to light with strategic planning and lots of energy and know-how.
While earning my BFA at Carnegie Mellon, I was drawn to the collaborative nature of art and image-making. Creating and promoting is a flow system. We draw inspiration and knowledge from each other to move it forward.
In my early days at The Image Bank in New York City, I learned quickly about the power of pictures and how the work of great photographers and storytellers can have a significant impact and influence.
Getty images/LiaIson AGENCY
My passion for supporting and promoting the vision of others grew exponentially as I lead teams at Getty Images and Liaison Agency. The work of our assignment photographers brought global awareness of current events and pressing social issues.
MOTHER IMAGE
At Mother Image, we create lifestyle photography that stems from a woman’s lived experience.
Avanti press
Through image concepting and picture editing, I help Avanti greeting cards deliver humor and love throughout the world.
“Susan brings incredible energy and creativity to the creative process…”
– David Laubach, VP of Product, Avanti Press
Photo credits from the top: Mother and Child by Susan Carolonza Chanin / Mother Image; Granny Vacuuming by Rick Dublin / Avanti Press 1990; Portrait by Benjamin A. Peterson; Rwandan Refugees by Paula Bronstein / Getty Images; Mother Image credits on Mother Image page; Penguins by Stephen A. Smith / Avanti Press 1990.