Susan Ogden, Neighbor

I am a resident of Morris County, NJ, and have been my whole life. I am married with three daughters, and was blessed with my very first granddaughter in November of 2009. My passion is photography, and my camera is at my side wherever I go. Currently, I work for Washington Twp., Morris County school system as an aide for special needs children, part time. My husband and I, and our 3 cats, live in a vintage home, built over three time periods. It is both interesting and exhausting, but we love it.  The property is the last 8 acres of what was once a 400-acre dairy farm! The setting allowed for fostering my love of nature in my children. They have had pets, ranging from iguanas to horses, cockatiels to goats, as well as the normal cats and dogs.In spite of this, or maybe because of it, i have a very large sense of humor! Family, friends and laughter are paramount in my life, along with my pets and my camera!

I was an art student in college, and began photography as a hobby, when my brother-in-law sent me a Canon SLR camera from Germany where he was stationed in the army. I took to it quickly, and for a while before having my own family, I did children's portraits. I learned to print my own B&W photos in a makeshift darkroom in my house. When my daughters came along in fast succession (infant, 20-month-old and one 4 mos. shy of 4 years old!) photography had to take a back seat to my girls. There were obviously photos of the girls growing up—they each have a "birth to one year" book of their own, with shots weekly to 3 mos. and shots monthly to one year, but little time left over to pursue my love of photography. My girls grew up, and went off to college and I found myself with a bit more time and a renewed interest in photography, through my cousin, who lived in Galveston, Tx. She was a truly gifted photographer, and encouraged me to pick up a camera again. We would share adventures via email, and send each other photos for critique and discussion. She too had a wicked sense of humor.  Sadly, she passed away, way too young, but left me with a new found confidence in my ability to capture what I see around me. I miss her dearly.