FilmingLifer PRO | Suzane Bacelar

Suzane Bacelaris a Palm Beach Birth, Newborn and Family Filmmaker + Photographer. She’s also a valued member of the FilmingLife® community and a recognised FilmingLifer.

Tell us a bit about yourself…

Hi, I am Suzane! I was born in Brazil and moved to the US over 17 years ago.

I live in South Florida with my husband Jeff, our daughter Olivia and the newest member of our family - a little Havanese dog named Riff.

Tell us about the kind of photography & films you create…

Birth, Newborn and Family Films + Photos.

How did you first get started in photography?

I started during college. My undergraduate degree is in marketing and advertising, so there was a photography class in the program. At that time, my grandmother gave me my first camera and I've never stopped since then.

What made you decide to learn video? What was your motivation?

I still remember the first time I watched Courtney's films...

They touched my heart and I immediately knew I needed to do that. I had recently lost my grandmother who was my biggest cheerleader and my rock, and it made me really sad that I didn't have any film with her.

The very first film I made was for my daughter and my parents, documenting their connection and relationship - this way my daughter will never miss not having that like I did! I know firsthand the importance of having family moments captured not only with photos but with video because you want to be able to hear their voices and watch them hug you, ..., among so many other important memories you hold dear to your heart.

What was your biggest challenge when you first started learning video and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge was not to get overwhelmed with all the variables involved, so I kept adding different elements one at a time...

Did you find it a challenge to educate clients on the value of films - how were they first received by clients?

Yes, it's very challenging! Families are used to the traditional posed and produced photography approach. They don't think about documenting their normal life and, if they do, they don't know that a film/video is even an option. That's the challenge with a "new" service!

Tell us about your favourite film and why it's special to you…

One of the most incredible moments of my life was when I first showed my Self-Portrait Love Letter Film to my daughter. She was nine years old and I wanted to create a little time capsule with some of our favorite memories.

When she watched for the first time, she cried and told me she understood why I create family films. Very mature reaction, right?! Imagine my surprise! I expected her to get it in the future, when she becomes an adult, but that reaction was unexpected and so rewarding!

I want her to have this film so she can remember the things we do together - our little mom-and-daughter traditions, laughs we share, the places we love, ..., there are so many little details in that film that most people will not even notice, but she does! And she will always have that!