S1 E2: The One with Off-Camera Flash & Dance Photo Tips with Susan Gietka

Episode 2 | The One Behind the Lens Hosted by Kate DeCoste Guest: Susan Geitka Total Length: ~60:00Inside the episode:In this episode of The One Behind the Lens, Kate is joined by photographer and light chaser Susan Gietka, whose journey began in 1983 with a Pentax film camera and a background in dance. Known for her emotive dance photography and creative lighting techniques, Susan shares her approach to working with natural light, introducing off-camera flash, and using unexpected tools (like a dress form!) to perfect her craft. 📌 What You’ll LearnHow Susan’s dance background shaped her eye behind the lensWhy self-initiated shoots matter (and how they lead to your best work)Favorite lighting tools and techniques for outdoor, studio, and dance photographyReal-life stories of creative risk, gear fails, and magical photo momentsTips for mentoring, natural light, off-camera flash, and reading light like a pro🕒 Timestamps0:00 – Meet Susan! Longtime friend, dancer, and storytelling genius 2:00 – The early years: dance in Philly + buying a manual film camera with her last $500 5:00 – When the digital transition wasn’t cute (6MP, anyone?) 7:30 – Her first paid shoot from a stranger on the street 9:00 – Why high school senior photography wasn’t a thing in New Jersey 11:00 – The power of creative communities (We Are The Scene memories!) 13:15 – Saturday Night Specials + the struggle to create for yourself 15:00 – Susan’s advice: shoot for yourself to stay inspired 17:30 – Behind the lake shoot: snapping turtles, rain, and her most iconic images 21:50 – The role of fear in creative breakthroughs 24:30 – Why the best work often comes from shoots where everything goes wrong 27:00 – Yes, she really brought a styrofoam head to practice lighting 😄 28:15 – When to push through… and when to pack it up (RIP camera in pool) 30:00 – Why being a dancer helps Susan photograph dancers (timing + technique) 34:00 – The value of directing with confidence and dancer-friendly language 36:00 – Tips for non-dancer photographers shooting dance clients 38:00 – Favorite lenses for movement + how to frame dancers like they’re on stage 40:00 – Susan’s take on light: not one-size-fits-all—and that’s the point 43:00 – Shooting in full sun: her secret weapon (and assistant torture stories 😅) 45:15 – Natural light tip #1: always expose for the skin 47:00 – Flash learning curve: starting at sunset, no pressure 49:30 – Her lighting rituals, reflectors, and the importance of angles 51:15 – Mentorship + Rise Up Workshop (and why she keeps teaching) 54:00 – Where to find Susan online and how to reach out for 1:1 mentoring 56:00 – Final wisdom: trust your ideas, stay curious, and read Big Magic💾 Resources & Links for Susan:FacebookInstagramWebsite🎓 Workshops:Sign up for the Rise Up Workshop in Austin!📖 Book Recommendation:Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert – for anyone sitting on a creative idea → “Ideas are magic. If you don’t act on them, they’ll visit someone else.”📸 Try This: Susan’s 10-Minute Creative ChallengeHave an idea that’s been sitting on the shelf? Give it 10 minutes. Sketch it. Try one test shot. Don’t wait for it to be perfect. Just start. (And maybe bring bug spray… and a backup battery 😅)Thank you to this episode’s sponsor: Rockbrook CameraRockbrook Camera is a locally owned photo and video specialty store based in Nebraska. For 50 years, they have helped photographers find the right gear, learn new skills, and print what matters most.Check them out online or visit in person to see why they’re more than just a camera store, they’re a creative partner. Now through the end of 2025, get 25% off your rental gear. Check out the link below!👉 Rockbrook CameraExplore free downloads, guides, and paid offers inside my photographer resources.👉 The One Where You Level Up