The best learning comes from just shooting, seeing what you like and dislike, and learning from your mistakes. Her experience working as a camera assistant in the motion picture industry has also been very valuable. I got to watch and work with Hollywood's best cinematographer. They know how to expose film, and compose a shot to get the reaction they want. That has helped me immeasurably.
Most photographers have a purpose with their work.
Photography is often used to educate others about what is happening in our world. It's also used to help people remember, or to dream of places they just were, or want to be. Our thoughts have all gotten lost in a photo of a beautiful beach. Susie's reasons for her photography are simple. Having an experience, or being somewhere so beautiful, and having that moment touch my life is even more enhanced when I take an image to remember it by.