Susan Hale is a photographer who sells under the names numericdesign and photohale on Etsy. She lives in Bay Village.
What is your first memory of photography? Did someone teach you, or did you learn on your own?
In 1978, I participated in a summer study program in England, and many of the students had 35mm cameras. When I came home, I bought one and started to take photos and studied on my own a bit. I put it away for many years, but when I moved to Prague in 2002, I took it with me. One of my things on my to-do list while I was there was to take a photography class, which I did. After the class was over, I decided to purchase a digital SLR 
(Nikon D70) and am currently using that camera. So, I am pretty much self-taught, and I’m not very technical at all when it comes to photography. I think I have a pretty good eye for things though!
What is it that draws you to photography?
I have no idea, but I just seem to see things that other people do not. I especially love light and shadows and try to take shots at interesting angles rather than what most people might take. I think that many people could take exceptional photos with a good camera.
How would you describe the style of your work? Does it reflect your personal style?
I tend to gravitate toward details rather than the whole. Architectural details are a favorite and I love sunny days because of the shadows created. I think it does reflect my style a bit as I like the mix of old and contemporary, color and black and white.
What are your inspirations? How are they expressed in your work?
I am not sure I have any inspirations other than the world around me. When I am out to lunch or dinner with friends, I think they think I am not paying attention to them because I am always looking around for interesting details!
Do you have an all-time favorite creation? What about it makes it your favorite?
Hmmm, I have about 9,000 photos on my computer desktop, so it’s hard to choose. For some reason, I like the one of the downspout. It was taken with my old Canon and this photo is a digitized negative.
When did you realize that this was more than a hobby?
While I was in Prague, my photography teacher asked us to enter a photographic competition at the Leica Gallery. The theme for the contest was Magic Hands, and I traipsed all over the city taking photos of hands. I ended up placing second in the contest, which was very exciting for me! I really had the opportunity of a lifetime living there for almost three years. I could go out almost everyday and easily shoot 100–200 photos, and it really took hold of me when I would go home and download everything.
Describe your workspace.
Well, I guess it could be anywhere I can take a photo! Other than that, I just hook the camera up to the computer and away we go…
What is your favorite task related to your work? Your least favorite?
My favorite task is grabbing my camera and actually taking the time to take pictures all day long. I guess my least favorite would be matting and framing photos if I am going to try to sell them.
What is your favorite tool?
Nikon D70 and abundant sunshine.
Do you have artistic talents in other areas?
I can barely draw a stick figure, so in that realm, no. However, I think I have a pretty good eye when it comes to interior design and like to mix styles up a bit.
Tell us something about you that we might be surprised to hear.
Well, I’m a currently a Realtor, although that is not all that surprising since I LOVE to look at houses! Maybe it’s the architectural detail part of me coming out again.
Where can we find your work?
In addition to my Numeric Design website and my two Etsy shops (numericdesign and photohale), I have a few things at BayArts in Bay Village and at PunchJordan in Avon Lake.
on Feb 16th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Thanks so much Lori, I appreciate it!
on Feb 16th, 2009 at 11:54 am
I love what you “see”. I frequently find my self browsing through your shop….it’s like being on vacation. Terrific interview.
on Feb 16th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Nice job Sue!!
on Feb 16th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
It is a pleasure to saunter through your shops. Great to learn more about you too. Great smile!
on Feb 16th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
YEAH, Susan- way to go!! Your stuff is awesome!!!
on Feb 16th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Your work is really wonderful, Susan!
Great interview and fun to get to “know you” a little better!
You are a fabulous addition to the Cleveland Handmade gang!
on Feb 16th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I absolutely love your work. The numbers/words are so creative and the architectural shots are dynamite. Nice to learn more about you!
on Feb 16th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Susan I love the last photo in this interview with the reflection in the water. Beautiful! It was great to meet you at Stitch Cleveland the other day!
on Feb 16th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
I just love to look at your work. I have been so happy with my numeric designs and they have made great gifts!! I need to pick up my camera more often!
on Feb 16th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Susan, your art is truly incredible! Brava!
on Feb 17th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Wow Susan! You’ve really captured a lot of beauty in your photos! I love all these photographs posted here! Some of my favorites are the close up “graphics” kind of photos. Very nice! Glad you are a part of our team! :0)
Jodie
on Feb 17th, 2009 at 11:00 am
[...] Photographer Susan Hale is this week’s Cleveland Handmade featured artist. You can read my interview with her here. [...]
on Feb 17th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Sue –
Great interview. I love looking at your photos, especially the ones I have in my house! You are a true artist.
Donna
on Feb 23rd, 2009 at 6:01 pm
I’m encouraged by reading you’re self taught. I’ve thought about doing photography myself, but have been intimidated by all those people who “know what they’re doing”. It’s not that you don’t know what you’re doing, but that you figured it out on your own that’s inspiring. Thanks!
on Feb 25th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Terry, I know that I could learn so much more, and do more with my camera. I am on another photo related website where people make comments about each others photos. One gentleman always is throwing all these techinical jargon out there and at times I am not quite sure what he is talking about. The funny thing about him though is that his photos are really not very good. He is very technical, but just does not have a very good eye for things. Strange!
on Mar 2nd, 2009 at 4:03 pm
sue…
jim cartwright (franny’s bro-in-law) wants a big big big wall art for his office in arkansas that says ‘CLEVELAND’…he saw yours and wondered how big you could go…
he’s talking about 2 ft. high by about 6 feet long…
on Mar 2nd, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Nancy, I will get in contact with you to see what I can do!