Meet Suzan Najjar | Food Photographer & Videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Suzan Najjar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Suzan, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
My background and upbringing deeply impacts everything I do. I’m the daughter of Syrian immigrants. We escaped Syria long before the war in the summer of 1992 and that’s when my passion for food, culture, and travel began. All my family gatherings were structured around food; It’s something that helped my family feel connected to our homeland, even as we built a new life in the states. These memories instilled in me a reverence for the process of food preparation and enjoyment of a good home-cooked meal.

Food has always been a passion of mine, and I knew after holding a camera for the first time that my calling was to celebrate food through photography.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started my Food Photography business five years ago and haven’t looked back. I’ve worked on every job possible, big and small, to keep my business afloat, and have taught myself every step of the way. Through it, I’ve learned there are no shortcuts to becoming a professional photographer. Because every project is different and comes with its own challenges, I’m proud of everything I’ve done for one reason or another. Every project has taught me something new, and I think that’s something to be proud of.

I have to say the highlight of 2021 for me was a project I did in Turks and Caicos for Sailrock Resort where I got to take photos of their beautiful menu and tell the story of the resort, the island, and the people that make it so incredibly special.

I think what sets me apart from other Food Photographers is my desire for storytelling. Food is a connection, experience, memories and love, and that undercurrent is something I always seek to highlight in my work.

In my opinion, one of the most important things any artist can have is a sense of humor. I’d say my easy going nature is a real strength. Because I believe your mindset always comes through in your work. If I ever take myself too seriously, the fun usually stops, and my work suffers. So I try my best to just live in the moment and not stress too much about things that are out of my control.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you were visiting me, I’d insist that we kick off your vacation with Carne Asada Tacos, from Tigres Fuego, smothered in their guacamole sauce. Then, I’d take you on a few mile bike ride along the most beautiful stretch of beaches (Redondo, Hermosa, and Manhattan).

Later in the week, we’d return to Redondo marina for a bit of paddle boarding. We’d end the day with a sunset cruise around the beautiful waters and pray to the dolphin gods for a rare sighting.

After a day or two of leisurely sunbathing, boating, walks along the pier, and eating our way through L.A., I’d treat you to the best breakfast burrito in town at Baran’s 2239 Restaurant, then we’d make our way to Griffith Observatory where we’d star gaze at the planetarium and hike around the trails to the Hollywood sign.

And on your last full day in the city, I’d top it all off with a quick lunch at Grand Central Market in downtown L.A. and a day at The Broad Museum.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Through all the challenges that have come with building a business and honing my craft, my friends and family have really stepped up for me. These are the people that see me at my lows and highs, and they are often my greatest source of inspiration.

There’s one person who has been with me since the beginning of it all, Maece Seirafi, a dear friend and colleague who runs her own creative studio. Maece has helped me with brand strategy for my business, and such a kind and supportive friend when I need it the most. I’ve learned it’s so important to surround yourself with likeminded people that know what you’re going through first-hand and make an effort to support the extended creative community.

Website: www.suzannajjar.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzannajjarphotography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzan-najjar-44899190/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzannajjarphotography

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/SuzanNajjarPhotos/_created/

Image Credits
Suzan Najjar Photography