Film Director, Executive Producer, Author, and Publisher
“The artistry and alchemy of my style, whatever the creative endeavor, encompass the transformative influences of my lifetime.”
—Susan Sember
“Lookbooks originated in the world of cinematography. They are a collection of reference images and photographs used to communicate or illustrate, as shared here, the film director’s style, influences, and inspirations in scene layout, setting, lighting, and color palette.”
~Susan Sember
As a Film Director, I concentrate my art in feature length documentaries with a cinematic style and purpose-driven passion.
Travel on projects to the Middle East and Southeast Asia, as well as the observed and experienced instability of foreign governments, impacted my international perspective of humanity. It additionally directed subject matter of filming such as landmines, PTSD and veterans' affairs.
The love and beauty of flight and an emphasis on aerial shots in my film productions, as well as a topic of story, began as a young girl and carried through with the pursuit of historical and visual interest.
Influenced by iconic photographer, Richard Avedon, his black and white compositions that told a story, in addition to the beautiful capture of light.
Film projects, based in Spain, with its heritage, culture and architecture, influence the composition of design in related documentaries and cinematography.
Treasures of the natural earth have always been an influence in color, texture, dimensional perspectives and multi-faceted reflection of light. One of my favorite adventures was filming in an amethyst mine.
The influences of Ansel Adams, John Muir, a love for the wilderness, national parks and related projects
My humanitarian and advocacy efforts behind the P.O.W.-M.I.A. , with those at our nation's capitol, heads of state, the Viet Cong, Pathet Lao and foreign press
Filming in the rain forests underscores my passion for our planet and its threatened resources, in addition to the play of light in such beautiful habitats and the interaction of the "residents"
The protection of endangered species, the majesty of the whales and other denizens of the sea are subjects of many of my film projects, including those with NOAA, the National Marine Sanctuary, state Fish and Game and others.
Passionate about water rights, conservation and availability around the world, as well as advocating for young girls internationally and their rights to education, health and equality as evidenced in my films
The kelp forests in the Channel Islands, also known as the Sherwood Forest, are a frequent underwater film location in my ocean films. I love the way the light and sea lions dance between the tall stalks and the kelp sways to the movement of the water. They lend themselves to the orchestration of beautiful music composition.
The feminine energy of Kuan Yin, as discovered in film travels, influenced my artistic inclusion and balance in creative endeavors.
The Eye of the Horse, as well as the heart and soul behind these transformative animals are a great influence in many of my projects through Vaquero Films and Vaquero Collection.
A lifelong love of writing and books, instilled by my mother, is present in my projects, in addition, to my creative and business ventures.
Influenced by a higher purpose and knowing I am an instrument
As a lawyer and advocate, I view my films through those eyes and use the skill sets for my projects. Stories and themes of justice
The movement, sound, smell of the oceans. My office with a view. A venue for creativity.
Free Speech, Advocating for and providing a voice for those who have none, human rights and champion for the underdog
With Austrian roots and a passion for old world heritage in the equestrian history connected with the Spanish Riding School in Vienna
Alum of the University of Michigan, with a B.A. in Radio, Television & Film, leadership, college sports, my sorority and the environment of the Big 10 and a stellar education
My first film project re: invasive species, lionfish and grant related ocean films
Girls in Sports, Title IX and mentoring of girls in film and publishing projects
The romance of the American West artistry, traditions, heritage are present in film projects
Beautiful saturated colors of Indian women's dress and the color palette of other cultures
Influenced by impressionist painters, dance and art in my film and publishing projects
The symmetry of underwater species and habitats
Sustainability of the earth's gemstones, crystals and minerals as well as the industries, economies, and global communities related subjects
Sharks and other residents of the ocean-their beauty, preservation, and myths surrounding them have been a part of my film projects
NASA, space exploration, astronomy, the planets and constellations included in my projects
The wildlife and filming in Africa-once a filmmaker goes there, he or she will always be looking for a way back.
The night's colors, sounds ranging from fireworks to silence
Exploration of points rarely traversed incorporated into my documentaries
Underwater corals, anemones and other "flowers" and "jewels" of the ocean are a frequent subject of my films
Award winning docu-feature "The Gathering" which has been distributed worldwide and premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
The competition of sports, an athlete's identity and transitions are topics of filming and publishing
Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and innovative technology used for storytelling
Macro shots and closeups of the natural world
Filming horse and other mammals of the land in and underwater
The cycles of the moon and various phases of related natural light play into my vision
Architectural details inspire me and influence shots
Wildlife and its relationship with humans, inter-species communications; Filming with elephants
Pearls-the farming, history, industry, beauty, reflections of light and color are part of some of my projects.
Seagrasses, a fish "nursery", habitat of marine creatures, and one of the biggest combatants of climate change, in "The Secret Life of Seagrasses" film. The lush carpet, macroshot opportunities and the beautiful movement and filtered light are favorites in my film footage.
The comical sea otters, always an audience favorite, along with behaviors, habitats and awe associated with other marine life and wildlife
Underwater corals as part of my ocean films; one of my favorite habitats and conservation efforts are the reefs, as well as sea grasses
Vintage/retro looks and feel, historical subjects, WWI and WWII stories and biographies, old planes
The grit and grace of sports, teamwork, the influence of coaches, an athlete's identity, athletes' transitions, mental health, the convergence of sports and film, NIL initiatives and legislation and financial literacy
Unique cultures, such as Sri Lanka, provide a perfect platform for color, lighting, culture, history and numerous subjects. One of my favorites for whales and culture. I so look forward to going back.
Music is the eyes to the soul of the film director. It is vital to and one of the most influential aspects of my film productions.
A passion for the environment has been a part of my activism and science based projects since I was 13 and has carried into my films. A healthy planet is a legacy to leave to future generations.
The snowy egret is one of my favorites in my films, "Red Tide Refrain" and "Guardians of the Gulf." Feathered angels lending themselves to art and messengers of conservation.
