This weekend I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing Susan Taylor of  Simply Susies Catering, a Downeast vendor who has worked every wedding, BBQ, picnic and countless other types of events for 22 years up and down the coast.  I spent just three hours with Susie and her crew, busy prepping for a family BBQ at Freeport’s Winslow Park (see a couple of the photos above from the shoot just to get a sense of the place).

Next time I even think about complaining about the long hours or physical aspects of what I do for a living, I’ll remind myself to look at the photos I took yesterday.  In a past life, I held several food service jobs.  None comes close to the amount of work Susie had to do.  In humidity so thick it feels like you’re swimming in air. In the middle of a park, out of a van.  In the rain.  On a Sunday.

Of course, the food smelled and looked great.  Once the rain really started going, I beat a retreat even after Susie kindly offered me an apron and invited me to stay and help.  Uh…I would, Susie, but I don’t think I could keep up with you.  Susie just smiled, covered her head from the rain and got back to work.  Just another day at the office.   That’s a true professional…and some truly hard work.