THE WOMAN BEHIND THE LENSE IN BUSHY PARK – SUE LINDENBERG
By Jeannie Edwards, Editor, Friends of Bushy and Home Parks
Sue Lindenberg has been described as “Bushy Park’s resident photographer” and is held in awe by many friends of Bushy and Home Parks. And any wonder? Sue’s photograph “A Fawn’s
Dawn” below was chosen by judges John Craven, Hamza Yassin and Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock to appear in the BBC Countryfile Historic Royal Palaces calendar.
You can find out more here: Countryfile Calendar 26: winning photos and how to buy the calendar at countryfile.com
However, Sue describes herself as a little old lady with a bicycle and a camera! Her statement that Bushy Park is her “happy place” evokes the image of someone deeply passionate about the
park, and her enthusiasm is evident in her photographs.
Beyond technical skill, it’s that love of what she sees and what she feels and experiences that feeds into her photographs. Sue’s photography captures the mood of the moment and reflects her affection for nature and her genuine experiences in the park.
Upon meeting Sue, I was struck by her humility, gentleness, and the strength conveyed through her eyes. Our conversation traversed many topics, including the countries she has lived in. I had a glimpse of the influences Sue had in terms of the wide open expanse of South Africa and the dense jungles of Borneo.
Her time in these countries exposed her to unique landscapes and wildlife, fostering a respect for all creatures. When Sue moved to the United Kingdom, Bushy Park provided expansive land and
diverse scenes for her to capture through her lens, replacing in some part the land under the South African and Borneo skies.
Sue’s love and respect for nature have enriched her understanding of patience and the rewards of quietly observing nature. Bushy Park’s natural richness—with its array of invertebrates, mammals, birds, trees and shrubs— has offered her a welcoming environment.
Sue stands out by her ability to recognise beauty amid life’s distractions and chaos. Her perceptive eyes reveal nature at its finest, and she delights in sharing her work with those interested.
Sue has not had formal training, but relies instead on her innate ability to capture an image, portraying the mood of the moment. Dawn remains Sue’s preferred time, not only for its photographic potential but also for the quietness and stillness it brings to the park.
Keeping distance to respect animals’ privacy and the rules of the park, Sue unobtrusively uses her camera to capture the moment. Dawn grants her privileged access to observe animals quietly, such as witnessing the bond between a deer and her calf or watching the dignity of the park in the early hours before any disruption by visitors, two or four legged, on two or four wheels.