Suzi Altman

Suzi Altman is an accomplished photographer and film maker whose work spans more than three decades, with a focus on civil rights, race, the American South, and social justice. Based in Mississippi for over 20 years, Altman's photography has been dedicated to documenting the lives of underserved communities, offering a voice to those often overlooked in mainstream media.

Her career began with an internship at Rolling Stone magazine and mentorship under renowned photographer Mary Ellen Mark. This formative experience set the stage for Suzi’s work for the Associated Press in New York City. Over the years, her camera has taken her to some of the world’s most pivotal events, including the Olympics, two Super Bowls, 9/11 in New York, the 50th Anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival, and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Suzi’s ability to connect deeply with her subjects allows her to capture raw, intimate moments, whether she’s on the frontlines of global events or shooting a personal portrait. Her natural talent for blending into any environment—whether on a movie set, in a boardroom, or at a public gathering—allows her to create compelling, candid images that tell powerful stories.

Her work has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications, including The NYTimes, USA Today, The London Observer, Reuters, Bloomberg News, and The Associated Press. Her work is part of permanent collections at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian Museum of American History, and the Mississippi Museum of Art. She has also been part of numerous prestigious exhibitions, including three Mississippi Invitational Shows at the Mississippi Museum of Art, with selections by curators such as Franklin Sirmans and Lilly Wei. Altman was named Mississippi Honored Artist of the Year by the National Museum of Women in the Arts (08) and was recognized as one of Mississippi Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 Business Leaders. Her international work includes teaching a photography class focused on self-identity and community engagement in the Lenana Slum of Nairobi, Kenya, at the invitation of the NGO The Supply. In addition to her creative work, Suzi has collaborated with the Mississippi Center for Justice on several projects highlighting race relations and social issues in the Mississippi Delta.

Suzi is a proud member of Women Photograph, the National Press Photographers Association, Nikon Professional Services, and Trailblazers of Light. Based in Mississippi near an international airport, she is available to photograph anywhere in the world within hours.