Susie Hadland’s camera captures life in every field

You might not know my friend Susie Hadland’s name, but I’ll bet you have seen her remarkably diverse portfolio of photography.

UNLV Runnin’ Rebels fans during the heart of the Jerry Tarkanian era regularly saw Susie’s work. Fans of nature photography surely were impressed by her field shots of wild horses.

It was those images I tried to concentrate on when I got a call from Susie recently, telling me in her gentle voice that she had been diagnosed with cancer. The cancer was spreading steadily. And while she was willing to fight, she also wanted her family and friends around her.

I didn’t know what to say. I am thankful every morning for having my Amelia still with me after her arduous battle with brain cancer. In fact, some of the photographs of Amelia I cherish most were taken by Susie.

I could only tell her I loved her and cared for her.

Then I realized that someone who reads this might not know her work, so I asked her to send me a few photographs from her enormous collection.

I am thinking of Susie standing silently out among the Joshua, waiting for the moment near a water hole when those wild horses would stroll right past.

And smile for her camera.