Susan Elise Shiebler Blog

Susan Elise Shiebler Blog http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/ en Copyright 2010 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:29:06 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Recent session jhk copyright ses all rights reserved do not opy .jpg

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]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/07/recent-session.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/07/recent-session.html Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:29:06 -0500 Boyhood
As parents, especially as mothers, our sons and our daughters have no idea when we are listening to them speak, that we can also multi-task and think about who they are in general.
I listen intently to what they say and yet from time to time, my mind drifts as I stare at them.
I wonder where the baby who I held for hours has gone to, where the adorable little toddler who I couldn't stop kissing has run off to. They seems like 2 different people, the baby and the teenager, the toddler and the man and so I look for traces to join the two.

I am so glad I kept detailed baby books, writing down all of their achievements and idiosyncrasies. I was sure I would never forget those days while they were happening. When I read those details today, I see that I have forgotten some, now replaced by new expressions and different ways of growing. While there is something in every parent that doesn't want to see our children grow up, we wouldn't trade the joy of who they become for the world.

This photo shoot gave me a chance to relive the joy of chasing a 2 year old boy. The delight, the laughter, the wonder is so beautiful. I realized that one of my goals can be achieved and that is to capture childhood the only way we can, through photography. His mom, who is an amazing woman and a devoted, loving mother, was amazed at how her son put his little hands behind his back and pensively looked down at the waves and the sailboat. She said she had never seen him do that before. I was so honored to be there to capture that moment. It reminded me of Ansel Adams, a brilliant photographer and one of his best quotes:

"Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter."

While nature and wildlife are extraordinary to photograph, there is nothing as important as observing our children, both protectively and aesthetically. As a photographer, I have the privilege of capturing the wonder of childhood and children. Truly one of God's greatest gifts.

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]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/07/boyhood.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/07/boyhood.html Sun, 11 Jul 2010 12:11:09 -0500 Ocean walk This past week, I had a day which needed similar peace, a cathartic ocean walk and a break from civilization. I didn't bring my large professional camera but a smaller one so as to not worry about equipment. I wasn't there to work but to feel and to think. I still wanted to get a few photos that captured the power of the ocean, the glistening water at 7:00am and the way early light hits the sand. Two deer friends (no pun intended!) stopped for a visit and while I could only take their photos from a distance, I was so happy they were there. They didn't interrupt my morning, they only added to the peace.

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]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/06/ocean-walk.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/06/ocean-walk.html Sat, 26 Jun 2010 20:49:53 -0500 Journal banners and garbage picking

Long Island, while its seasons can get a little crazy and not always be consistent, the actual arrival of season changes are predictable and welcomed. Here are some new pictures of spring, leaning more towards a theme of heralding in summer. I have to incorporate them into the banners above but for now, here they are in larger collage form.

I have some long sessions coming up so they will keep me busy for the next few weeks. I am already booking into July! Just this morning I pulled an old adirondack rocking chair out of someone's garbage. (those who know me well will not find that hard to believe!)

It needs some minor repair but it is perfect for a rustic outdoor session. I had ideas just seeing it the first time I drove by it, not even sure of its state of disrepair. Some of the best

props, pieces of furniture etc get thrown away. It always amazes me how transformed they become with a little vision and some TLC!

Hope everyone is enjoying the cool breezes of spring as the days get warmer and warmer!

]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/05/new-journal-banners-and-even-some-garbage-picking.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/05/new-journal-banners-and-even-some-garbage-picking.html Mon, 17 May 2010 10:49:59 -0500

Loved this late day lighting, so happy with these shots. What a natural.

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]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/05/loved-this-late-day-lighting.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/05/loved-this-late-day-lighting.html Tue, 11 May 2010 21:12:44 -0500 Retro series I forget every year how busy spring really is! I have about 5 major projects going on at once, and that's aside from studio and outdoor sessions, proofing and editing!

Here, at last, are my favorites from a retro series just finished. In post processing and editing, sometimes there is as much of an artistic challenge as there is initially behind the lens. I usually like to mix up color, black and white and even an occasional antique tone in a set of proofs. Sometimes, however, I really like a series to be color consistent.

In this set, I focused mainly on that unique vintage feel that photos have from the 1930's and 40's. We've all seen them. Photographs in different shapes and sizes with torn edges and that distinctive yellowish, antique tint. They are usually stored carefully in boxes by our parents or grandparents, stowed on closet shelves or in attic corners. As a child, I would stare forever at just one photo looking at every detail and trying to imagine what life must have been like then compared to life now.

While there is a black and white in this series and even a tinted color shot, I mainly wanted that antique look. The beautiful '38 Chrysler and some vintage clothes really gave us the feeling of going back in time. We also had a lot of fun!

We styled one of our family Christmas cards one year with a 1940's theme. (see our site in the Holiday Theme gallery). People ask me if this session concept is available, the answer is absolutely! These sessions just require a lot planning. They can also easily be incorporated into a traditional session with a few prop and wardrobe changes. In the 1940's themed card, we even added old family pictures in frames on the wall. It's authentic and "includes" special relatives in the photo who may no longer be here.

With a little creativity, the right props and clothes and some serious post editing time, you can feel a little like you're living a scene from a great bygone era.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy this beautiful spring weather!

]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/05/retro-series.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/05/retro-series.html Wed, 05 May 2010 14:44:58 -0500 Preview

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]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/04/preview.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/04/preview.html Fri, 23 Apr 2010 23:53:55 -0500 New Face Book page

New facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shiebler-Photography/385891426003?ref=nf

Thanks for becoming a fan!

]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/04/new-face-book-page.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/04/new-face-book-page.html Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:41:52 -0500 Retro

]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/04/retro.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/04/retro.html Thu, 15 Apr 2010 22:55:59 -0500 Sisters

Later today, looking forward to a really exciting "Daydream" session. (another similar session is featured in Galleries on our website) We're going to feature some elegance and some retro 1940's, shooting at a few different locations. A lot of wardrobe to get together today and a story board is always helpful. These sessions are the most challenging for me because it is almost like filming a movie but opting for stills instead. The whole shoot needs to be clearly envisioned before I even pick up my camera. Then again, sometimes the candid, unexpected moments end up surprising me! Hoping the weather holds out!

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]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/04/sisters.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/04/sisters.html Thu, 15 Apr 2010 07:23:43 -0500 Spring

I think I would be a fool if I had yet to acquiesce to the seasons and what they bring. I have so much more control over other things beyond weather that I can and should be changing. And yet, for one reason or another, I still procrastinate in making those changes. I'm working on that. For now, Spring is certainly here and I do love it. I'm busy with two exciting sessions, one this evening and a great retro/daydream session tomorrow. I'll post those as soon as they are ready. In the interim, here are some spring scenery photos. When I put them together, they reminded me just how amazing it is that after all that cold and unrelenting snow, the magnificent colors of spring still faithfully return each year. What a gift.

]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/04/spring.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/04/spring.html Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:39:47 -0500 Traditions
Remembering when I was the one doing the finding instead of the hiding. Decades ago, when I was shorter in stature, closer to the ground and able to easily detect an egg hidden just inside a rain gutter. And, since memories are well preserved in my mind, it's easy to stand back and be the hider and not the finder. Watching children and their friends making their own Easter memories makes simple traditions so worthwhile..

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]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/04/filling-colored-plastic-eggs-with.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/04/filling-colored-plastic-eggs-with.html Sat, 03 Apr 2010 17:41:31 -0500 Seeing beyond sight When you're a photographer, and that is what you do everyday, you're bound to meet people who, while you capture their lives, completely capture your heart. Albert is a perfect example. In the few times we have met and recently worked together on this shoot, I always come away enlightened. His humor, his attitude, his optimism is all infectious. We also have a few things in common. As people who have taught and worked with children, we both know their infinite value. We love the crazy cats and dogs we each own. We have a dear mutual friend whom we both adore and we also both love 1980's Bruce Weber photography. The difference is, I have had my sight all my life. Just years ago, Albert lost his. I should also add that he "sees" far more than most people I know who are not blind. Helen Keller, who knows more on this subject than any of us, once wrote, "The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision."

To get a glimpse into Albert's amazing, energized life and mind, consider his words, as he describes the organization, My Blind Spot, of which he is the founder.

"Each of us in one way or another has a blind spot in our lives. When I first came to be blind, I found that I was forever running into literal and virtual walls and dead ends that blocked my assimilation into the blind community and hindered my participation in mainstream society. Without my sight, not only did the world become invisible to me, but I learned how it felt to be unseen. So My Blind Spot was founded... (a place) where people of all visual abilities can find answers and support on the topic of of vision, both actual and virtual. It is our hope to not just be a resource in the lives of our members but to be a force which fosters positive and empowering results for all things possible."

My photo session with Albert was for his professional use as he continues to do his great work. Albert is the kind of person we need more of, people who spread a needed message on behalf of people with disabilities. In their dedication to educating and enlightening us, we are freed from our own blindness and given a vision of understanding we may have never known.

Thank you Albert from all of us and I appreciate the compliment, but trust me, you already looked like a rock star before these photos.

Please become a Facebook fan

My Blind Spot

and check out

MyBlindSpot.org

Thank you!

]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/04/seeing-beyond-sight.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/04/seeing-beyond-sight.html Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:13:52 -0500 Recent Sessions
For now, here are some favorites picks from two studio sessions featuring two truly fun and beautiful girls. Antithetical to the Daydream sessions, these prove that less can surely be more. Beauty, thankfully, is so varied and these girls, if you'll excuse the cliche'- are truly beautiful, inside and out.

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]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/03/recent-sessions.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/03/recent-sessions.html Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:22:32 -0500 Just be yourself... (but that's what I was doing!) To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. "
e. e. cummings

This quote is one of my favorites and we can all identify with this truth. It seems that too often in life, there are people who will not accept us for who we really are. Rarely however, are we accused of pretending to be another person entirely, or told that we are impersonating someone else, that's a new one for me.
This leads me to a special message to all of my great friends and "fans" who had been following me on my facebook Photography page. I have so appreciated all of your ongoing support. Unfortunately, for some reason unbeknownst to me, my page, "Susan Elise Shiebler Photography" was suddenly disabled. When I contacted facebook respectfully and inquired as to why this would happen, I received an email stating that my account has been permanently disabled and the reason? According to the email,

"Fake accounts are a violation of our Statement of Rights and Responsibilities. Facebook requires users to provide their real first and last names. Impersonating anyone or anything is prohibited."

Oh-kaaay and this is applicable to me how? I know in order for them to check millions of accounts, it is done by computer, auto responses etc. They somehow do not believe that I am "me." Apparently, as I researched this, this has happened to others as well. At first, it was absurdly comical until I saw that they offered no explanation or opportunity for me to prove my identity. Then, suddenly the reality was clear that they make these decisions based on mere conjecture, either by human or computer determination. More likely, the latter. There was no use fighting it, as it is difficult to impossible to reach them and their email stated their decision was final.
    On principle alone, I considered not starting a new facebook account. I have however resigned myself to the fact that social networking is an unavoidable reality. I also realized that everyone who had become a "fan" of the page had no explanation as to what happened when my page suddenly disappeared. I concluded that the friends who support my work are more important than huge companies who care very little about individual people.
    I therefore simplified the name to "Shiebler Photography" and created a new account under that name. For anyone who would like to continue following my page, thanks again for joining.

There is also the alternative option to subscribe to this blog (see RSS at the top of this page.) I really wanted to inform everyone of what happened. I hope my new FB page will not likewise be disabled. If it is, I will stick to this blog/journal alone.

I really want to focus on why I am here online and that reason is Fine Art Photography. So, thanks to everyone for reading and now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to taking pictures while impersonating myself.

]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/03/just-be-yourself-but-thats-what-i-was-doing.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/03/just-be-yourself-but-thats-what-i-was-doing.html Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:37:01 -0500