"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. 

And regarding my last entry... for those who still find the snow no longer tolerable (even in photos)... Here's a preview of two recent studio sessions!

     I know, I know, in many parts of the country and here in the Northeast, snow has become a four letter word in a different sense. The excitement of the first flakes of festive December snow have turned into the the last weather event anyone wants to see from their windows. 

Thank you to everyone who braved ice and snow to come out and enter our free drawing on President's Day.  There has been some anticipation all week so we would like to announce the four winners of a Free Portrait Session!

Jackie Williams

Elizabeth Clark

Melissa Furci

Rosemary Mahan

Congratulations to all the winners! Your portrait session, including a free 8"x10" desk print, is valued at over  $235! You have the choice of an indoor studio session or an outdoor session (once the weather is a little warmer and we can see grass!)

 Your session will include two hours of custom photography (single or family session) at a determined location. Your proofs will then be available in approximately 2-3 weeks  (At which time you may select your free 8"x 10" pose.) Additional prints may be ordered a la carte with no minimum order requirement. Sessions must be completed by August 1, 2010.

 We look forward to booking all of your sessions, and once again, Congratulations to our winners!