Susan Elise Shiebler Blog

Susan Elise Shiebler Blog http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/ en Copyright 2012 Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:16:02 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Chemistry
Usually the classics, dating back to the likes of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers or Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall are accepted as perfect couples with ideal chemistry, without question. Modern roles are still up to debate for some. The more successful a film, most agree that the casting and the chemistry between a leading actor and actress was just right.

As a portrait photographer, I have the privilege of getting to see real life chemistry in real life roles up close. My goal, especially for these sessions, is to not have contrived, stiff, staring at the camera poses but to capture what really exists, especially between two people.

I posted some photos from this session but not the whole session in its entirety. Now that the beauty of autumn is beginning around us (Long Island is always a little later than everyone else) I thought this was the perfect time to share this session. It took a little while for this couple, who have been married for years, to relax and almost forget I was there, which is what I wanted them to do. However, their rapport, their love for each other and their friendship is so strong that it came through without anyone trying. I just had to capture the moments and assure them how beautiful it really was.

Some of us are blessed to have known it in life. Some know it for a short time and some for a lifetime but when you have that beautiful chemistry, not just in physical allure or attraction but as a connection between two souls, you can never duplicate it or re-create it, you can only stand back in awe and witness it.

Without a doubt this will always be one of my favorite sessions and I thank them both for just being real and for being who they are! Thank you for helping me capture true love.

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]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2011/10/chemistry.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2011/10/chemistry.html Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:16:02 -0500 Holiday Mini Sessions! FINAL in session jnl.jpg

A lot going on here at home and in the studio but for those of you who have asked, we do have some holiday mini sessions ready to go! The location will be at a beautiful local park and we have a few dates to choose from. If by some chance these do not work there are a few sessions available on weekdays but they are limited. We will do our best to work with you.

This year I am really excited to be teaming up with Tiny Prints to help you design and make your own beautiful Holiday Card to send to family and friends! While drugstore photo cards can be nice, sometimes their developing leaves a little to be desired. With Tiny Prints, you choose the photo from your session that is your favorite and I will send it to their design department as a high resolution and fully edited file so nothing is changed in the processing.

I will also have a page up soon at their site recommending some of my favorite Tiny Print cards. If you haven't seen their products, check them out, they are high reputable and they have a great personable group of creative people.

This year's holiday mini session has so much to offer. You will receive a 30 minute session (outdoor) for up to 5 people. ( $25 each additional person) Within one to two weeks, you will receive an email with a password to view your photos in an online password protected gallery. You will have approx. 8-10 proofs to choose from.

Once you choose the image you like best, we can discuss your options of lustre finish, metallic or glossy. You will receive an 8x10, 8 wallets and your image choice uploaded to Tiny Prints if you would like the print for a card design. If you will not be making or sending cards this year, we can swap out the digital file use for a couple of 5 x 7's or for something of a comparable value. I will also email you the pose of your choice as a low res watermarked file for online sharing such as on facebook or for holiday email newsletters. All for $175 (plus NYS tax.) This is usually a $275 value.

and just a brief description...

What is a holiday mini-session?

A holiday mini session is just a shorter version of our custom portrait photography session. Regular sessions usually last between 1 and 2 hours. Mini sessions are about 30 minutes. Mini-sessions are perfect for holiday cards, annual family newsletters or for those who would like an annual family photo. This type of session will not provide many candid moments, or individual poses if any; there is simply not enough time to create a wide range of looks, visit several locations or change outfits. If you're looking for a larger range of images, please contact us about booking a full custom portrait session.

Below are the dates and times available.... please email us with your choice of a date a time slots and we will send you info about how to book, the session location, some session wardrobe tips and how to send us a $25 deposit to hold your spot.

You can email us at shieblerphotography@gmail.com or through our website email. As always if you have any questions at all, just let us know!

Susan Elise Shiebler Photography Holiday Mini Session Dates and Times:

Sunday October 30th 2011

1:30-2:00
2:00-2:30
3:00-3:30
4:00-4:30

Sunday November 6th 2011

1:30-2:00
2:00-2:30
3:00-3:30

]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2011/10/holiday-mini-sessions.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2011/10/holiday-mini-sessions.html Holiday Mini Sessions! Sat, 15 Oct 2011 10:59:12 -0500 Headshots and more
Additionally, I don't blog every photo session and sometimes I wait for certain themes to use a certain shoot and this is probably not very conducive to the true nature of a blog which is to follow my work. I plan on working on that in the future!! My favorite time for sessions is now, late summer into fall as the lighting is always most beautiful. So hopefully, I will stop here and share what I am doing!

Below are two examples of recent headshot sessions for a wonderful actor and a beautiful actress. Many of my clients tell me that prices for these sessions in NYC can be a little higher than expected. Having worked on the other side of the lens at one time too, I know that starting out is not easy from a budgetary standpoint. I try to make the most of these 1-2 hour sessions, giving models/actors/actresses the option of 3-5 clothing changes, unlimited poses, some styling consultation and at least 20-30 proofs to choose from after the session. Beyond a very affordable session fee, Digital files are available within 2-3 weeks to send to agents and for personal use. Prints of course are also always available. I can always be reached by the contact form or email on my site. This is also a good time to start booking portrait sessions for the fall, sessions for school seniors and photos for holiday cards!

Hope everyone is enjoying these last fleeting weeks of precious summer!

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]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2011/08/headshots-and-more.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2011/08/headshots-and-more.html Fri, 12 Aug 2011 08:26:54 -0500 The beauty of vintage
Photographers back then might have been surprised to know that in decades and even in a century to come that black and white photography and sepia toned, antiqued processing was a favored option in some collections. They would never have imagined that despite all of today's technology, part of us would long to recreate a feeling reminiscent of a bygone era that most of us never experienced personally but still find fascinating today.

This exquisitely beautiful model, has an artistic vision that is completely in sync with my own. While the styling for this shoot was planned around her beautiful coloring and the fall leaves, her daily sense of style is consistent with an awesome understanding of fashion and beauty. (We didn't need a make-up artist this day, she did her own hair and make up and chose just the right colors)

Our goal (aside from a romantic portion of the session with her equally striking husband, one such photo is featured in the banner at the top of the journal header) was to create a Hollywood glamour head shot, circa 1930's or 1940's. We finished up this part of the session just as the sun was setting and it was nearly dark with outside studio lighting.

Once I finish proofing and post the entire session, these photos will also be more in context with the whole concept as full length wardrobe was also a part of the photo shoot.

I am thinking that these photos will eventually be featured in the "Daydream" gallery on my site. Aside from her glamour and her beauty, she also has a lot of wisdom and accurately summed up one of my philosophies by saying;

"Every woman, in her lifetime, should have at least one photo of herself that she loves."

I couldn't agree more and that is definitely one of my goals in every session. To call it a daydream session is accurate because as women, I believe we have all had at least one daydream of looking and feeling beautiful and having that moment captured. I am not referring to Hollywood's standard of beauty today or having to be half dressed to appear beautiful to some of the adult male population. Women don't want to be objects, they want to be respected for who they are and part of beauty is character. To capture that with yes, the "old fashioned" concept of class and beauty shouldn't be just a dream!

The biggest problem now is choosing among four different processing techniques!
Below is:
1. the original
2. antique processing
3. black and white with a color tint
4. sepia toned.

The last two are really intended to give that old Hollywood feel. I think however that my favorite is #2 in the antique. The warm tones match the fall color palette and also her beautiful personality. Despite actually shivering at the end as it was so cold that night, to capture this mood made it all worth it. It would be easy for me bundled up behind the lens to say that but fortunately she agrees!

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]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/11/the-beauty-of-vintage.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/11/the-beauty-of-vintage.html Sat, 13 Nov 2010 08:26:32 -0500 Mothers and Daughters
Now, as a mom myself, I try to be the best mother, confidante, reliable source of guidance and friend to the two gifts known as my own daughters. Any mother will tell you, there are days it is smooth sailing and you think you have it all figured out. Then, there are days you suddenly remember how emotional and determined you were as a teenager because it echoes in the familiar sound of a slammed bedroom door. (This time, you are on the outside of the door.) There are days when there are tears and they can still lead to triumphs. The key, and it sounds cliché, goes back to communication. I have learned however, that is more about me listening and less about me talking. I am still working on that one.

These beautiful daughters and their beautiful mom in the session featured in this post, have an amazing relationship. Just after working with them twice, (their handsome, younger brother is featured in a previous post) I see a genuine sense of mutual respect that I cannot help but admire. I have known their mom for many years as we met while working together for a mutual friend. She is today as good a mother as she has always been a person and it is always a pleasure working with her family. This session is part one of an imminent family session, featuring her two sons and two daughters together as a group. For this session however, we focused on mom and daughters.

One note, yes, their eyes are this beautiful! They are truly these colors and as vividly sparkling in person. While looking through the lens, I was thinking that no one will believe me that anyone could have eyes this beautiful! Their brother, in his previous post here on my blog has these beautiful eyes as well.

Below are just a few of the many photos I am still proofing. Aside from mom looking like their sister, (in the middle first photo) here is the kind of person she is. She told me as I was leaving the shoot a couple of weeks ago, to not even worry about working on the proofs right away. She knows I am on a very tight schedule right now working on a calendar design featuring children with cancer, including some children who are very ill. (And yet still so excited about being in their own calendar.)

This mom's gift of her patience and the patience of other clients who have kindly given me the same permission in recent weeks has meant so much to me. I am trying to promise them all that by Thanksgiving, the calendar should be done and they will all have a full set of proofs before the holidays.

So I again thank these wonderful women, a tribute to mothers and daughters. Like so many others, they may not be famous or powerful. Their names, like most of ours will never be in history books. However, as it has been true for centuries, women with true character, compassion and strength will always be the ones changing the world.

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]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/11/mothers-and-daughters.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/11/mothers-and-daughters.html Sun, 07 Nov 2010 17:37:21 -0500 Out of Africa

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]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/10/out-of-africa.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/10/out-of-africa.html Sun, 24 Oct 2010 21:35:50 -0500 Senior/Grad Sessions
Sessions have no time limit and can run anywhere from 2-3 hours and the session fee is the same! We realize that graduation from high school or college is an amazing achievement. Photos announcing or marking this event should be exactly what the graduate envisions. Poses and moods that capture personality are so important. In the session below, some of the photos may seem similar. Variations on the same pose do make a difference as even the slightest nuance and expression in one photo may capture one feeling and in another, capture something unexpected!

The beautiful high school senior featured below complimented me tremendously when she traveled with her mom from from Massachusetts just for her session. As a horse enthusiast, she brought her riding hat and boots for one part of the session. Next, we discussed what other backdrops she would like. After an outfit change, we were off to the beach, then another change for a field of summer wildflowers, ending with a few more shots in the studio.

While all of these photos are surely not yearbook appropriate for a senior photo, the variety is still intentional. This is a time in life that should be recalled with more than a few cookie cutter head shots.

In addition to any prints, we can also provide the school with a digital file of your chosen pose for the yearbook. If you have a senior or grad in your family, send us an email and we will be happy to send you more information!

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]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/09/seniorgrad-sessions.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/09/seniorgrad-sessions.html Wed, 29 Sep 2010 20:50:26 -0500 Family portraits
I think we can all agree that one of the most addictive aspects of the social networking site, facebook (and the most time consuming) is perusing the online photo albums of friends and families. I don't think it is about being nosy or even just being naturally curious. I really believe, without getting too philosophical, that photos connect us, that they create an immediate emotional experience and they even validate us.

Old photos show us not just how we have changed but we see how much we have grown, not only in stature but in character and wisdom. These are only personal thoughts as we look at photos of ourselves from years ago. Some photos even reassure us, as life progresses, that not all awkward eras, relationships and experiences were in vain.

We are also all familiar with the funny conversations and comments that holiday/familyparty/wedding photos always inspire. Suddenly everyone is reliving the experience, recalling the events, feeling the emotions as though you were returning to that day, for just a moment.

Beyond snapshots, portrait photography is truly timeless. With sharper artistic images to view, long after we are gone, our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will have the clearest image of who we were. They can look at our photos and ask questions while trying to look into our eyes and see themselves.

Family portraits are especially precious today as our busy lifestyles pull us in so many varied directions. I hear from so many clients that they would love a family portrait but it is next to impossible to get everyone together in the same location at the same time.

Much praise for the foresight of the mom who organized this photo session. All the grandchildren were together on Long Island for about a week this summer and she knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Not that they will never all be together again but as children have the nerve to keep growing and changing so dramatically from year to year, she knew this would be a photo opportunity that would never come again. A beautiful teenager, 2 sisters and two sets of a brother/sister pair made for a very special session. Add the backdrop of balmy summer evening in a field and the Great South Bay at dusk and you have preserved memories, created conversations and given a gift to the future. You have captured a time that can never be recreated.

"Life is a succession of moments. To live each one is to succeed." - Corita Kent

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]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/09/family-portraits.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/09/family-portraits.html Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:44:45 -0500 Classic To me, from my vantage behind the lens, this is not a distinction belonging to only some. My goal, at the risk of sounding cliché, is to show anyone I photograph that their outward appearance has definite beauty, character and classic good looks. I am not talking about the fake definition of beauty as determined by Hollywood. I am also not being patronizing when I say that I truly believe that everyone can look amazing in pictures. It is part of why I love portrait photography. It isn't merely idealism or achieved by some trick photography, it's the same as helping someone believe in themselves when it comes to any endeavor that is undertaken with trepidation. You need someone to tell you that it can be done.

True, we all have "a good side." Lighting is key, so is mood and the right pose. If someone has a blemish, it is never an extra fee for me to airbrush or edit it out. This is not to deceive or change who someone really is. Skin blemishes are temporary. They shouldn't be part of a timeless portrait which may be part of how we are remembered by generations to come.

Children and anyone young, like this amazing young man I had the privilege of photographing recently, are less tainted by insecurity, more relaxed in front of the camera and simply more natural. Their "classic good looks" are not veiled by life experience. As adults, sometimes by no fault of our own, we let the harshness of the world show a bit too much in our eyes and in our expressions. Sometimes that is by choice, sometimes it is not.

This photo session is likely leading to a modeling career for this great guy. He has awesome parents, sisters and a brother who are really supportive. He is focused on sports, academics, and truly committed to family. Also, the great aspect of his interest in modeling is that he has no great interest in modeling. That is not a contradiction of terms. He figures if he likes it, he'll do it, if not, forget it. He also has a really balanced and wise mom, who is right there supporting him, either way, with no pressure.

Having modeled in NY when I was younger, I know it is more often than not a highly competitive and a not so personally rewarding profession. You can often feel like nothing more than a commodity. There are days when you wonder why you are even perpetuating the illusion of fashion and the industry in general, when it is just that - an illusion. I matured a great deal, saw the good, the bad and the indifferent. I saw "the real world," what is important, what lasts and what doesn't. I also had the invaluable experience and gift of working numerous times with the great photographer Bruce Weber, whose work to a great degree has hopefully influenced mine. (especially in this session) With all that being said, when you don't take modeling too seriously, (guys seem to be able to do that better than girls) when you have your priorities straight and when you don't compromise yourself or your standards, like anything else, it can be done. Without getting too philosophical about it, it's really just a job, sometimes with a pretty darn good paycheck.

I am all about helping this family anyway I can in the process. I am confident that it could work for him, not just because he is so modest and relaxed with his "classic good looks," (which he clearly wears so well) but moreover because he is an awesome, genuinely nice guy who already knows what's really important in life. That is a huge accomplishment in and of itself. It also epitomizes what is classic ...and what is good.

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]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/08/classic.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/08/classic.html Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:08:36 -0500 Studio sessions
When the days start to get shorter and outdoor sessions are ultimately not even possible in winter months, studio lighting options and simplicity like this is a nice alternative. Sometimes it is even more flattering than outdoor lighting because it can be controlled and directed to highlight the best features.
This week, I'm finishing up a few different sessions with editing and proofing. Sessions to be posted next will feature some studio and mainly outdoor sessions. This is the time during next 2-3 months when the evening light is so beautiful. Now if we can just turn down the heat a bit so it's a little cooler!

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]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/08/studio-sessions.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/08/studio-sessions.html Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:29:37 -0500 A day at the beach. summer1 copyright ses photography.jpg

]]> http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/08/a-day-at-the-beach.html http://susaneliseshiebler.com/blog/2010/08/a-day-at-the-beach.html Thu, 05 Aug 2010 07:37:31 -0500 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