SHINY PENNY STUDIOS
A Cleveland, Ohio Visual Content Collective
SERVING KAMM'S CORNERS, CLEVELAND, NORTHEAST OHIO, OHIO, THE MIDWEST, AND THE WORLD
Shiny Penny Studios is a team of experienced event photographers and content creators focused on capturing genuine visual memories.
Brought together by the magic of theatre and community, Keli, Hannah, and Whitney met backstage working on theatre projects in Cleveland community theatre. Keli quickly realized that the theatre kids already had a love of visual storytelling combined with an organic and healthy understanding of event logistics, and quality imagery. Making important events stress-free and fun is our specialty. From planning to execution, the team is focused on helping people get the best content by guiding them through their entire event. We happily do what needs to be done to get the job done. Sometimes that means ironing a pair of pants, supplying a safety pin, singing baby-shark 15 times, or simply knowing when the leading players need to take a break. We join forces on bigger events like weddings and arts galas while each keeping our specialty focus areas like newborn posing and senior high school photography.
We are a female, minority, and LGBTQ+ owned company that honors diversity. Our business management style is rooted in sustainability and we practice leave no trace principles.
We are also proud to supply photography for The Temple-Tifereth Israel, The Cleveland Play House, E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall at the University of Akron, Chagrin Arts, Playhouse Square, Avon Lake High School Performing Arts, Cleveland Heights High School, Fairview High School, Near West Theatre, Lorain Community Music Theatre, and North East Ohio Creatives.
Keli Schimelpfenig
Troop Leader, Player One, Wild Child, Roaming Gnomie
I started Shiny Penny Studios after falling in love with portrait and event photography and portraits while working in higher education marketing and obtaining my MA in Theatre Directing from Case Western Reserve University. I formed Shiny Penny in 2018 and made the local national news in 2020 and 2023 with our charity project Dad Bods: A Year of Midwest Sexy. My theater directing experience allows me to anticipate moments of human emotion and expression that show in my work. Helping you to look your best, is what I do best. I also know a thing or two about great lighting, setting the scene, and wrangling groups of people and pets. (Don't underestimate the abilities of anyone who has directed a community theatre production of Annie, and has lived to tell the tale.)
Lover of sloth-paced hiking through our state and national parks with my 10 pound mutt, theatre (see above,) adopting way too many hobbies, wandering (responsibly) off path and general geekery.
Specialty areas include: photography education, small business branding, families, newborns, school marketing and visual strategy
photo, Hannah Floyd
ROAM IF YOU WANT TO. ROAM AROUND THE WORLD.
WHERE IS KELI?
Looking for portraits in your neck of the woods? Contact me for our specific travel dates and let's play.
2024:
FEBRUARY
17-21 SAN DIEGO, CA
MAY
Virginia
SEPTEMBER
8-21 Calgary/Banff CANADA
DECEMBER
Virginia
Hannah Floyd
Player Two, Songbird, Girl Friday, Kitten Wrangler
Before joining Shiny Penny Studio I graduated from Slippery Rock University getting a BA in music therapy and vocal performance. Though I majored in music, there was something that always fascinated me about photography. The way a single photo can bring so much joy and capture so many precious memories. Thankfully my family noticed this and as a graduation gift got me my first Nikon 3300. At first it started out as a hobby, but it has grown into a huge passion of mine. Now I work along side Keli and love that this is not only a job but a passion. Like Keli, I also have a background in theatre, making me be able to understand how to get genuine poses and reactions out of people.
When I’m not taking photos you can find me traveling, singing a tune at karaoke, or snuggling with one of my pets.
Specialty areas include: weddings, headshots/profile photos, and high school seniors
photo, Keli Schimelpfenig
Whitney Miller
Player Three, Caffeine Fiend, Hot Goth, Left Hand Man
While I have a degree in Chemical Engineering, my passions have always revolved around artistic expression, spending the majority of my time in the theatre. (I think you can see the common thread between Keli, Hannah, and I 😉). I've worked in lighting and sound design, stage management, props design, directing, and producing. All of these creative aspects of my skills give me a unique perspective when it comes to photography. My career is built on planning and problem solving. I love being able to take a situation that doesn't go to plan and find a new approach that turns out better than I could have imagined.
I won't stop talking about the female gaze, Red Bull flavors, the destruction of capitalism, tattoos, and my Corgi, Lemon.
Specialty areas include: wedding, boudoir and arts photography
photo, Keli Schimelpfenig
Love Notes From Our Clients
Connie and Andy
WANT TO HEAR A FUNNY STORY ABOUT THE BUSINESS NAME?
Schimelpfenig (shim-ul-finn-egg) is not the easiest last name to pronounce so I decided to go with the English translation of the name that my family was (long-ago) told translated to "shiny penny." I cruise along a few years with the name and then I meet a couple from Germany who smile and then say "moldy penny," after I tell them my name. I give them a confused (and perhaps horrified) look and the woman then explains that my last name translates to "moldy penny." Google translate verified the dirty family lie. Someone asked afterward if I would be changing the business name and I said the only name I would be changing would be my last name - Keli Glänzendpfenig has a ring to it!
photo, Chelsea Flattic
Supporters and Partners
