"A thing that you see in my pictures is that I was not afraid to fall in love with these people."
—annie lebovitz
Keli Schimelpfenig
Troop Leader, Player One, Wild Child, Hype Girl
As a photographer, I have a unique background in that I got my start on the theatre stage and not behind a camera. 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.) I started Shiny Penny Studios after falling in love with entertainment event photography and portraits while working in higher education. I formed the company in 2018 and made national news in 2020 with Dad Bods: A Year of Midwest Sexy.
In my "off" time you will find me out in the woods hiking and camping my way through our National and State Parks with my 9 lb. mutt, Nutmeg. Or as I like to call it - location scouting!
photo, Hannah Floyd
ROAM IF YOU WANT TO. ROAM AROUND THE WORLD.
If you're getting married outside of NE Ohio, and want me to photograph your beautiful event, check out my travel schedule for the next 12 months.
FEBRUARY: California, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Las Vegas
APRIL: Hocking Hills, Chicago
MAY: Virginia, Washington D.C.
JULY: Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota
OCTOBER: Michigan U.P.
NOVEMBER: Las Vegas, Washington D.C
DECEMBER: Virginia, Washington D.C
JANUARY: Minnesota
Hannah Floyd
Player Two, Dress Fluffer, 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.
photo, Keli Schimelpfenig
Nutmeg
Goodest Girl, Co-Pilot, Model, Security, and Human Resources
Nutmeg is a 9 lb. mutt adopted in 2018. Her hair is inexplicable, but she is an expert snuggler and adventurer. Also know for her feature in Dad Bods: A Year of Midwest Sexy and select wedding photoshoots. As a studio dog, it is quite appropriate that her favorite food is CHEESE!
Love Notes From Our Clients
Sarah and Tony
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!
Chettara Hunter, The Neon Museum, Las Vegas
