Hi, I'm

Keli Schimelpfenig

and I creatively capture the people of Cleveland, Ohio.

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.)

As a photographer, I have a unique background in that I got my start on the theatre stage and not behind a camera. I learned about framing and group composition by watching theatre directors and choreographers work within the confines of a stage. I received an MA in Theatre (specializing in theatre directing) from Case Western Reserve University where I also served as the primary photographer for the College of Arts and Sciences for five years.

In my "off" time you will find me out in the woods hiking and camping my way through our National Parks with my 9 lb. mutt, Nutmeg. Or as I like to call it - location scouting!

Give me a call, let's play!

Thoughts From My Clients

Whitley and Faustin

“We honestly could not have asked for a better photographer. Keli made us feel relaxed and it was like working with a friend. She captured every moment and the pictures could not have turned out better. Everyone in our family has made remarks about how talented our photographer was and how great the pictures turned out. She is very very good at her job. Her price was very reasonable and I got a TON of excellent pictures! They are all so good I am having a hard time choosing which to use for my photo book.”

01 / 04

WANT TO HEAR A FUNNY STORY ABOUT MY 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 especially liked this name because my photos tend to have a warm copper glow. 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!