Today we’d like to introduce you to Keli Schimelpfenig.
Hi Keli, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been a photographer since I was old enough to click the shutter on a Fisher-Price point-and-shoot. I didn’t know it then, but I was already drawn to storytelling—capturing moments, faces, little flashes of magic in everyday life.
But it wasn’t until I was earning my degree in Theatre Directing from Case Western Reserve University in 2019 that photography really took hold as more than a hobby. Working in theatre taught me how to understand people, how to see intention and emotion in a glance or a gesture. It also taught me the power of a good story—and how to tell it visually. So I started bringing my camera to rehearsals, to weddings, to community events… and what began as a side passion turned into a full-on calling.
That calling became Shiny Penny Studios—a women-led photography and content creation team based in Cleveland, Ohio. We specialize in weddings, boudoir, branding, and community storytelling, with a style that leans more real than rigid. We’re the ones who will hype you up, laugh with you, cry at your wedding speeches, and somehow catch that one perfect photo of your grandma slow dancing with a ring bearer.
I’ve built this studio with other artists who, like me, have theatre roots and big hearts. We’re all about authenticity, inclusivity, and capturing people as they are—because that’s where the real beauty lives.
And Cleveland? It’s the perfect backdrop for what we do. Gritty, surprising, full of character. Just like the people I get to photograph.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to grow a team—and grow with them. Photography is so personal. When it was just me, it was easy to instinctively know how I wanted things to feel, look, and run. But bringing other talented photographers into the mix meant I had to figure out how to articulate that vision clearly—and then leave room for their artistry too.
That balance has been a journey. I had to learn what to communicate, what not to micromanage, and how to create a space where we all felt seen, supported, and aligned. It’s not just about assigning tasks—it’s about fostering trust, defining values, and making sure everyone feels like they’re building something with you, not for you.
We’ve also faced the classic small-business growing pains—unexpected cancellations, tech fails, burnout, learning to say no to work that didn’t align with our values, and figuring out what to charge when you’re a creative who just wants to help everyone. Through it all, the biggest lesson has been to treat everything—everything—like a collaboration. Clients, team, even the business itself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Shiny Penny Studios, we specialize in real-life magic. We photograph weddings, boudoir, high school seniors, branding sessions, and community events—with a focus on capturing people as they are, not as they think they’re supposed to be. Our style leans documentary meets daydream: a little bit cinematic, a little bit candid, always honest.
We’re probably best known for our energy on set—we bring big hype-girl vibes, a theatre-kid work ethic, and a gift for making even the most camera-shy folks feel like themselves. We’ve photographed everything from drag brunches to donut-wielding weddings to quiet moments between couples who swear they’re “awkward in front of the camera.” (Spoiler alert: they’re not. They’re just not used to being photographed by someone who gets them.)
What sets us apart? Our team is all women with backgrounds in theatre and storytelling—so we’re not just taking pretty pictures; we’re helping you feel comfortable, celebrated, and fully seen. We believe vulnerability is powerful, laughter is essential, and your weirdness is worth documenting.
I’m most proud of the community we’ve built—both inside and outside the studio. Our clients aren’t just clients; they’re collaborators. We’ve had couples book us for their weddings, then come back for newborn sessions, branding shoots, even their parents’ anniversary parties. That kind of long-term trust? That’s everything.
Also, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m proud of how we’ve stayed true to ourselves. We don’t pretend to be luxury or traditional or overly filtered. We’re the studio you call when you want photos that feel like you—just a little more magical.
What’s next?
I’m so excited to share something here for the first time ever—this interview is the official soft launch of Shiny Penny Travels. 🎉
This new venture blends everything I love: photography, storytelling, people, and adventure. Shiny Penny Travels is a boutique-style travel experience company where I’ll be curating small group trips and local getaways—but with a twist. Your travel guide? Also your personal photographer. It’s a fresh kind of concierge service designed for curious, creative souls who want more than just a vacation—they want a story to take home (and gorgeous photos to match).
One piece I’m especially excited about? Becoming your go-to Cleveland travel insider. Yes, Cleveland is a destination now—and I will die on that hill. From lakeside sunsets to underrated eats and hidden neighborhood gems, I want to show off the grit and magic of this city in a way that feels exciting and real, especially for locals who haven’t yet seen it through that lens.
Of course, Shiny Penny Studios will still be going strong here in Cleveland with our wedding, boudoir, and lifestyle work—but this new branch lets me explore travel in a way that feels deeply personal and joyfully chaotic in all the best ways.
You can follow the journey (and get in early on the adventures) at instagram.com/shinypennytravels. Come see where we’re headed. ✨
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shinypennystudios.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/shinypennystudios
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/shinypennystudios
