When I was 2 years old, my dad died suddenly. Since he was the family photographer, there were few photos with him in them and only a few with his blonde-haired baby. In fact, growing up, there were only two photos of him displayed on our walls: my parents' wedding portrait and a family portrait. For obvious reasons, I felt abandoned and denied the opportunity to know my dad.
However, I did have the photos that gave me the information I craved to keep him alive in my mind. Through our few treasured photos, my imagination allowed me to construct the story of him as a warm, fun-loving person who adored his family. The photos allowed me to have a kind of emotional connection with him that might not otherwise be there.
However, I did have the photos that gave me the information I craved to keep him alive in my mind. Through our few treasured photos, my imagination allowed me to construct the story of him as a warm, fun-loving person who adored his family. The photos allowed me to have a kind of emotional connection with him that might not otherwise be there.
Reviews (25)
Marie T.
Nov 03, 2021
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Shoey is a wonderful online dating photographer! As a dating coach, I understand the critical importance of having top-notch pictures on our online dating profiles when looking for a partner. Shoey asked the right questions about my goals, and provided invaluable support with wardrobe choices before the photoshoot, so that I could look my best while embodying different aspects of my personality. The photoshoot itself was fun, lighthearted, and full of laughter!
My new photos helped me gain traction online, and made me feel more beautiful in the process. What a huge confidence booster! If you
My new photos helped me gain traction online, and made me feel more beautiful in the process. What a huge confidence booster! If you
Marie Thouin
Oct 18, 2021
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Shoey is a wonderful online dating photographer! As a dating coach, I understand the critical importance of having top-notch pictures on our online dating profiles when looking for a partner. Shoey asked the right questions about my goals, and provided invaluable support with wardrobe choices before the photoshoot, so that I could look my best while embodying different aspects of my personality. The photoshoot itself was fun, lighthearted, and full of laughter!
My new photos helped me gain traction online, and made me feel more beautiful in the process. What a huge confidence booster! If you’re
My new photos helped me gain traction online, and made me feel more beautiful in the process. What a huge confidence booster! If you’re
Prana Songbird
Sep 16, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
I had such a great time working with Shoey! We met briefly once, via Zoom, before our scheduled photo session. During the photo session she was completely professional at all times, while making the experience fun & easy. I most definitely will work with her again.
I had such a great time working with Shoey! We met briefly once, via Zoom, before our scheduled photo session. During the photo session she was completely professional at all times, while making the experience fun & easy. I most definitely will work with her again.
Paige Patrick
Sep 03, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
I love working with Shoey! We did headshots together five years ago and I went straight back to her when I needed a refresh. She is fun, laid back, and professional, really listening to her clients and capturing them in their truest sense. I can't wait to use my photos in my marketing.
I love working with Shoey! We did headshots together five years ago and I went straight back to her when I needed a refresh. She is fun, laid back, and professional, really listening to her clients and capturing them in their truest sense. I can't wait to use my photos in my marketing.
Yoel Kahn
Aug 14, 2021
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Our portrait experience with Shoey exceeded expectations1 After consulting about clothes, styling and location, Shoey came to our place for a relaxed and fun photo shoot. She reviewed all the images and came over again to help us choose which of the many photos were the keepers and then walked around the house with us, discussing sizes, shapes and where we wanted to display them; she then arrived - for the third time - a couple of weeks later, hammer in hand, to personally hang the framed photos on the wall! Incredible service and attention at every step along the way.
Elsie Martinez
Aug 03, 2021
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Aaron S.
Oct 14, 2020
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Betty Hong
Sep 09, 2020
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Denitsa S.
Jul 30, 2020
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When I discovered Shoey (she was referred to me by a friend) and spoke with her, I knew immediately I wanted a portrait from her. The headshot shoot we did exceeded my expectations. Not only did I get the cool portrait she was able to capture but also some fun full length shots. The photos truly represent my bubbly personality. Shoey is by far is the best photographer I've worked with. She made me feel like a celebrity, with a fan blowing into my hair. I felt so comfortable with her, and her warm personality made it easy to smile!
Mel S.
Jan 08, 2020
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A few years back, I needed a photographer for The Peninsula Regent retirement community's annual gala. Shoey had been recommended and I was so happy with her that she's been our photographer for this formal event every year. The approx. 180 senior adults, ages 65 to 105 who attend the event have enjoyed seeing her over the years and compliment how she captures the mood of the party and their own photos.
She is very comfortable with seniors and is able to capture them at their best.
She is very comfortable with seniors and is able to capture them at their best.
Brandon T.
Jan 23, 2019
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Stopped by Shoey's studio to get some professional head shots.
WOW!
I thought she was going snap a few pictures and hand me a usb. The entire experience was tailored around my vision of the portrait.
If you're looking for a true professional, that's punctual, knowledgeable and an overall joy to work with, you've found one. When I opened my photos for the first time, I was speechless. She exceeded my expectations!
I will be making another appointment soon.
Highly Recommended!
WOW!
I thought she was going snap a few pictures and hand me a usb. The entire experience was tailored around my vision of the portrait.
If you're looking for a true professional, that's punctual, knowledgeable and an overall joy to work with, you've found one. When I opened my photos for the first time, I was speechless. She exceeded my expectations!
I will be making another appointment soon.
Highly Recommended!
Michelle M.
Nov 19, 2018
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I wish I could give more than five stars. I was hoping to get a lovely family shot, she did an amazing job of getting my teenagers to cooperate and relax, I am so pleased with the whole experience. We all had fun, and I am thrilled with the beautiful family photograph. Fabulous photos! I should have brought my kids here sooner.
David B.
Oct 23, 2018
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When my wife was running for school board four years ago she used Shoey to take photos for her website and campaign literature, and she won a seat on the board, so I knew she was good.
Last week it was my time to get some headshots for work, so naturally, I called Shoey, explained that I needed headshots in a hurry, and she arranged a studio time in the afternoon after flying back from out of town.
I had never had official headshots, and was a bit embarrassed about needing them, but I met her at the appointed time, bringing a selection of clothes to try out. She immediately made me feel at ease
Last week it was my time to get some headshots for work, so naturally, I called Shoey, explained that I needed headshots in a hurry, and she arranged a studio time in the afternoon after flying back from out of town.
I had never had official headshots, and was a bit embarrassed about needing them, but I met her at the appointed time, bringing a selection of clothes to try out. She immediately made me feel at ease
Jessica N.
Sep 08, 2018
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June K.
May 11, 2018
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Isn't it great when you find a professional to work with who is great at what they do and also REALLY FUN? THAT is Shoey Sindel.
Shoey came to my Pilates studio in El Cerrito and did head shots of me and my staff as well as staged studio shots. Great afternoon, great photos, great time. Shoey makes you feel comfortable being in front of a camera. Her direction and sense of a good photo is exceptional.
I also went to Shoey's studio on Solano Avenue for a "singing" shoot.
As a singer I needed a few photos of me singing into a microphone. The really fun part was that I brought
Shoey came to my Pilates studio in El Cerrito and did head shots of me and my staff as well as staged studio shots. Great afternoon, great photos, great time. Shoey makes you feel comfortable being in front of a camera. Her direction and sense of a good photo is exceptional.
I also went to Shoey's studio on Solano Avenue for a "singing" shoot.
As a singer I needed a few photos of me singing into a microphone. The really fun part was that I brought
Eve L.
Feb 18, 2018
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Have you ever met someone and thought, "How do you manage to be so special? So unique?" And then if you were lucky you went on to think, "...Wow, this person is different...this person is unusually sweet, remarkably kind, entirely present and genuinely wanting to help...I feel safe with them."
If your answer is yes, then you know how rare it is to meet someone like Shoey. If your answer is no then you're in for a magical treat, because when you experience someone this dear in the world you feel so much better about everything, not just the artistry you went to her to
If your answer is yes, then you know how rare it is to meet someone like Shoey. If your answer is no then you're in for a magical treat, because when you experience someone this dear in the world you feel so much better about everything, not just the artistry you went to her to
Sally
Nov 11, 2017
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James M.
Oct 14, 2017
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I used Shoey for a professional portrait for my planned website. She was very professional and did a very good job, given the limitations of her subject. She gave me a great one-day turnaround, which was really appreciated. She had good ideas for my portrait and was very accommodating and welcoming of other ideas. A pleasure to work with!
Valerie R.
Jul 07, 2015
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Shoey and I knew each other from a networking group and during one of her presentations she talked about her 18 year old son and how it seemed like just yesterday he was a baby and now here he is this fully grown man going off on his own life's adventure. She talked about how meaningful it is to capture those fleeting moments with loved ones before they are gone. So when my 83 year old father came to visit from back east (I only see him once every year or two), I took the opportunity to surprise him with a photo session with Shoey. My dad loves adventure and big cities so Shoey met us in
Rosalind I.
May 07, 2015
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Okay--One word--YAY!!!
(You know what's great about reviewing a photographer? You can show proof! My profile photo is the one Shoey took. I'd show you the old one, but you don't really want your retinas burned, do you?)
Let me start by saying that I hate having my picture taken. But I NEEDED to have my picture taken, because one of my publishers was threatening not to promote me unless I got something better than the head shot cropped from a family picture, with the refrigerator in the back photoshopped out.
It was time. And I only had a week.
What to do? I searched around and
(You know what's great about reviewing a photographer? You can show proof! My profile photo is the one Shoey took. I'd show you the old one, but you don't really want your retinas burned, do you?)
Let me start by saying that I hate having my picture taken. But I NEEDED to have my picture taken, because one of my publishers was threatening not to promote me unless I got something better than the head shot cropped from a family picture, with the refrigerator in the back photoshopped out.
It was time. And I only had a week.
What to do? I searched around and
Wendy E.
Jan 30, 2015
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Where should you go if you need a professional yet warm headshot? Read on.
I needed a professional portrait. I'd recently started my own business and was using a photo that was not appropriate for that purpose.
So, I turned to Shoey Sindel. I don't know anyone who likes getting a portrait taken. Here's the thing: Shoey, a consummate professional, made it ridiculously easy and fun.
I went to her studio with a small armful of tops in hand. Should I go sleeveless - well, no - or opt for a print? Not a good idea. Shoey patiently steered me through my choices until I found the best
I needed a professional portrait. I'd recently started my own business and was using a photo that was not appropriate for that purpose.
So, I turned to Shoey Sindel. I don't know anyone who likes getting a portrait taken. Here's the thing: Shoey, a consummate professional, made it ridiculously easy and fun.
I went to her studio with a small armful of tops in hand. Should I go sleeveless - well, no - or opt for a print? Not a good idea. Shoey patiently steered me through my choices until I found the best
Mike C.
Sep 23, 2013
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The thing whith Shoey is that she doesn't necessarily have the newest camera (although apparently it is a pretty good one), but she knows when to push the button.
No Joke.
Every picture she takes is uncannily good. if I wasn't there to watch her take the pictures of my kids, I would think that there was something going on, but the truth is, she just works the camera better than I could.
And that is why she is worth my money.
No Joke.
Every picture she takes is uncannily good. if I wasn't there to watch her take the pictures of my kids, I would think that there was something going on, but the truth is, she just works the camera better than I could.
And that is why she is worth my money.
T. B.
Aug 30, 2013
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I attended a really fun event hosted by Shoey at her studio on Salono Ave.
A makeup artist presented a tutorial to a small group of woman.
Shoey snapped candid pictures of us during the class. Her presence was positive and calm. I felt comfortable with her taking pictures as we practiced our makeup application.
After we completed our new looks Shoey took individual shots of us with lighting and a backdrop. She made me feel very relaxed and natural posing in front of the camera.
I recommend Shoey for candid and/or studio sessions. She has great energy to be around!
A makeup artist presented a tutorial to a small group of woman.
Shoey snapped candid pictures of us during the class. Her presence was positive and calm. I felt comfortable with her taking pictures as we practiced our makeup application.
After we completed our new looks Shoey took individual shots of us with lighting and a backdrop. She made me feel very relaxed and natural posing in front of the camera.
I recommend Shoey for candid and/or studio sessions. She has great energy to be around!
Declan S.
Jun 28, 2013
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Oh the sweet, sweet taste of victory in finally tackling what would hopefully be the perfect business portrait and coming out on top!! I would have paid twice as much for the result!
I'm a realtor and I work on Solano Ave, up the street from Shoey's studio. For a long time I've admired her work on display in a glass and wood box that hangs on the wall outside one of the business's near Peets. When I finally met Shoey it was at a business mixer and I was so appalled with the photo on my card when I handed to her that I felt compelled to book her on the spot for a photo shoot
I'm a realtor and I work on Solano Ave, up the street from Shoey's studio. For a long time I've admired her work on display in a glass and wood box that hangs on the wall outside one of the business's near Peets. When I finally met Shoey it was at a business mixer and I was so appalled with the photo on my card when I handed to her that I felt compelled to book her on the spot for a photo shoot
Lisa C.
Dec 14, 2011
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I have used Shoey on two separate occassions. The first was for my daughter's Bat Mitzvah in October 2010 and the second more recently for professional photos for my business.
Shoey included a short photo shoot of casual shots of my daughter prior to the big day- which gave us a photo for the synagogue bulletin, but also put my somewhat prickly daughter totally at ease. The day of the Bat Mitzvah, Shoey was professional and engaged with my family and was able to work around the religious restrictions with ease as she's taken so many photos at Congregation Beth El over the years.
Shoey included a short photo shoot of casual shots of my daughter prior to the big day- which gave us a photo for the synagogue bulletin, but also put my somewhat prickly daughter totally at ease. The day of the Bat Mitzvah, Shoey was professional and engaged with my family and was able to work around the religious restrictions with ease as she's taken so many photos at Congregation Beth El over the years.
