Photography service · Sebastopol, CA · reviewed since 2022
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%100+58.7Reliability 26%99+25.8Value 15%78+11.9Experts Score= 96Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.96SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#153 of 201 photographersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 24%
5.0★★★★★48 Google reviews
100%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Customers describe the photography service as professional, friendly, and collaborative, noting that the photographer helps subjects feel comfortable and relaxed during sessions. Reviews highlight clear communication, punctual delivery, and the ability to capture authentic, high-quality images for business branding, headshots, and family portraits. The photographer provides direction on posing and styling, offers a seamless selection process, and maintains a reasonable turnaround time for finished photos.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 48 reviews (100% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 48 Google reviews (46 with written comments, 7 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 100% of reviews.
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: satisfaction and momentum; weakest: value.
Shoey Sindel PhotographyPhotographers median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Shoey Sindel Photography: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
100
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Shoey Sindel Photography: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
99
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
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ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Shoey Sindel Photography: 78/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
78
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Shoey Sindel Photography: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 62.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
48 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars48100%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 46 written reviews
95%praise
Praise7295%
Complaints45%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price125%
Reasonable375%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
6topics
Staff & attitude2736%
Would recommend2229%
Speed & response1317%
Quality & results912%
Communication45%
Price & value11%
What customers talk about
We read 46 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“She's professional, up-beat, confident, and can-do.”
“I would whole-heartedly recommend her for any similar portrait work, but I would imagine she'd be a most welcome part of any endeavor that involves photography.”
“I can't recommend her work high enough and will be sending anyone I can her way.”
“She was also very collaborative, showing me pictures immediately and involving me in the process, which I very much appreciated.”
“Shoey’s creativity, attention to detail, and dedication made the entire process enjoyable.”
“Shoey listened well to what I wanted in pictures of the family including close up photos, outside, and laughing.”
“…s to the table with creative ideas, works collaboratively, and has a reasonable turnaround time for finished photos in multiple sizes for different me…”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Shoey Sindel Photography for 2 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
DDavid2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 4 weeks ago★★★★★
I could not rate Shoey highly enough! She took my author photo for my first book, so I needed to get it "right" and she delivered. She has a great eye and a talent for taking photos of people, but you can see that in the photos on her website. Beyond that, she is just fantastic to work with. She's professional,…
Reasonable priceHeadshot photography
KKatie9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★
I needed some professional photos for my business but I didn't want them to be stale or the usual shots. I am a flower farmer and I wanted them to reflect my style but not be a typical field shot. I met Shoey in her studio and was very nervous. I hate taking photos. I swear I am one of those people who looks at her…
MMichael1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★
Many years ago, Shoey did my first professional photo shoot for my coaching business. We had a great time.
Since then, I’ve grown and changed, and it felt like the right time to go back to her.
This time around, she captured something that doesn’t usually show up in my photos. She caught the masculine, mature man…
RRoy6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 9 months ago★★★★★
Working with Shoey has been enjoyable, and I'm very happy with the results!
I felt comfortable with her right from the start, she was professional and friendly, and quickly helped me relax and feel confident in front of the camera.
I was pleasantly surprised with the final results; the pictures she took of me came…
Reasonable priceHeadshots and portraits
LLacey6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 9 months ago★★★★★
5 Stars!
Working with Shoey Sindel Photography was an absolute delight! I needed custom photos for my business and website, including professional headshots and unique stock photos of me in action. Shoey really brought my vision to life, capturing the essence of what I do and the care I provide to my clients. The…
Reasonable priceHeadshots and portraitsService not listed
RRay7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 10 months ago★★★★★
I required a head shot in short order. I wanted this to occur nearby and that it be a pleasurable experience. Shoey was unbelievable. She responded to my reach out right away with others being unresponsive. We met and I outlined what I wanted. A time was scheduled. Her studio was perfect and she was able to get…
I could not rate Shoey highly enough! She took my author photo for my first book, so I needed to get it "right" and she delivered. She has a great eye and a talent for taking photos of people, but you can see that in the photos on her website. Beyond that, she is just fantastic to work with. She's professional, up-beat, confident, and can-do. She was also very collaborative, showing me pictures immediately and involving me in the process, which I very much appreciated. I would whole-heartedly recommend her for any similar portrait work, but I would imagine she'd be a most welcome part of any endeavor that involves photography. : )
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Headshot photography
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Thanks David for your kind words. I'm thrilled that you are happy with the outcome and process in creating your new author photos. I appreciate that you came to my Santa Rosa studio from the East Bay and that it was worth the commute. I wish you the very best in the launch of your first book. Not only do I look forward to reading it but I'm sure to smile when seeing your book photo.
K
Katie Specht9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Katie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I needed some professional photos for my business but I didn't want them to be stale or the usual shots. I am a flower farmer and I wanted them to reflect my style but not be a typical field shot. I met Shoey in her studio and was very nervous. I hate taking photos. I swear I am one of those people who looks at her pictures and sees 5 eyes and 4 heads and 15 erupting pimples even on days when my skin is flawless. Within minutes Shoey had me relaxed and in the zone. She has a wonderful way with setting people at ease and squeezing out smiles and laughs. I love me photos!!
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Awww, thank you so much Katie for those kind words. I especially love that you were able to walk out of our session feeling confident and happy with your experience. And, your photos really reflect your creativity and your joy. It was an absolute pleasure working with you.
M
Michael Tertes1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Michael has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Many years ago, Shoey did my first professional photo shoot for my coaching business. We had a great time.
Since then, I’ve grown and changed, and it felt like the right time to go back to her.
This time around, she captured something that doesn’t usually show up in my photos. She caught the masculine, mature man I am today. Often, both professional and casual photos capture more of my playful or softer side. These didn’t lose that, but they also brought forward a grounded, masculine presence that feels true to who I am now.
Thank you, Shoey!
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Michael, it was a thrill and honor to photograph you again. We have both deepened and grown since our last session. I love to hear that we were able to draw out and capture your more mature, grounded and masculine presence. Your photos really look and feel like we got your complex personality at this prime moment of your life.
R
Roy Pales6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Roy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Working with Shoey has been enjoyable, and I'm very happy with the results!
I felt comfortable with her right from the start, she was professional and friendly, and quickly helped me relax and feel confident in front of the camera.
I was pleasantly surprised with the final results; the pictures she took of me came out super professional and refined. I highly recommend working with Shoey!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Headshots and portraits
Response from the owner · 9 months ago
Roy, you were a great client. You were open and willing to be expressive. I’m so glad that you are happy with your new branding photos and headshots for your new business venture in real estate.
L
Lacey Emerson6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lacey has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
5 Stars!
Working with Shoey Sindel Photography was an absolute delight! I needed custom photos for my business and website, including professional headshots and unique stock photos of me in action. Shoey really brought my vision to life, capturing the essence of what I do and the care I provide to my clients. The photos tell a beautiful, authentic story and truly reflect my work, even though they’re staged. Shoey’s creativity, attention to detail, and dedication made the entire process enjoyable. Literally had me laughing the entire time, and the results were not only absolutely stunning, but you could see the joy in my face. I’m thrilled with the outcome and highly recommend her services! Thank You again I am so glad our paths have crossed.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Headshots and portraits, Service not listed
Response from the owner · 9 months ago
Lacey, thank you so much for your kind words. We DID have a great time during the session and that joy was evident in your branding photos. You shined with confidence which matches how you are as a professional. Congratulations on investing in your massage business and in yourself. I look forward to working with you as your business grows.
R
Ray7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ray has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I required a head shot in short order. I wanted this to occur nearby and that it be a pleasurable experience. Shoey was unbelievable. She responded to my reach out right away with others being unresponsive. We met and I outlined what I wanted. A time was scheduled. Her studio was perfect and she was able to get me to relax and laugh. I was very pleased with the results. Shoey is fantastic!
Response from the owner · 9 months ago
Ray, thank you again. Working with you was fabulous and your new headshots capture your genuine, relaxed and professional self. I'm so glad we worked together.
R
Rosemary9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Rosemary has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I had an excellent experience with Shoey. She went above and beyond to bring out the person I never saw in myself. Giving me time to feel comfortable in front of the camera and making it fun as well.
Services: Headshot photography
Response from the owner · 9 months ago
Rosemary, our session together was very memorable and touching. I loved how free and vulnerable you were in front of the camera. Your prints came out beautifully and I hope the experience stays with you for a long time. :)
J
Jamie Keller10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jamie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Shoey took photos of my son and me before his senior prom. She really captured the moment.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Family and group
Response from the owner · Edited 7 months ago
Jamie, thank you for the nice words. Those life moments can be so fleeting. I’m glad that you have a memorable portrait of that time of his life. Cheers, and looking forward to helping you, celebrate future times.
E
Ethan Choy5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ethan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Shoey took my professional photoshoot and it was a great experience. She is friendly, professional, and prepared. Most importantly of all, she took so many great pictures - it was hard to choose which one to use!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thanks Ethan for the great photo session at SF City Hall. I wish you all the best in your new lawyer job.
E
Emily W3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Emily has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Shoey takes great pictures for Cazadero Music Camp, including large group pictures of campers, individual portraits, candid pictures of camp life, and other specific shots we've requested. She's friendly and professional and we appreciate her so much! Thank you, Shoey!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Emily, it's been a joy working for Cazadero Music Camp. The redwood setting and the gorgeous music are perfect backdrops for the photography! I can hardly wait till next summer.
