Harvey Miedreich | Fashion and Advertising Photographer

This week we are introducing you to the Shandros, a young family who make their living through photography. Michael and Haley Shandro have just recently finished renovations on a sparkling new studio they (opening this week!) in their home. I got an extra special sneak peek last week and it’s honestly a really beautiful space! Yes…in case anyone is wondering I am very jealous. Their studio even boasts LED lighting which Michael is really proud to point out. The Shandro studio Grand Opening is this Thursday (May 27^th) and from then on you will be able to BOOK these guys to do some awesome photography. The Shandro’s specialize in wedding photography but also are booking family portraits, maternity shoots as well as many other variations. It’s clear the Shandro’s have modeled their careers around the lifestyle they dream about. It’s also very clear their dream lifestyle is one that allows them as much time together as possible. The first time I met the Shandro’s we went on a long walk with their two year old son Andrew and talked photography and small business. It was so natural for them to include their son and I have to say they do a great job of balancing the two parts of their lives.

I’m really excited for what I expect to come out of the Shandros BRAND NEW Studio. If you want to be one of the first to experience their new space and their unique artistic style be sure to book a spot with them ASAP!!!

Studio Questions

What made you guys want a studio?

First it was to move out of the office upstairs because we needed more room.

We bought this house specifically to be able to run the whole business in it. It’s much easier with a child to have it in your home.

What’s the main focus with your studio?

We’re still focusing on weddings, but it’s nice to have the capability to do things with our clients after the wedding too.

Haley Shandro

Who are you?

I’m a photographer, a wife, a mother and a daughter.

Who is the superhero who impresses you the most?

I liked the old Batman, how when he hit someone it went “Blarp!!”

What was your favourite cartoon as a child?

I liked Inspector Gadget a lot.

If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would it be?

As long as I can sleep in, I don’t care.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

I have found someone that I can work with and live with and we’re a really good team. 

What has been your most significant moment so far?

I quit my job, it was a really huge decision and it was really scary and stressful but I knew I wanted to be home and do photography and be with my family.

On what occasion do you lie?

Do I have to be honest? Laughter.  Lie is a very strong word but sometimes when we’re working, it’s not that I’ll lie but I’ll really try to pump people up and get them out of a negative headspace so I’ll say things to get them to feel happy!

Describe your perfect bite.

I really love the cantaloni from Sicilian pasta kitchen, I get it with half cream sauce half tomato sauce and I think we should go there for lunch today.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

I recently wore a nude suit in public.!!  Just own it, don’t be embarrassed by anything!

What is one thing people can appreciate about you?

I honestly really care about people. If someone’s having a hard time I really want to listen to them and if someone’s having a good time I want to celebrate with them.

What’s your greatest fear?

Michael chirps in “Favourite beer?”  That something would happen to Andrew.

If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?

Do I have to be honest? laughter I would want my dad to still be here.

What is the quality you most admire in a woman?

I admire women who are just genuine and doing their own thing and really independent.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

I’m big into guys who are big into their families.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would like to fly.

Which words or phrases do you over use?

Thingy! I’ll be like, pass me the whatever thingy,   that’s soooo funny, even when it’s not.

Any last words?

Everyone should take a moment and appreciate the people that mean the most to them. Because you never know what’s going to happen in life and you should take a moment to tell them you love them.

Michael Shandro

Who are you?

Michael Shandro.

Who is the super hero who impresses you the most?

Andrew! (Andrew is his son)

What was your favourite cartoon as a child?

Astro Boy.

If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would it be?

Near a beach in Spain.

Describe your perfect bite

My mom’s egg’s benedict.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

Being a good dad for Andrew.

Whay has been your most significant moment so far?

Coming home with my first digital SLR and telling Haley that we were starting a business. 

What is one thing people can appreciate about you?

I’m willing to listen.

What’s in your refrigerator right now?

Milk, cheese, pickles, cucumbers, tomatoes. We’re going to get groceries today.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

We had some clients at the house and I had Andrew at the front door and he was just wearing a shirt and a diaper. So he pooped and it went flying out and splat right on the floor in front of them.

What words or phrases do you over use?

Like, ummh.

Which living person do you most admire?

Haley for putting up with me everyday.

How would you like to die?

I don’t want to die, I just want to let it be.

What is the quality you most admire in a woman?

Organizational skills.

 Andrew Shandro (2 years old)

Questions asked by Haley to Andrew