Hi! My name is Jonathan Mandel, and I've been providing authentic, artistic photography to Bay Area families and couples since 1999. I am a member of Professional Photographers of America. Something I love about my clients is how playful our sessions are. Whether I'm working with adults, children, pets or families, I know I'm doing great work when we're having fun.
That's when something amazing happens. When people see their pictures for the first time, they often see something new about how they look to the world. Then the beautiful pieces I have the privilege to create for you -- custom albums, wall portraits, and special gorgeous things -- become the heirlooms that make a house a home.
That's when something amazing happens. When people see their pictures for the first time, they often see something new about how they look to the world. Then the beautiful pieces I have the privilege to create for you -- custom albums, wall portraits, and special gorgeous things -- become the heirlooms that make a house a home.
Reviews (9)
Alex T.
Jun 14, 2019
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I cannot recommend for group events. Checkerbox photography was hired by my school to take graduation photos. The pictures showed up online quick enough and were easy to look through/select favorites. However, my complaints are regarding the purchased products.
I ordered a "Web Resolution Digital Image", which is described as, "A digital image that can be used for email, web, and social networking like Facebook. May not be printed. Contains a small watermark in the lower right corner.". The price for this digital copy is $29.
I checked out and went to go download my image
I ordered a "Web Resolution Digital Image", which is described as, "A digital image that can be used for email, web, and social networking like Facebook. May not be printed. Contains a small watermark in the lower right corner.". The price for this digital copy is $29.
I checked out and went to go download my image
Judy B.
Nov 01, 2017
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Aida S.
Dec 30, 2015
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I found Jonathan while searching online for a last minute photographer to take my senior pictures. He was very accommodating, even agreeing to meet the next day. After scheduling a photo shoot at the City Hall in SF, my family and I met him there to take my senior pictures. The photo shoot was a lot of fun, and the time went by so fast. Jonathan's humor and ability to think of creative new ideas on the spot made the experience an unforgettable one. We absolutely loved the photos, they were even better than I envisioned them to be! Jonathan met us at his studio the following day to view the
Emmanuel N.
Jan 15, 2015
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First, I would like to state that I am not the type to normally give a review on Yelp. However, the service I have received from Jonathan was not what I had expected.
I planned on purchasing a Groupon, but instead decided to contact Jonathan first to ensure that he had an appointment available for my family and I before Christmas (we wanted family photos taken for Christmas cards). I mentioned to him my interest in using a Groupon, and he immediately mentioned to me that it would be best for me to purchase the Groupon through him (so that he could make more money). I should've known from
I planned on purchasing a Groupon, but instead decided to contact Jonathan first to ensure that he had an appointment available for my family and I before Christmas (we wanted family photos taken for Christmas cards). I mentioned to him my interest in using a Groupon, and he immediately mentioned to me that it would be best for me to purchase the Groupon through him (so that he could make more money). I should've known from
Austin S.
Apr 27, 2012
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For quite some time, I had been in need of some head shots. Since I work both as an architectural designer and as a creativity expert, I did not want something that was run of the mill. I wanted something that conveyed the dynamic, interdependent, deeply mysterious nature of creativity that I attempt to illicit in my own work.
On advice from some friends of mine, I decide to check out the work of San Francisco based photographer Jonathan Mandel and his company, Checkerbox Photography. I could see from his portraits that Jonathan knew how to capture the emotions and experience of his subjects
On advice from some friends of mine, I decide to check out the work of San Francisco based photographer Jonathan Mandel and his company, Checkerbox Photography. I could see from his portraits that Jonathan knew how to capture the emotions and experience of his subjects
Ali B.
May 09, 2011
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After taking the DSLR Field Workshop with Jonathan from Checkerbox, I can no longer blame my mediocre photos on a lack of camera capabilities. I signed up my mom and I for a Mother's Day camera outing in the Mission and we both thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The workshop environment was relaxed, yet informative, and Jonathan provided a breadth of technical information in layman's terms. I would absolutely recommend the workshop to DSLR novices (although basic familiarity with your camera is needed).
As a side note, this would be a great first-date outing if both parties own a camera
As a side note, this would be a great first-date outing if both parties own a camera
Laura G.
Jan 14, 2008
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I can't recommend Checkerbox Photography highly enough. Jonathan is a skilled, patient and gentle photographer, with a great sense of humor and play that shows through in his work. He came to our house for the photo shoot and worked absolute miracles with our four neurotic felines, including the one who insisted on hiding in the bathroom the entire time (who knew you could get such awesome pictures of a Siamese cat in a pink tiled bathroom?!)
If you're thinking of hiring someone to take your pet, family or wedding photos, please arrange a consultation with Jonathan. You won&apos
If you're thinking of hiring someone to take your pet, family or wedding photos, please arrange a consultation with Jonathan. You won&apos
Chris K.
Dec 18, 2007
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I've hired Jon Mandel and Checkerbox Photography on several occasions for both personal and professional projects. Jonathan brings a great deal of creativity to his work, transforming the usual dull executive head shots into compelling portraits. He is skilled at meetings my clients' needs, and understands how to work within their time constraints.
For personal portraits, he brings the same skills -- really drawing out the subject's personality and showing a side of them (or of you!) that you might not have known about! I asked him to create a portrait book of my cat Buster -- not
For personal portraits, he brings the same skills -- really drawing out the subject's personality and showing a side of them (or of you!) that you might not have known about! I asked him to create a portrait book of my cat Buster -- not
Erin Michaela B.
Dec 17, 2007
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