Title: 1) Owner and Photographer; 2) Actor
Company: 1) Photos by Shack; 2) Freelance
Location: Riverview, Florida, United States
John A. Schakel Jr., photographer and owner of Photos by Shack and freelance actor, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Artists for dedication, achievements and leadership in photography and acting.
Mr. Schakel has enjoyed a diverse, rewarding career for more than five decades, marked by expertise in military service, government work and the arts. He entered entrepreneurship in 1970 as the owner of Photos by Shack where he has continued to work as a photographer since then. Mr. Schakel has gained a reputation for consistently capturing unique moments and drawing inspiration from nature. He also continues to establish new ventures, including creating a website to showcase dozens of photographs available for purchase. He has also offered merchandise, such as coffee cups and tote bags, featuring his work.
In addition to his pursuits in photography, Mr. Schakel has remained active as a freelance actor since 2005. He discovered his passion for acting after responding to an open casting call. This opportunity led Mr. Schakel to formal training and subsequent roles in commercials, films and television. He has contributed to several independent, commercial and film projects, earning recognition for his versatility and commitment to the craft.
Apart from his work in the arts, Mr. Schakel was employed as a city letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service from 1988 to 2004. In this capacity, he demonstrated reliability and professionalism over a tenure of more than 15 years.
Mr. Schakel’s professional journey began as a radioman in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1984. Over the course of more than two decades of military service, he developed technical skills and discipline that would later inform his approach to operating his own business. It was notably during this period that Mr. Schakel first explored photography, learning darkroom techniques while stationed in Naples, Italy. This formative experience ignited his lifelong passion for the medium.
Throughout his career, Mr. Schakel has also made significant contributions as a scuba instructor. He takes pride in knowing that some of his students have gone on to achieve notable accomplishments in military and diving careers.
Mr. Schakel’s has been celebrated for his creative output in both photography and acting projects. His accolades include being named Best Supporting Actor for “Confessions of a Sailor” in 2023, a career highlight that underscores his impact in the field.
Attributing much of his success to the foundational training he received in the military, Mr. Schakel believes that the discipline, life skills and work ethic cultivated during his service have been instrumental throughout his varied professional endeavors. He also notes his parents’ steadfast support in instilling a strong work ethic.
In his free time, Mr. Schakel enjoys traveling, hiking and sitting by waterfalls. Nature is a continual source of inspiration for his photography, as he seeks to capture unique moments through his lens.
Mr. Schakel hopes that when people encounter his photography or acting performances, they experience the same warmth he feels when creating meaningful work. Looking ahead, he intends to make his photography website more profitable by transforming his artistic work into a sustainable source of income. Mr. Schakel also aspires to secure a significant acting role on stage or screen, building upon his previous successes in commercials and independent films.
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