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Member Spotlight - February 2010
Melinda Kolker - byMelinda

www.byMelinda.com 

Melinda with her son Riley

What is your background, education, training, work experience if other than photography? 

"After about 10 years of working in information technology departments for various health insurance companies, I discovered life art. I loved the idea of adding stories to the images I was creating. After a few years of taking photography classes and reading photography and art books, more and more people at work were questioning why I was in such a technical and corporate job when it was clear that I needed to be creative. I love learning and had already completed a Bachelor's degree in History/English and a Masters Degree in Information Services before I enrolled in a graphic design program at the Art Institute of Phoenix. After graduating and working in a marketing firm for about six months, I figured out that what I really wanted was to create images and use my graphic design skills to take those images to the next level."

 How long have you been a photographer? When and how did you get started?
 
"My father was the family photographer. He spent a lot of money on SLR's and video cameras that he didn't really understand. I was the one who carried around a point-and-shoot camera whenever possible and took the "back-up" pictures. Since he wasn't a great photographer and didn't pull out his gear very often, my images often ended up being the ones our family actually printed and enjoyed. In college, I had my own camera and started capturing more images. I took a couple of photography classes in college and tagged along with a friend who was an art major. I started seeing details that I hadn't noticed before. But, most of my images were from family gatherings and vacations. Soon after my infant son came home from Korea, Canon released the first consumer digital SLR - the original Digital Rebel. I purchased one as soon as it was available. I started reading photography books and trying to justify the expense of the camera by taking more - and better - images. I also started looking for photography classes. I took a couple from Arizona Highways and a few from Allison Tyler Jones. As my images improved, I started looking for ways to use them. A few people asked me to photograph their families. My confidence increased, and I eventually took the leap to become a professional photographer. I can't explain how lucky I feel that Imaging USA was in Phoenix during my first year of business. I learned more in those few days that I would have learned in a year of combing through books and articles. "
  
 What is your specialty?
   
"At this point, most of my work has been centered around children and families. I love capturing moments that are representative of our daily lives - children playing sports, families playing together, kids smiling or thinking.... I try to look at the scene from a different point of view and capture a few artistic "pieces parts" images that are just for my enjoyment.

I have photographed two weddings, but I don't plan to be the primary photographer at any more weddings. I would rather have a few child or family session spread out over several days than to spend an entire day away from my family. I'm trying very hard to balance my business and personal life so that I'm not documenting other families' lives, but missing out on my own family time.

I am currently photographing a flag football team. The action shots and the kids' expressions are fun to capture. I am hoping to apply my style to more sports soon."

What are your goals for your business?
 
"My goal is to build the business so that I can cover my expenses, pay myself a salary, and take a real vacation - as in not taking any work with me. I would like to eventually add a team member or partner to the business so we can build team synergy and work together to improve our skills and artistic vision. I like the idea of having someone who I can bounce ideas around with and be accountable to."
  
What has been your most successful marketing effort to date?

"I don't do a lot of concentrated marketing efforts, but I have had success with offering portrait sessions as raffle prizes. My most effective marketing effort is to make sure that all of my clients are extremely happy and to encourage them to send referrals my way. It has taken some time, but the referrals are starting to come in."

Why did you join the AzPPA? What has been the best thing you have gotten out of being a member? 
 
"I joined AZPPA in the fall of 2008 - the same time I started my business. I was looking for an organization that would help me learn how to make the transition from amateur photographer to professional photographer and help me learn how to run a successful business. As a result, I've found a group of people who are willing to share their knowledge and help without fear of "giving away their secrets". I am really happy that I found an organization filled with artistic people who are so willing to help. I look forward to getting to know everyone better and developing more friendships over the years.

I have learned so much through AZPPA and PPA sponsored training and events. I can't imagine how photographers can get their businesses off the ground without the support of AZPPA and its member community."