Member Spotlight - March 2010
Bob Zimmerlich - ClickChick Photography
www.clickchickphotography.com
What is your background, education, training, work experience if other than photography?
I have always been very interested in technology and purchased one of the first personal computers available (TRS-80) back in 1977. That spurred my interest in programming and after college became a programmer and subsequently a systems analyst consultant for several banks in Manhattan. After spending several years of commuting 4 hours a day and wanting to spend more time with my family, I decided to stop commuting and start a pc-based consulting business which turned into a successful software development firm specializing in applications for service-based industries. Although programming is considered logical, it actually requires a vast amount of creativity and that is the aspect of programming I have always enjoyed. However, combined with my love of music and the arts, I needed a new creative outlet for my career.
How long have you been a photographer?
I was an avid hobbyist since I was a teenager, when I purchased my first SLR - a Minolta SR-T 101. It wasn't until after my wife Connie went to PPA's "Making More Money' seminar in 2006 that we decided to start a home-based photography studio which we opened in 2007. Realizing there was a lot of education we required on the technical and business sides, we attended as many workshops locally and around the country as we could, and became members of PPA, WPPI and AzPPA. To further strengthen our brand with our clients, I received my CPP designation in 2009.
What are your goals for your business?
One of our goals over the next 5 years is to expand to a retail boutique studio to provide a better client experience while offering additional services. This would also eliminate the restrictions we currently deal with in operating a home studio. We are also focused on increasing our wall portrait and album averages and introducing a fine-art portrait line in the near future. One of the most important goals to me however is to continue having fun while increasing business.
What is your specialty?
Although we love photographing weddings, we decided to focus our business on portraits only. For the last few years we have been establishing our specialty in maternity, baby and family portraiture as well as starting to increase our marketing to seniors.
What has been your most successful marketing effort to date?
I would say that each of our marketing efforts have had some measure of success. We have advertised through online venues such as google ads, facebook and email blasts. Auction donations to non-profit organizations has also been very successful. Our best success however has come from old-fashioned networking and referrals.
Why did you join the AzPPA? What has been the best thing you have gotten out of being a member? Or what do you look forward to the most out of being a member?
In all sincerity, I would probably not be in this profession if it were not for AzPPA. When we were deciding if this is the type of industry we would feel comfortable in and enjoy, we were welcomed with open arms into AzPPA. We joined for the education opportunities, but it's the friendships and mentoring that has meant the most to me. There is so much talent represented within AzPPA and I am constantly inspired by the creativity of the other members.
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." |
