Amy Zellmer's Blog

Upcoming Speaking Engagements!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 17:10:00 +0000

Tuesday, April 14th SWMN PPA in Marshall, MN
Monday, June 15th NWMN PPA in Fargo, ND

Both programs will be "Seniors 101" packed full of great information on Seniors including: posing, lighting, finding locations, finding light, marketing, workflow, and more!

Please remember to vote!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:48:00 +0000

A golden ray in my dreary week!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:53:00 +0000

So, i had a crummy week this week. I am current president of the TCPPA and sometimes people like to bring their personal drama into a volunteer organization. It is draining and I just don't have time for it! While I was having a really crummy day, I received the following email from another photographer (who happens to be located right in my town and I never even knew it!) It totally brightened my day and thought I would share it with you. Sometimes a few kind, sincere words can make someone's day, so never hesitate to share them! Thank you Katharine for sending this email to me!!! I am keeping it forever!

Hi Amy!

Hey, I just wanted to drop a note to say “hello.” I’ve been following your blog for a while now and your pictures are amazing. I mean, all of them are great, but your wedding pictures especially are just AWESOME. I swear, every time you post a new wedding set, they are even better than the last one. J You are so talented.

And now you’re doing destination weddings! That’s so exciting. I’m getting older now (30’s … ha ha) and most of my friends are married, but for the few who haven’t tied the knot yet, I’m going to tell them that you are at the top of my “recommended photographers” list!

I do some photography here in Shakopee, but only with kids. The fact that you are able to do studio work, outdoor work, weddings, seniors, kids, families … EVERYTHING. That is just insane. I’m in awe. Seriously in awe.

Anyway, I just wanted to say hi. And tell you that I think you are awesomely talented and I’m SO impressed with your work, your storefront, your employees, etc. So cool. Although, with your talent, I am not at all surprised at your success. ;-)

I hope to meet you one day; maybe I’ll bump into you at the Shakopee Bakery. I take my kids there pretty often. And if you ever need an extra body with a camera, let me know.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Katharine C.

A golden ray in my dreary week!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:53:00 +0000

Wanna Tag Along or Chat??

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 14:05:00 +0000

I have been getting a lot of questions lately on my wedding photography. While I still find it hard to believe that another photographer would find my work so awesome, I am sure my brides will be reassured by the comments!! I get asked a lot about how I pose, how I remember what to do and what to take photos of, if I have a "master list" in my head, etc etc.

It is hard to respond back to all of the emails and questions that I get and I hate feeling like I am ignoring people (because I am totally not doing that), so I am going to try something and see how it goes. I am going to offer a Tag Along service. You can accompany me to one of my weddings and learn hands-on what I do and see me in action. To me, it sounds sorta silly that anyone would want that. However, I know when I first started out in the business, I would have LOVED the opportunity to follow someone around and get inside their head.

SO, with that said, the cost of the Tag Along will be $600 for a full-day of wedding coverage. If you want to add on Chat Time with me to sit down and talk about pricing, contracts, consultations, etc. we can add that on as well for $100 per hour (to be scheduled on a different day). If you want to add Chat Time only it will be $150 per hour with a $300 minimum.

If you want to get in on this opportunity for 2008, you will need to act fast. I only have about 7 weddings left for this year. Contact me via the studio at: 952.233.2169 or you can also email me: amy.zellmer at customcreationsphotography.com

What a slacker!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:53:00 +0000

So. Here I am. The teacher of blogging. And what have I done? Nothing! Absolutely nothing since May! I am so ashamed!!

However, my consumer blog is updated almost every day so I do have that going in my defense!

As of recently I haven't been out speaking much. I have been really busy in the studio with wedding and senior season upon us!

It is official though, I will be receiving my Craftsman Degree at the PPA convention in January! I am SO excited!!! It has been so rewarding to be out speaking to other photographer's and helping them make a difference in their business!! I can't wait to do more of it!

I promise to update more often!!!

Fantastic Class!!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Fri, 30 May 2008 03:34:00 +0000

I had an amazing group of 6 photographers come into my studio last week for the MPPA Workshop Wednesday class that I was offering. My class was on "Urban Seniors" and I shared pretty much everything I know and do about senior photography!! We went out and did a live shoot with Bree as our fantastic senior model! (thanks Bree!)
Thanks to everyone who came and soaked up all the information I could throw at them! Hope you learned a ton, if you have any questions please feel free to call or email!! (I might be slow at getting back to you though, been a crazy couple weeks in the studio!)

Proof Of Blogging!!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:55:00 +0000

I had a fantastic wedding this weekend and emailed the bride a link to view her "sneak peek" on my BLOG (I use xanga for my primary blog). As of 5:30p.m. today I have had 245 hits to my blog! Since I am using xanga I can see where my footprints are coming from, and the majority of them are coming from an email in-box!! That tells me that my bride forwarded the link on to her friends and family like I invited her to do!! I am really curious to see what my footprints are later tonight! They say that Mondays are the number one traffic day for reading blogs, and couple that with the fact that I had a fabulous bride this weekend, I am really not suprised at the traffic!! (normal traffic for me is about 200 hits a day!)

Heading to Iowa!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Sun, 11 May 2008 15:45:00 +0000

I will be speaking to the NW Iowa Professional Photographers Association on Monday 10a.m.-2p.m. It will be held at Creative Photography in Milford, IA. A big thank-you to Dave Petrick, the president of the group, for helping line everything up for me, and a HUGE thank you to WHCC for sponsoring me!!! I am driving down this afternoon, in hopes of capturing some images along the way. I am really excited, this will be my first 4 hour program, so wish me luck!

Convention was GREAT!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:10:00 +0000

I just returned from the Northern Lights Convention in Fargo and it was a great time! I gave my program twice on Tuesday, I had about 20 people in the first session and 60 in the second session. I got a lot of really great feedback, which was so cool. I will be giving my program in NW Iowa on Monday, May 12th, if you're in the area please come on out and join me!

Be Sure TO Check Out The Northern Lights Convention!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 01:16:00 +0000

Convention is almost upon us once again! Be sure to join me in Fargo this weekend for the NL Convention. I will be giving an "Early Bird" program on Tuesday at 7 and 8 a.m. I will also be rolling out my top secret Buzz Experience, so you won't want to miss it!! See you there!

Need help getting started with blogging??

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:15:00 +0000

I have decided to create a package for my fellow photogs that are interested in getting their blog, facebook, and myspace set up but just don't know where to begin!

For $295 you will receive a 90 minute private session with ME, and 2~15-minute follow up phone conversations. This should be all you need to get on your way to social networking!!

I have found that I get a lot of blank stares when I speak on blogging and a LOT of emails and questions afterwards. There are a lot of folks out there who really do want to start blogging but are feeling quite overwhelmed with the whole prospect of putting the time and energy into getting it started. I have found that once people have the system in place, they will continue with it and keep it current, but there's a lot of hesitation to get it started. I see an opportunity to help others and this is what I have come up with!

If you're interested in scheduling your private session, please contact me 952.233.2169

Don't Forget: Super Monday is April 7th!!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 19:46:00 +0000

I will once again be hosting a Super Monday at my studio on Monday, April 7th 9a.m.-5p.m. We will be going over the benefits of blogging and using other internet marketing strategies, and we will also go thru the process of setting up your blog, myspace, and facebook accounts. Please register at PPA and to see the complete listing. Bring your laptop (with wireless access card if needed) and be ready to learn!!!

Gary Fong Rocks!!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:55:00 +0000

I contacted Gary Fong about giving me a discount code to offer my program participants when I give my blogging program (and to put in my soon-to-be published "blogging guide"). He was stoked and is offering my attendees $10 off of his Album Showcase software by using discount code "zellmer"!!! I use his software ALL the time and LOVE IT! If you would like to see a wedding album created with it CLICK HERE. So go to Gary's Estore and buy it NOW!

And don't forget about my PPA Super Monday program on Monday, April 7th. Register before March 17th and save $30. I believe I am program #MN40

Great News!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 03:36:00 +0000

I am so excited! I am in the process of creating a "how to" manual for blogging and social networking! I am working with the most awesome lab in the world, WHCC, to print it!! It will hopefully be finished by mid-March and available for purchase! I will definitely have it by the time I speak at Northern Lights April 27-30.

When I started writing the manual, I had an idea to ask David Jay of ShowItFast if he would offer a discount to my readers and subscribers! Well, he was excited at the idea and is offering $50 off with discount code: customcreations CLICK HERE to download your copy NOW! The greatest part is that David Jay also created a Facebook application so you can use ShowIt on your Facebook site as well as your blog!!! Too cool!!

Stay tuned for more news regarding my program and the manual!!!

Thank you SW Group!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:17:00 +0000

Last night I spoke to a group of about 14 photographers at the SW Minnesota group. It went really well and I was suprised at the turnout given that it was -19 outside with a windchill of -42!! Unbelievable!! A huge thank you to Tina Feton for getting the group organized and a shout out to Lisa Erickson for inviting me to see her beautiful studio in Montivideo!! I really enjoyed my trip and am thankful for finding the last available room in town to spend the night (darn Schwan's Convention). It was way too cold to venture home 3 hours on dark, lonely roads with -42 windchills. I would also like to say a HUGE thank you to WHCC for being a fantastic sponsor!!!

Blogging really IS amazing!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 17:30:00 +0000

I just realized that I am receiving approx. 2000 hits on my c0nsumer blog every week!!! WEEK!! No, I didn't say month, I said WEEK! That makes it 8000 hits a MONTH! Isn't that insane!? Xanga has a really cool tracking system built right into it that tracks the number of "footprints" on your blog, where they're coming from, and if they have come from a search engine you can see the keywords they were searching! All of this is extremely useful in anaylizing our readers and what we can do to seek out new readers!!

I had a session I posted about a week or so ago and how she posted a link to her pics on my blog. I had an amazing number of hits to my blog that day, and I could see they were all coming from her link! Viral Marketing is extremely powerful!!! From that one link, I have received 3 inquiries and I am sure more are still going to come. Plus she has referred me to several of her friends and coworkers, and all she has seen is her sneak peek on my blog! Isn't that something?!?

Catch the wave, you know you want to!!!

Upcoming Speaking Engagements!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:30:00 +0000

Amy Zellmer will be speaking several times in 2008 so mark your calendars!

Tuesday, February 19th at South West Group 6-8 p.m. at Panda Express in Marshall.
Monday, April 7th for PPA Super Monday 9-5 at my studio.
Monday, April 28th at Northern Lights Convention early bird program in Fargo.
Monday, May 12, 2008 NW Iowa PPA 10a.m.-4p.m. in Storm City, IA.
Monday, May 19, 2008 Minnesota Monday 9a.m.-4p.m. at the Studio (Custom Creations Photography)! (this program will be on photographing Urban Seniors and how to use natural/available outdoor light and using the scenery that you have outside your own back door! Hands on, bring your camera! We will also discuss marketing to seniors as well, but mostly hands on.)
Monday, September 29, 2008 TCPPA Monday Workshop 10a.m.-3p.m. at the Studio (Custom Creations Photography). (again, this program will be on Urban Seniors).

We're sure there will be more dates added before long as well!! We will keep you posted!

A Reminder on the power of Blogging!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:56:00 +0000

Kelly came in on Tuesday for a budoir session. She is a local bride on The Knot. The day after her session I posted a few images on my blog for her "sneak peek". She posted a link on her Knot message board, and I had over 300 hits to my blog that day!!! I also had two brides contact me that had seen her images on my blog. This is what Kelly wrote to me:

"Amy,Thank you for making the night so comfortable for me. I already posted about it on the knot and referred them to your blog to look at the pictures. 8 girls replied that they are interested in doing some pics too so hopefully they will give you a call. I'll post more rave reviews after looking at all the rest. -Kelly"

How can you afford to NOT blog with results like this?? It is an incredibly powerful marketing tool!!!

~amy

Don't Forget! Super Monday is Nov. 12th!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 23:47:00 +0000

I am honored to have been selected to be a Super Monday instructor for the PPA on Monday, November 12th from 9-5. Below is a description of my program

MINNESOTAShakopeeMN40Amy Zellmer OlsonTitle: Creating a Buzz about Your BusinessBlogs and MySpace accounts are so simple, yet only 25% of photographers are utilizing this incredible (and free) marketing tool. This hands-on class will go through the process of setting up your blog and/or MySpace account. Please bring your laptop.

Registration at the door is $120. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me! I hope to see you there.

Viva Las Vegas!!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:29:00 +0000

I am heading to Las Vegas bright and early for my in-laws 40th anniversary bash!! I will be out of the office, and not have access to email and voicemail (on purpose of course!) however, Alyssa will be in the office all week at varying times so please give her a call if you do need anything!

Downtown Shakopee's Ladies Night ROCKED the town!!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 14:30:00 +0000

Wow, what an amazing night! We held our first ever Ladies Night in downtown Shakopee tonight and had 250 wild and crazy women walking downtown. Even the rainy nasty weather didn't keep these ladies away!!

After the success of my GNO this past February, the Shakopee Downtown Partnership put their heads together to put on a downtown wide Ladies Night and asked me to help on the committee. No one believed me that we would totally have no problem getting 250 ladies to participate, and it SOLD OUT in TWO DAYS!!

It was an incredible activity to witness! I am SO proud to say I was a part of putting this amazing event on for the ladies of Shakopee!! I hope you all had a great time! And a shout out to our wonderful committee: Lauri Glenn of the STDP, Molly Murillo of Betti Lu's, Jean Breeggemann of Ballard-Sunder Funeral Homes, Kim Baker of Brad Billing's State Farm, Kathy Klehr of Scott County Historical Society, and Crystal Quirring of Pearson Florist. You ladies ROCKED the most!!!

The punch was ready....

The cheesecakses were delich

My boys were ready....

State Representative Mike Beard greeted the ladies at the end of the night at Turtles 1890 Social Centre.

The ladies packed Turtles Social Centre, it was amazing!

A fashio show by Betti Lu's.

The Shakopee Fire Department was on hand to help escort the models on and off the stage (thanks to Fire Marshal Tom Pitschneider)

The gorgeous diamond necklace for the grand prize!!

Lauri drawing the winning ticket!!

Congratulations to Pam, the grand prize winner!!! (tom was so kind to put it on her!!)

All of the amazing prizes donated by the participating businesses!!!

Lauri thanking all of the ladies at the end of the night and telling them the shuttle back to their cars was waiting outside for them!

Why blogging is SO powerful!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:24:00 +0000

This is what a recent bride commented on my blog the day after her wedding:
"WOW! I didn't cry the whole day, but when I got home the next afternoon and saw them on the blog, I cried like a baby! They are beautiful! Thank you so much for making our special day so amazing and memorable! I cannot wait to see them all, and if they are even half as good as the ones I saw now, I will be very happy!
Talk to you soon
Daniele"
What an incredible testimonial! Why wouldn't you want to blog? It's SO worth the 10 minutes!

PPA Super Monday Program!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 03:28:00 +0000

I am honored to have been selected to be a Super Monday instructor for the PPA on Monday, November 12th from 9-5. Below is a description of my program

MINNESOTA
Shakopee
MN40
Amy Zellmer OlsonTitle: Creating a Buzz about Your BusinessBlogs and MySpace accounts are so simple, yet only 25% of photographers are utilizing this incredible (and free) marketing tool. This hands-on class will go through the process of setting up your blog and/or MySpace account. Please bring your laptop.

To register for the course, visit PPA's website and use course code: MN40. Cost is $99 in advance, or $120 at the door.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me! I hope to see you there.

Information on my "Girls Night Out"!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Zellmer) — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 23:52:00 +0000

Wow! Thank you SO much for all the well-wishes and inquiries in response to my article in Studio Photography and Design! I have had a ton of emails from fellow photographers asking me how I put together my GNO, advice, swag gift bags, food, things I would do different, etc etc.

First of all, I was blown away by the response that my GNO received from the community! The Shakopee Downtown Partnership asked me to help them plan a Shakopee Ladies Night in the entire downtown area, so I am now in the process of putting that together as well! My GNO idea came directly from Vicki Taufer, I will not take any credit for the concept!!

I contacted several home based and store front businesses that I knew and asked them if they would like to participate. I invited about 30 or so and told them it was limited to the first 15. Well, I had them calling to reserve their spot the day they received their letter, they were totally excited to participate. I charged each business $40 to cover all advertising costs, food etc. They also had to supply a tangible item for the goodie bags (it couldn't be just a pen, coupon, etc.) We had candles, bracelets, spices, bath salts, boxes of chocolate, and more in the bags!! They were valued at at least $200 each!!! The first 30 ladies through the door received the goodie bags (which was advertised on everything).

Each biz received 50 postcards to mail out to their client base, and I also mailed to my clients. I posted it on my blog and website. I advertise it in the paper the week before (both in the local on Thurs. and in the county on Sat.). I had the phone ringing off the hook with other businesses wanting to participate, but had to tell them I was already full. I was really amazed at the positive response from the vendors!

Ladies started arriving an HOUR EARLY because they wanted their goodie bag. We politely told them they couldn't come in until 5:30 sharp so they lined up down the streeet and around the corner (keep in mind this was the middle of a freezing cold winter!) When the ladies came in they had to sign up to register for door prizes and then were allowed in to visit with the businesses. Each lady received my price list and information on the studio. We collected 104 pounds of food for the local foodshelf. (admission was free, they only had to bring a donation for the food shelf). The ladies were treated to wine, coffee, cheesecake, mini sandwhiches, and other finger food. They could sign up for massages, mini manicures, and hair up-dos. Every ten minutes, one of the vendors gave a mini-seminar on their services.

The thing I would do differently is charge a small admission. there were three woman who showed up for the goodie bag, turned around and walked back out. It was frustrating, but what do you do!? I only have 1500 square feet, so 100 ladies was a LOT in my space. Next time I will break it into two segments (maybe 4-6 and 6-8 p.m.) and limit it to 50 ladies at each session. They were crammed in and couldn't get to all of the businesses, and a lot of ladies didn't get a chance to sign up for a massage etc.

Overall, it was an incredible marketing tool!! I had people calling for days afterwards making sure they were on the mailing list for the following year!! All of hte businesses that participated were thrilled with the response and all want to do it again next year! I believe everyone got business or at least good solid leads from the event. I know I still have people calling because they had come to the GNO and scheduling sessions. I did hand out random 'free session' coupons to ladies as I tried to wander through the crown and have been having those coupons come back in!

One other down-side is that it was SO overwhellming for me I didn't have the opportunity to mingle with ladies as much as I would have liked. But those who wanted information sought me out and asked to speak to me, so overall it was great!!

I will definitely be doing it again this winter. If you have any further questions, please ask them in the comments secion below and I will try to address them right here for everyone to. I am sure if you are thinking it, so is someone else!

postcards were printed at Overnight Prints. (click on any image to see a larger version of it).