Check Out Daisy Zimmer’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daisy Zimmer. 

Hi Daisy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I found my footing with photography when I joined the U.S. Army in 2014. As a Public Affairs Specialist, it was my job to meet with Soldiers or training units and tell their stories through photography and written copy. These photos and articles were published for the rest of the world to learn what the Army was doing. Serving in the military helped me realize I had a talent for photography, but more importantly, I could (and should) serve others with that talent. I started photographing families in 2018 while my husband and I were living in Germany, and I knew right away that I wanted to make photography my full-time gig. We moved back to Columbus in 2019, and I opened Daisy Zimmer Photography LLC almost immediately. Learning how to operate a small business is no quick task. The only thing I knew for certain is that I wanted to offer a family photo experience that was out-of-the-box and colorful. After so much time working under rigid military guidelines, I basically wanted to do the opposite. I channeled everything into making my clients’ experiences the best they could possibly be, keeping things fun for kids and also giving parents an easy roadmap for ordering printed artwork for their homes. Busy parents don’t need a fussy photographer. I’m really thankful to have a business which gives families something beautiful and helps them have fun and reconnect with each other in the process. That’s how it should always be! 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
COVID hit only a couple months after I officially opened up for booking in Columbus. It took a toll on my mental health and my finances, as I’m sure it did for many others who couldn’t work during lockdown. Admittedly, there were moments I thought about giving up the business for a more secure job. There were about 3 months of downtime where I had zero clients. I used the time to take some online business courses for photographers, made a point of being creative every day, and took up long-distance running again. It was such a weird and difficult time but it made me incredibly focused on what I wanted to accomplish once bookings picked back up. Many business owners never get to experience that clarity. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a family & newborn photographer who specializes in relaxed photo experiences for families who want to have fun and keep things simple. Life is busy enough, and a photo session shouldn’t add stress. This is why I come to my client’s homes for their sessions, or, I meet them at a place that is familiar to them. My process is different because it’s centered on creating a great client experience tailored around them, not just pretty pictures. When I help a family feel relaxed, comfortable, and safe, it automatically means their photos will be beautiful and meaningful. And, all those memories deserve better than to sit on a hard drive collecting dust – my clients all walk away from their experience with beautiful prints in hand. I’m most known for colorful and candid images where families are doing what they love, with the people they love. There are no cookie-cutter photos because each family is unique and that should be celebrated. I feel proud when families thank me for taking the time to listen to their story. Everyone deserves to feel seen & heard. 

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My husband Lee deserves a huge shout-out because he has always been my biggest cheerleader and supporter. Starting a small business is risky, and it takes a lot of guts to trust someone as much as he trusts me. I also have all of my clients to thank, because they give purpose to what I do and make me feel fulfilled in my career every day. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.daisyzimmerphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daisyzimmerphoto