Let me introduce you to Paul Hrdlicka
Paul Hrdlicka is the owner of Creative Photography by Paul, located in Bolingbrook, Illinois and has been in business for over 12 years.
Tell us About Yourself and Your Business
Paul Hrdlicka
My love of photography began at a young age. I was only 11 years old when my Aunt gifted me my first camera; a Kodak Disk 6000. Photography became a hobby very quickly and I took that camera with me everywhere!
Over the next several years this fun little hobby became a passion.
I genuinely enjoy photographing weddings, family photo sessions, corporate events & professional portraits. I like to think that I set myself apart not only for the quality of my work, but also for the relationships I build with my clients. When I sit down with a bride and groom, I am not just looking to book the event. I want to earn their trust by taking some time to get to know them, listen to their requests and see their vision turn into reality. Being a husband and father myself, I understand that my client’s big day is one of their life’s greatest moments and I am there to document and preserve memories for generations to come. And to think, my career and life’s passion all started with a Christmas gift, thanks Aunt Charlotte!
How Has Business Been?
As a result of school closings and remote learning during the 2020-2021 school year, our school district was unable to secure any of the larger photography companies for a school picture day. We recognized the need to work this out so families could continue their tradition of displaying their student’s annual photo in their home. I wrote up a business proposal and secured a School Portrait Day open to students at all grade levels. This was open to our school district and surrounding area. After marketing this on social media and PTO websites, our idea turned into a successful event. We photographed hundreds of students. Offering a digital image package with a choice of six background colors impressed our clients. This led me to think about what happens to the images if they are only digital? I need to offer options…
I recently purchased a wide format Epson Stylus Pro 7890 printer (check out similar Epson P Series printers). Perfect timing for the School Picture Day event because we were able to offer print packages at an affordable cost. Families were thrilled that they could order prints, support a local business, and know the quality would be amazing.
Now our focus in 2021 is wall art for home or office. We offer poster prints, canvas and so many creative photoshop “Etsy” type signs.
What About the Photo Booth Side?
Our Photo Booth Rental Business has always provided the traditional 2×6, 4×6, 5×7, 6×6 and 6×8 photo strips. I enjoy offering the digital option- our guests snap photos in the photo booth and can text them directly to their smart device. I like to say I’m old school, and that’s partly because we hear repeatedly from guests, theFrom weddings to corporate events to photo booths, Paul does a little bit of everything…y enjoy taking a keepsake from the event with them. I also get a kick out of hearing, “we still have your photo booth strip on our fridge,” when I see them again! The prints from our DNP 620A and RX1-HS are amazing quality.
How Do You Like Working with Imaging Spectrum and Darkroom Software?
Our Photography and Photo Booth Business has continued to have a great working relationship with Imaging Spectrum and Darkroom Software.
Imaging Spectrum offers a competitive prices on dye-sub photo printers & supplies, and Epson ink and media for all our printers. Best service in the industry!
Darkroom Core makes our headshot, school portraits, Santa and Easter Bunny sessions run smoothly. Darkroom Booth is our go-to software for the photo booth business. Issues and questions can easily be answered just by going on the Darkroom Knowledge Base or Darkroom’s YouTube Channel.
Thank you, Paul, for taking the time to speak with me. You have become a true leader in the industry and one of my best customers!
-Steve
Contact Paul Hrdlicka:
Email: cpbypaul@gmail.com
URL: www.cpbypaul.com
Paul is a great guy, photographer, and friend who truly loves his art and family. This is a well-deserved recognition of him and his business model. When it comes to hiring a great photographer in the Chicago area Paul is the go-to guy. Congratulations!