We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lacey Vandermeer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lacey below.
Lacey, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Doing something you love to do is always a risk. Finding the balance to turning it into a business and staying passionate about it is Definitely a risk that is being taken. But one of the biggest risks I have made since starting my photography business was moving it from Madison WI to Denver CO. Denver has more of a arts scene and a great community to be apart of. I never thought I would of kept so many clients in WI to have them keep using my services and allowing me to do what I love and continue to capture their moments. I have fallen in love with being a photographer more by watching my clients grow up. One thing to remember if you don’t take a risk you might regret it. So gaining more clients in Denver and loving the work I am creating has been such a fun journey to be on. I always tell people take the risk because you will be surprised that you may become more successful
Lacey, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
How I got into the industry was being pushed by a few people. The constant thing I was told was that I have true eye in capturing peoples true personality and should use those skills to start my own business and work for myself. I always try to make sure my clients feel comfortable in front of the camera and making it fun. For example most the time fore engagements I tend bring champagne. Or when I do my Denver photo tours I tend to stop for drinks to get people loosen up and having fun with the pictures.
One thing I am most proud of is probably my ability to capture children. Having the patience to capture them is so fun and to run around with them in a setting they are most comfortable with. I hardly use a studio so I can capture their true selves.
One thing that will separate me from the rest is the candid and rawness of my photos. the laughter and fun you can see in the photos weather its with kiddos, solo or engagement. I try to always get people to enjoy themselves and make it unique for the client to enjoy the photos the rest of their life.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
One thing I wish I knew earlier is to focus on the good and stop caring about the negative. I have taught myself to rethink and really care about the most important clients and positive feedback. Staying positive is key. Always taking the negativity and turning it into a learning process instead of being defeated and sad. by not letting things get to you, it creates more room for your creative side.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding thing about being creative is that I get to do what I love. I always love creating and making someones photos special to them. Listening to what they want is key. You both get to have fun creating their vision. Making it special. I love trying new things as well so if I can do something different or think outside the box it helps me create something that will get my clients talking about. Mostly word of mouth is how I get my clients so listening to them is defiantly a quality they like.
Contact Info:
- Website: woodvilledream.com
- Instagram: @woodvilledream
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/woodvilledreamphotography/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/woodville-dream-photography-denver
Image Credits
Picture of Me (Lacey) First Picture Photo Credit Sarah Harker