Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Maxyne Simon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Maxyne , thanks for joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Thanks so much for having me! To be successful you have to go against the grain, embrace the essence of taking risks, step out of comfort zones, and infuse your journey with a sense of joy and fun. Success is an ever-evolving concept, and for me, it means pursuing my passions, fulfilling personal goals, and persistently embracing discomfort in both my personal and professional life.

Growing up photography was always looked at as something fun or a hobby. While I dabbled in this hobby, I continued to have a gut feeling that it could be more. I took all of the comments about it being a side gig or how fun it could be to fuel the business I have now created. What was the worst that could happen? I fail? That thought alone is my push for continuous success.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Maxyne, a photographer with a passion for capturing moments and emotions. My journey into photography began during my high school days when I took two film photography classes. From there, my camera became my trusty sidekick, and I started experimenting with portraits. However, it was only six years ago, when I found myself in a new state with plenty of time on my hands, that I decided to turn my interest into a full-fledged business.

While teaching elementary, I packed my weeknights, weekends, and any free time I had to shadow weddings and work as a second shooter for free, laying the foundation for what I would hope to be a future business. Over time, I honed my skills and established my brand making a ton of mistakes along the way. Recently, my life led me back to Michigan, which felt like starting over. This return introduced me to a fresh area, new connections, vendors, and an exciting wedding industry.

My photography services revolve around elopements and weddings, focusing primarily on Michigan’s Detroit and Ann Arbor regions. While my core business revolves around couples and weddings, I also extend my expertise to branding photography, family portraits, and boudoir sessions which have become a new favorite. I am always down for empowering women!
My dedication lies in providing an unforgettable experience with laughs, tears, and all of the in between. Starting from the very first call to the final delivery of your gallery.

Over the years, my editing style has also evolved, moving from a light and airy look to a more profound and mood-driven aesthetic. I like to describe my style as natural, timeless, with a touch of mood, ensuring each image stands the test of time. Who doesn’t love a little drama?

I take immense pride in my work, which goes beyond just taking photographs. I strive to capture the emotions and details of each and every unique story, while working to lend confidence to anyone who is in front of the camera. My approach is rooted in the documentary and candid style, aiming to create timeless memories that transport people back to their special moments even a decade or more later. Drawing from my background as a former elementary teacher, I infuse each project with lots of laughter and humor, making every client feel at ease in front of the camera. I never know if they are laughing with me or at me, but if it eases the awkwardness I am good with either!

Everyday I think to myself how lucky I am to have the power to capture these epic moments. It’s like having a backstage pass to life’s most special milestones.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

After the pandemic hit, I faced a significant turning point in my life when I decided to leave my teaching career behind. It was a tough choice, but the challenges brought on by the pandemic and the overall demands of the profession left me feeling lost, questioning my identity, and doubting my potential to achieve something more significant with my photography passion. Stepping away from the stability of a teaching job was daunting, and I found myself grappling with the fear of the unknown. However, deep down, I knew that I could do more.

Adding another layer to the pivot, we made the bold decision to move to a different state. Which ultimately meant starting my business over. This relocation brought a fresh set of challenges, from building a brand in an unfamiliar area to establishing new connections and adapting to a different market. Despite the initial uncertainties and struggles, I took this opportunity to reinvent myself, embracing the adventure of starting over and seeking growth in uncharted territory. This turned out to be a pivotal moment in my life, as it pushed me to rediscover my passion, reinvent my career, and ultimately paved the way for a more fulfilling and rewarding journey as a photographer with the flexibility I dreamed of.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

As a creative, there are several aspects of my journey that non-creatives might find challenging to grasp. First and foremost, the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into our work are often underestimated. From the meticulous editing process to scouting perfect locations and providing outfit recommendations, every detail contributes to creating a meaningful and captivating final product.

Another vital aspect is how important sharing your experiences are. Kind words, reviews, and referrals from satisfied clients have a tremendous impact, not only boosting our confidence and encouraging us to keep pushing boundaries, but opening the doors for more interactions with others. While we can showcase our work, hearing testimonials from happy clients holds a unique power in cultivating connections and trust. Hopefully this insight into the world of a creative person can shed light on the dedication and hard work that goes into our art, fostering a deeper appreciation for the craft and experiences we provide.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.maxyneleannephoto.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/maxyneleannephoto
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/maxyneleannephoto