We recently had the chance to connect with Lacey Vandermeer and have shared our conversation below.
Lacey, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recently I have started doing Photo Booths at events. All over the holidays I would do department style photos. Where you get awkward family photos done with your best friend or family. Dressing alike or not alike. Making memories last for a lifetime. There is always good laughs in posing everyone and making people do silly things. It has been great getting people in front of the camera and getting my name out there to gain more clients. I plan to start doing more and maybe advertising for weddings.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Lacey — a professional Brand and Family Photographer and the founder of Woodville Dream, established in 2008.
I began my journey photographing weddings and engagements, drawn to the magic of having one powerful day to create something unforgettable. Weddings taught me how to move with intention, capture emotion quickly, and deliver my very best work under pressure.
Over time, my heart shifted toward brand photography — working with artists, creatives, and small businesses who pour themselves into what they do. I fell in love with helping people step into their brand confidently, creating visual stories that reflect not just what they do, but who they are. My goal is to build a space where you feel seen, confident, and proud of your work.
When I’m not photographing brands or families, I love to travel and explore street photography. It pushes me creatively and keeps me inspired beyond client work.
I also work at a school where I started a photo and yearbook club. Teaching photography — and helping shy students find confidence behind the camera — has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. Knowing they helped create something lasting for their classmates is incredibly meaningful.
One day, I plan to make Woodville Dream my full-time focus — with a studio attached to a whiskey bar that doubles as a wedding venue. A creative space filled with art, celebration, and storytelling.
Until then, I’m building, creating, teaching, and dreaming big.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
If I’m asked who saw me before I saw myself — it was my best friend, Josh.
He met me during one of the most uncertain times in the world and in my personal life. I was still trying to figure out who I was. In many ways, I still am.
I’ve worn a lot of roles over the years, but the only time I have ever felt completely myself is behind the camera. That’s where I am confident. That’s where I’m creative. That’s where I’m not questioning who I am.
Looking back, I wish I had trusted myself sooner. I wish I had listened more closely to the part of me that knew what I was capable of. But sometimes it takes someone else seeing your light before you recognize it yourself.
Josh saw me as a photographer. He saw me as the best version of myself before I could fully step into her.
Now, as I move into my 40s, I’m choosing to let go of what has held me back for so long. I’m choosing growth. I’m choosing confidence. I’m choosing to finally become the person he already believed I was.
This next chapter is intentional.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, I have almost given up.
My confidence has been shattered.
But here’s the truth — I allowed external validation to define how I saw myself.
I also recognize I didn’t always surround myself with people who encouraged growth. That’s on me. When you’ve been around negativity long enough, it becomes normal.
I’m changing that.
I know I have a great eye. I know I see light differently. I know I create from instinct and emotion.
The only thing that has ever truly held me back has been listening to voices that weren’t aligned with where I’m going.
And I’m done doing that.
I love my job. I love creating. And I’m building something bigger than a seat in someone else’s community.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lies in the photography industry are building a community will hurt you when in fact having other photographers build you up, help you create visions and help you find other networking. Another thing is that you have to follow what people want when really if you think outside the box and have fun with it you will hav more a creative spin to your photos and capture things you normally wouldn’t.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
One thing I will regret is not getting out there and taking more photos. Walking through the streets. Slowing down and capturing the story more than the pose. I have changed so much by taking a year off and I hope it shows in my photos.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://woodvilledream.com
- Instagram: woodvilledream
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/woodvilledreamphotography/
Image Credits
Photo of me: Denver Photo Collective
All other photos: Woodville Dream Photography
