Meet Trailblazer Lacey Vandermeer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lacey Vandermeer.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Born in Colorado, I have always been attracted to the natural beauty of what life as to offer. I got my first camera in 3rd grade and took it everywhere with me. I still have the first pictures I took on that camera and held onto it till I was 18 when it broke. I started out with film and enjoyed everything about the process. Shortly after 3rd grade, we moved to Wisconsin where I started the journey of wanting to be a teacher. I wanted to help children follow their dreams and aspirations. That lead me out to Arizona for three summers in college where I was fulfilling my teaching degree standards. This is where my mentor/camp director pushed me to work on my passion for portrait photography. She told me she wouldn’t hire me the third year until I changed my major and took a photography class because she knew this all I did, was taking photos of anything and everything. The moment I set foot in the campus darkroom, I was sold. Learning the steps of processing photos got me more hooked on my dream as a photographer. I knew this is what I wanted to do one-day full time and be my own boss. I started my business in 2008 and mainly focused on wedding photography.

Wedding photography is always fun for me because it is a challenge and you only get one day to show off your best work. I have realized though that it is very tough to get weddings since there is so much competition and people are wanting certain pricing. I have now moved onto portrait photography mainly with side gigs of landscape photography and real estate photography. I recently just moved back to Colorado a year and a half ago. I have really pushed my career into being more a full-time gig as I am currently getting more clients and hope to get more and more. I started doing an experience on Airbnb which has really taken off. Now, my business is out of Madison, WI and Denver, CO which is exciting to keep my clients in Wisconsin as well since that is my favorite part about this job, watching families grow and change over the years.

Has it been a smooth road?
No, my business has not been a smooth ride. I am consistently trying to make improvements. But this has mainly been a struggle because not everyone believes that this is a real business. I have watched other family members and friends start up a buisness and get praise; Then I still get asked when are you going to find a job and start a career! I have a career!! Friends and family could be using Woodville Dream Photography for their advertising and photography needs. One of the toughest parts about not receiving full support from all my family members, as they do not perceive my photography business as a “real job.” This taught me to try still believe in myself and try not to believe in the negative opinions of others. This is the main reason I moved from Madison to Denver, to start fresh and really fall in love with myself and what I do. Since I have moved here, I have really taken the time to do better at my job and get myself out there, network and try new things. I started selling my photography because my biggest fan (my mom) was said one day “What the hell do you have to lose.” I thought landscape photography would be something I would never master. But, at my first show I had awesome feedback and was told to do more. So now, I am taking the ones that believe in me and listening to them. I am trying to stay positive and make this a full-time gig. Hoping this happens by 2021. “You can’t fail if you don’t try!”

We’d love to hear more about Woodville Dream Photography.
I mainly specialize in portrait photography. My style is more candid and lifestyle photography. I love when people are in their natural settings instead of forcing them into a place they are uncomfortable with. I have found when people get to choose the location they are more relaxed and have fun with photos. They don’t freeze and have goofy smiles. I also started doing more landscape photography and getting out in the outdoors of Colorado and capturing its beauty. I plan to do more travel photography as well. Like going back to Australia this summer for more photos.

I am most known for my natural feel to a photo. I don’t do a lot of post editing. I like to keep things raw. I like to keep things natural as I see in the actual moment of what I am capturing.

The thing I am most proud of other than the name of my business is the reaction I get from my clients. I keep all the pictures a secret and surprise them once they are completed. This way makes them more excited to see the final product and they fall in love with them in another way.

I do fall in love with the people I shoot, so it makes it exciting to share the photos. Getting to know your clients, you can really learn about yourself and definitely network into other things.

I think what sets me apart from other photographers is that thinking outside the box not allowing anything gets in the way of the photo. I have stopped traffic, climbed trees, scaled buildings to capture the perfect image. I am afraid of heights but I have definitely lost that in the moment of an excellent photo. I love what I do and enjoying getting a unique shot.

Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
I feel as I was growing up having a camera at hand took me away from my realities and always made me happy. When I stood behind it capturing the lives of my friends and family it was fun to be able to hold onto that moment. I also, think that while in College my friends pushed me. Two in particular still call and say what an amazing job I am doing and they have been my supporters since the day I said I am taking on photography and starting up my own business. I also, feel my love for traveling has really got me on the next level of capturing life’s moments and finding the beauty in any city I walk through.

Pricing:

• Family Portraits/Engagements $250
• Headshots $250
• Real Estate Photography $150 an hour

Contact Info:

• Address: 1605 St. Paul St #3
  Denver, CO 80206
• Website: woodvilledream.com
• Phone: 970-901-2135
• Email: lacey@woodvilledream.com
• Instagram: @woodvilledream
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Woodvilledream/

Image Credit:
Red hat: Ryan Paul, Other portraits: Sarah Harker, Woodville Dream Photography

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