Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey VanTiem.
Hi Lindsey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I had always had a camera in my hands from the time I was six years old. It carried me through grade school, middle school, and high school. I hid behind my camera to distract from my learning disability. Figuring out my camera was a lot easier than writing assignments or doing algebra, but I graduated and did well enough. I was a newly registered freshman at Oakland University in the Art and Art History department when I received a call to help photograph a wedding for a friend. But that wedding changed everything; it became so much more. After specializing in weddings for a few years, I was drawn to portraiture, specifically newborns and toddlers. There wasn’t really a niche like there is now but with studying the likes of Anne Geddes, Tracy Raver and Kelley Ryden as inspiration during those early years, I found my own way. I “retired” from weddings about 14 years ago and absolutely love being the one to capture the beautiful expectant mothers and their sweet new babies that come into my studio. I finished my BFA with a concentration in Photography (studio art) in 2005 and went on to get married and welcome four children, all while maintaining a career in studio portraiture. My clients became an extension of my family and continue to share my name, which helps to grow my studio into what it is today. I have had the sheer joy and honor of photographing babies and families from Michigan, Florida, Massachusetts, Ireland and so many more places. After 23 years, I still get inspired and enjoy my career path. The best part is meeting some of my first client’s babies in the early years that now have new babies and families of their own, which I have photographed. A full circle moment.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I would be lying if I said it was all smooth sailing as an artist. In the early days of starting out, photography was a man’s world. I was one of only a few females in my area. It helped that I transitioned to newborn work since I was one of the only people in my local area doing them at the time. But there wasn’t really social media, so I relied on word of mouth. Some months I was booked up, and others, I was floundering and felt like I was tapdancing to get people to notice my work. It taught me a lot about my tenacity, passion, drive as well as dedication to continuing to learn while growing. It was also a time of transition because film was still the best format of the time, yet digital cameras were starting to become better. Learning all new digital equipment and building a newborn portrait niche in a time when it was all new was really hard. I was on my own with only my camera manual to guide me, and there wasn’t much help in those early days because everyone was trying to figure it all out. With patience, I grew to love shooting both film and digital because each had their own pros and cons. What a time to be alive now, when everything you need to know is literally at your fingertips with a quick search and a few video tutorials. I continue to take advantage of the ability to learn new things from having all of the tutorials, videos, and mentorship programs available. I also am truly thankful for a wonderful support system. It truly helped make things easier. I would have thrown in the towel a long time ago if I didn’t have the people in my life urging me to keep going, learning, and trusting me to get the job done.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a portrait photographer and I specialize in Maternity, newborn, infant and all the way up to senior portraits. I do offer family portraits during the summer and fall season as well. I am a posed portrait artist, which means while some photographers prefer to tell a story through their art with motion and in the moment, I prefer to pose my clients. That time before you have your newborn, those tiny details of your new baby, milestones that my littlest clients get to celebrate whether it is their birthday or First Communion or big moments like Senior year. That time is fleeting, and those are the times we want to remember and look back on. I love meeting clients as newborns then getting to photograph them as seniors or even when they have their own families. I am known for my newborn work but also for the fun set designs that I create using storyboards for milestone sessions. I work hand in hand with each of my clients to create a custom session from start to finish, and I always stick with my classic style. I try not to go with any trends because I have seen so many come and go throughout the years, and classic always stands the test of time. My clients know my work, and I like to stay consistent. I do love my fellow colleagues that have honed and perfected the different styles or trends. The fun part about being in a creative community is that everyone is different, and I can recommend my fellow photographers to others based on what style they are looking for. I support community over competition among creatives because there is enough room for everyone. I wish it was more like that when I first started out but I am glad so many new photographers have that now. I am proud to be a part of this creative community. The people that I have met who have become friends are by far one of the best perks of the job. Clients that come to me that have walked this journey since day one, I cherish all of them too. They are all like family. Honestly, I hope I can work like this until I am 80 but that is wishful thinking.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the feel of a small town. It’s like a treasure that you hold dear. Growing up in Fair Haven, which is snuggled in right between New Baltimore and Algonac, people always know your name, your parents or family, everyone recognizes everyone. Growing up in Michigan, I always thought I would move away and live in New York City or Chicago, but my roots are buried deep in this soil. Plus, Detroit is pretty epic! It gives you the feeling of being in a big city without having to fly anywhere. The good things about small town can also be some of the downfalls since everyone knows you or your family. There isn’t much to get away with when you are a teenager in a small town. I must admit though that growing up surround by the Great Lakes allowed for some amazing adventures whether being on a boat, swimming with a group of friends, sitting on the beach reading a good book or camping while listening to the waves are something we Michiganders take for granted on occasion. It is the reason why I planted everything right where I grew up. I am centrally located to everyone, and the distance isn’t too far for anyone to drive. It also makes for great beach portraits at sunset.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://lindseyvantiemphoto.wix.com/lindseyvantiemphoto
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindseyvantiemphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindseyVanTiemPhotography
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/VantiemLindsey
Image Credits
Her Brand Photo
