Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Niedermeyer.
Tracy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Plan A: be a celebrity photographer. I assisted photographers all over the world to learn my trade and a multitude of techniques. I spent a year working in Paris’ fashion industry, all the while, resubmitting applications to work in NY with Annie Leibovitz. On my third attempt, I was finally offered an internship. It was a heavy place to work, and I think my mom even sent me Xanax to get through the angry and vicious environment of her studio. But the things I learned were worth every minute of the torture.
From there I needed money to start my own Miami business, so I ventured into weddings. But weddings are difficult – and I wasn’t getting something right. So, back to NYC I went, to learn from two top wedding photographers. They were making 15 – 25K/day and applying all of the beautiful techniques I’d learned – they were gorgeous. I fell in love and never turned back. Styling, location, wardrobe – all done for me. Then add families to the mix, and you’re doing something wonderful.
These last 15 years, wedding photography has been a passion. However, I’ve seen shifts in the market with the digital world removing most industry jobs, especially in fashion. This has driven more competition into the wedding market, forcing prices down.
When I was an assistant, I noticed that the master photographers got bored in their craft when they approached their 40’s – and I was no exception. I’ve recently moved into videography – a new and exciting challenge that allows me to work with a team of creative entrepreneurs. A brave new world.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Marketing is hard. It’s not for the faint at heart. You’ve gotta be persistent and perceptive. As a woman, I’ve been lucky (or ignorant) to avoid any gender obstacles.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Maxime Photo and Video story. Tell us more about the business.
We’re most like a “Dead Can Dance” video co-op, comprised of 7 talented team members, working from home when we can. We share marketing and advertising expenses on one website, Maximes.net. We all wear several hats. Wherever there is a hole, someone steps up. We can all shoot, we can all edit. Sound and creative writing are specialties that have dedicated team members.
Our motto: no crappy videos! That’s the one thing we all have in common. Between 7 of us: one person loves action, some love people, one loves still life and one is great at recognizing trends before everyone else. We specialize in corporate and commercial video production. Marketing, training, documentaries, profile or promotional videos. We create videos that are unique, engaging, and exciting – that you’re friends and clients will watch start to finish – then ask to see it again.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck hasn’t played a big part of business. Life: yes, but I’ve always treated business as a studied and methodical plan of action. Sometimes you find the mysterious marketing key right away, sometimes you struggle, and sometimes it’s elusive. That’s what makes a successful business – that durn marketing key!
Contact Info:
- Address: 6994 SW 47th St
Miami, FL 33133 - Website: https://www.maximes.net
- Phone: 305 300 5065
- Email: info@maximes.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maximephotovideo/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/maxime-photo-and-video-miami
- Other: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/105918936900266015578/+MaximePhotoandVideoMiami
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
