Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Leider.
Hi Heather, can you introduce yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My passion for photography started as a child with my 110 camera (long flat film camera from back in the day) from my father. I laugh when I come across some of my early “art” for the concept, but let’s say it needed some direction! In high school, I joined the yearbook staff, which allowed me to photograph various subjects and develop and print black-and-white images. We had our darkroom located under the stairs in the library. In retrospect, it was not the best place to work with all those chemicals! Fast forward to when I was married and with children. I would find myself photographing our kids along with their friends playing sports. My husband saw my passion and encouraged me to pursue my dream, which led me to enroll in the Art Institute of Colorado’s Photography Program. I completed my Associate’s Degree (graduating Magnum Cum Laude) and opened my own part-time business. In 2016, we relocated to the Round Rock area in Texas, and I started my full-time Portrait Business. In 2022, we moved again southeast of Austin in the Lockhart/Luling area. We specialize in Wall Portraits as a full-service studio guiding our clients through the process from inception to delivery.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As with any new venture, there are always bumps and struggles. When we started Leider Photography, I worked full-time as a police dispatcher, and we had 3 kids in school, all participating in sports. It was quite the juggling match! When we moved to Texas, the thought process was we were going to be empty nesters, but God had other plans for us. My mother-in-law came to live with us after she started exhibiting memory loss. It would later be diagnosed as Alzheimer’s, and the journey took a turn I had not anticipated sprinkling COVID in, and it was at the least challenging! Sadly, she passed away a little over a year ago, but she is now pain-free. After her passing and with our new location, it was time to explore new beginnings with the business. My advice is don’t give up and have hope! There are speed bumps in our lives, but there is a plan, and with patience and perseverance, you will achieve those goals!
Thanks. What else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a Portrait Artist, I specialize in Wall Portrait Art. We take our customers on a journey where we don’t just show up to take “pictures;” we are there to walk them down a path. Where do you plan on displaying these? What colors are in those rooms so we can ensure the portraits complement rather than compete with your décor? Tell us about you and your family.
I am also a Certified Professional Photographer through Professional Photographers of America. Like most “professional” industries, it is time for us to have a bar set for the field of photographers and portrait artists. The process was challenging, for I had to complete a written test demonstrating an understanding of the technical side of the industry and then get a portfolio of images approved to illustrate those techniques through a panel of tough judges. To maintain my certification, I need to show that I am continuing my education to keep myself updated with the changes in the industry.
Our end goal is to create works of art that will be proudly displayed on our clients’ walls rather than hiding them on a USB drive in a drawer somewhere. How many of us can open a floppy disk with images on it, or for that matter, how many new computers even have a CD reader? It is time to honor and treasure our memories on our walls so that every time we walk by, we are reminded of the ones we love so very much.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Austin has many different faces, making it a unique city. Add in the surrounding suburbs and communities, and you will have a diverse community mixed with other cultures, beliefs, and much more! You can attend a music festival one day and paddleboard down Lake Austin next. There are so many things to do, and seeing getting board means you just aren’t looking!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.leiderphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leiderphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leiderphotographyoffical/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leiderphotography/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/hmmleider
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi8QDqGLy2mMF_W7sR2QuyQ
