Vendor Spotlight: Norina Leyde of Maple Hill Photography
Posted by angelica on October 19th, 2011. Filed under: Children's Photographer, Newborn Sessions.
Name: Norina Leyde
Company Name: Maple Hill Photography
Location: Summerlin, Las Vegas & Destination Photographer
Number of Years in Business: 3
Website: www.experiencemaplehill.com
Blog: www.experiencemaplehill.com/blog
Facebook: www.facebook.com/maplehillphotography
What did you do prior to this? Marketing and Events / Real Estate
If you didn’t do photography for a living what would you be doing instead?
I would still be doing something creative. I’ve always wanted to start a non-profit or write a book. I love the idea of giving back to this world and being original.
What are some of your hobbies?
Honestly, when you manage your own custom photography business there is little room for hobbies. Every extra moment I have I spend with family, cooking, cleaning, going to church and enjoying life!
What is the craziest experience you’ve ever had while shooting?
I brought a bottle of Izzy orange soda as a prop to a photoshoot last year. Unfortunately the little boy (who was about 5yrs old) had an allergic reaction to something in the drink! He started to swell up and had to go to the hospital. Everything turned out okay but it was so sad. He had tried orange soda before so there really was no way of knowing he could possibly be allergic. Fortunately, the parents were way understanding, probably more than I would have been myself. Thank God!
What is the best experience you’ve ever had shooting?
I can’t think of one in particular… I have such amazing clients and I love what I do pretty much all the time!
What is your inspiration?
I look to God for daily inspiration. I love feeling like He’s apart of what I am doing. For me photography is my purpose and a gift, more than just a business. I also love browsing other photographers work like www.amyrobertsonphotography.com , finding new props and outfits on Esty and reading blogs like www.greenweddingshoes.com.
Name an exotic location you’d like to visit soon.
I don’t know how exotic it is but I have always wanted to learn how to serf in Australia for some strange reason.
Why do your clients choose you over some of your competitors?
There are so many great photographers out there! I’m honored to even be in the mix!!! I get a lot of compliments from my clients about being super patient and how well I interact with their kids. I also spend a lot of time in the editing room. Don’t get me wrong – my photography is good without the edits however, I love working in Photoshop and making artistic and cosmetic enhancements to my client’s final prints. At the end of the day, I’d like to think I offer my clients portraits not just pictures. I treat every photograph like its work of art or as if it’s going to go on the cover of a magazine.
What is the best age to have your baby/child photographed?
It is crucial that newborns be photographed within the first 10 days! The most challenging age to photograph is 1 to 6mos old. Anytime on up from there is pretty much gravy! I do recommend outdoor photoshoots for 1yr (walking) to 3yrs old whenever possible. They are just so active at that age and I’d prefer to be chasing them outdoors as opposed to confining them in the studio.
How do you keep your mini clients so calm and happy during their photo session?
I try my best to create a relaxing environment in my home-studio by playing music and/or burning a lavender candle or scented oil. For my older subjects, I use reason and choices so I’m not just bossing them around all the time like, ‘Do you want to sit on the chair or next to the chair?’ Or ‘Do you want to give me a little smile or a BIG HUGE smile for this one?’ Sometimes I have to resort to offering bribes like candy or treats or use reverse psychology like telling them ‘You better not call me a turkey!’ most times I get a big smile and a loud shout ‘TURKEY!’ It’s a great shot! I also work with an assistant depending on the age and circumstance.
Anything else interesting you’d like to share?
Recently I partnered with an American woman living in Thailand whose mission is to rescue kids from being sold and trafficked to other countries. Maple Hill has committed to financially support and bring awareness to this cause in 2012. Please look forward to future posts!
Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
