Meet Kortnee Ledezma | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kortnee Ledezma and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kortnee, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I really never knew that this thing now known as Kortnee Ledezma Photography would EVER be a business. I just loved taking photos and it was an amazing outlet for me in my darkest struggles with my mental health. The turning point in which I said ‘you know what this can actually become a service I can provide to people’ is when I moved to San Diego and the Navy wasn’t making ends meet for my family so I started taking bookings. Essentially my idea for this business was to feed and clothe my family but my how it has surpassed any expectation I ever had. So many amazing clients have turned in to even more amazing friends while I am also able to continue doing something that has always been a safe space for me through all of my highs and my lows.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Like every form of art its ever changing and you only get out what the work you put in. I constantly am trying to learn more to better my art and I only say better because there is never going to be a ‘perfect’ that is too subjective. I try every day to learn one new thing about my art, and I feel that sets my work apart. I always want to be better than the day I was before finding new techniques, angles, colors, or tones. Starting out I had no idea how to run a business I came into this blind, running a business is not for the weak. Persistence and patience is the biggest advice I can give to anyone wanting to start a business. You will never start at the top on day one and sometimes it may even take several years to build the empire that we envision for our business. The biggest challenges I have had to overcome is comparing my successes to those of others. The day that I stopped comparing myself to others and focusing on how I could better myself than what I was the day before is when I really started seeing successes in my business. My motto that I remind myself of day in and day out is the only competition I have is the photographer that I was yesterday and it’s truly shaped me into a better business owner and artist. I’d love the world to know that there is no dream too big and no goal that is too far out of reach if you are willing to put in the work. My business began as an outlet for me in my deepest pits of depression and anxiety and has now Brought so much happiness through clients that have become friends as well as it has given me a way to support my family while doing something that I love.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There’s so much to do and see in san Diego! My very favorite spot to take everyone is Windan sea beach in La Jolla! My all time favorite breakfast spot is broken yolk. I am a coffee addict and I take all of my friends to Phatties bake shop. For a fun night out I love making reservations at lips! The San Diego zoo and Balboa park are my favorite places to take my visitors to do touristy things.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I feel my biggest supporters are all of my clients, there’s so many to name. My clients are the reason my business is what it is today, without them I would have stopped offering services and went back to just photographing my children or random beaches/ scenery. My husband Jorge is my cheerleader and the person who has had my back through this entire journey. He is the one that has always pushed me and encouraged me that there is no limit to the amount of success this endeavor can bring and that with hard work and dedication I can reach any goal I set.

Website: www.kortneeledezmaphotography.com

Instagram: kortnee ledezma photography

Facebook: Kortnee Ledezma Photography

Image Credits
Leann Johnson Photography (My headshot)