Today we’d like to introduce you to Cori Kleckner.
Hi Cori, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into photography began during one of the most transformative chapters of my life ,becoming a mother. What started as an attempt to hold onto fleeting moments of my daughters’ childhood soon evolved into a passion for preserving the beauty, chaos, and tenderness of family life. I never set out to build a business; I set out to tell stories ; mine, and eventually, the stories of so many others.
Over time, that creative outlet grew into Cori Kleckner Photography, a business that has allowed me to connect with families all over Orange County, San Diego County, and Los Angeles County. My focus has always been on honest, heartfelt imagery that feels like memory. I’ve built my work around natural light, movement, and emotion because to me, that’s what real life looks like.
As a single mom, my path hasn’t been linear or easy. I’ve balanced building a business from scratch while raising my girls and navigating life’s unexpected turns. But every challenge has deepened my empathy both as a woman and as an artist. I know how quickly time passes, how fragile moments can be, and how photographs can become a lifeline back to love, belonging, and meaning.
Today, I see my work as more than photography. It’s storytelling, legacy keeping, and connection. I’m endlessly grateful for every family who trusts me to document their love, and for the chance to turn what once felt like survival into something beautiful and enduring.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like many artists, I had to find my way through a lot of trial and error, figuring out what truly fueled my passion, learning my camera inside and out, understanding light, and discovering how to create images that make people feel something.
Building a business from the ground up while being a full-time mom came with its own set of challenges too. There were seasons where I doubted myself, where I was exhausted, juggling motherhood and editing late into the night. I had to learn how to balance the creative side of photography with the business side, including contracts, marketing, and finances, all while keeping my artistic heart intact.
But every challenge has shaped me into the photographer and person I am today. I’ve learned that growth happens in the hard seasons, and that perseverance and passion can carry you through anything when you’re doing something that truly matters to you.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a lifestyle photographer based in Orange County, serving families all across Orange County, Los Angeles County, and San Diego County. I specialize in family, maternity, and newborn photography, focusing on storytelling through natural light and genuine connection. My work blends a soft, timeless aesthetic with documentary-style emotion, creating images that feel real, nostalgic, and full of life.
What sets my work apart is my approach. I don’t focus on stiff poses or forced perfection. Instead, I guide my clients into natural interactions that allow their true personalities and relationships to unfold. My sessions are designed to feel more like a meaningful experience than a photo shoot , a chance for families to slow down, be present, and make memories together while I quietly observe and document the moments in between.
As a mother myself, I deeply understand how fleeting these seasons are. I see my work as a way of preserving a family’s legacy, capturing the love, chaos, and beauty of their right now. What I’m most proud of is the trust families place in me to tell their story , it’s something I never take for granted.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
For me, risk-taking as an artist means being willing to put your work out there, even when not everyone will love it. It’s trusting your creative vision, trying new things, and following your gut even when it feels uncomfortable. I think that’s where real growth happens, in the moments you step outside what’s safe and familiar.
There’s also the practical side of risk, especially as a creative running your own business. There’s no guaranteed paycheck or steady schedule like a traditional nine-to-five. That can be scary, but it also pushes you to stay hungry, innovative, and connected to your purpose.
At the end of the day, I believe if you truly believe in your work, your worth, and the experience you bring to your clients, that belief carries you. It shows through in your art and in how you make people feel and that’s what sets you apart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.corikleckner.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coriklecknerphotography?igsh=ejAycHg5ZmhpajF5&utm_source=qr
