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

Hi Katelyn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
For the last five years, I’ve been serving families, couples, and small businesses through photography, graphic design, and branding. I began my journey with photography in college. I learned the basics in a 35mm film camera class, and I was in love. I graduated from the University of North Georgia in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in Art Marketing and a studio concentration in Photography. Along the way, I took several graphic design courses, and began offering photography and graphic design services on the side. From there, Katelyn LeBlanc Photography + Design was born! After college, I spent two years as a photographer and graphic designer in the fashion industry, which transformed the way I work. It was a crash course in content creation that taught me so incredibly much. And in 2018, I took the leap and launched Katelyn LeBlanc Photography + Design as my full-time career! I wanted the flexibility of being self-employed and knew that this was my chance! More than anything, I love people and helping them tell their stories, either by capturing moments with photos, creating a logo that embodies their brand, or designing a website that beautifully communicates their message. Over time, my business has changed and evolved into what I’ve needed it to be at the time, and it has been such a blessing to watch it grow. Currently, I offer portrait, family, and branding photography, as well as graphic and web design services to clients in Georgia, the Carolinas, and beyond.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to earn a degree in the field that I work in as a creative. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the knowledge and tools I received as an art student at the University of North Georgia. Investing the time to learn about my craft both creatively and technically has helped me to have the confidence to pursue photography and design as a career. Learning, trying, failing, and trying again with the guidance of professors and other artists has been immeasurably valuable to my growth as an artist and business owner. Those years launched my career, and the lessons I learned then have guided me through much change and growth in my business since!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Although I don’t live in Atlanta anymore, I do still love to visit! Some of my favorite places to eat when I’m there for the day are Victory Sandwich Bar and Figo Pasta! If I were in town for a whole week, I’d grab breakfast at the Silver Skillet, catch up with friends at Cypress Street Pint and Plate, and make sure to get tacos and margs at El Taco for dinner one night. Some of my other favorite spots in the city are Piedmont Park, Ponce City Market, and the High Museum. And during the summer, nothing beats shooting the hooch with friends!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
From the very beginning, my husband Taylor has been my biggest supporter. He has supported and encouraged me through every stage of this business, and I truly wouldn’t be where I am now without him. My twin sister Kathryn has also been a huge support every step of the way, always willing to be a listening ear and give me the encouragement that I need! I also wouldn’t be where I am today without the professors that taught me the fundamentals in the very beginning! Paul Dunlap and Vivian Liddell in particular have been so influential in my life, and gave me so much guidance in the early years of my photography and design experience!

Website: https://www.katelynleblancphotography.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katelynleblancphoto/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatelynLeBlancPhoto
Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katelynleblancphotography/_created/

Image Credits
Katelyn LeBlanc

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