Rising Stars: Meet Kory Thompson of Nashville, TN

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kory Thompson.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I picked up a camera for the first time when I was 26. I had been working sun up to sun down with multiple businesses to fund myself to be able to start online coaching and thought, “I really need a camera to make cool content if I’m going to have an online presence.” While I made that happen, I did fall in love with photography and videography.

I found myself sinking hours into Youtube and reading articles teaching myself everything I could about cameras and taking my somewhat cheap zv-e10 or film cameras with me everywhere to enjoy being in the moment. I’m fairly certain I became good at editing because of how terrible my pictures and videos were so I’m glad I was able to continue to sink myself into my passion and grow into a being a skilled business owner.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This road has not been smooth at all. I lost my job back in December of 2023 and told myself that I was going to pursue photo/video to the fullest extent as I knew that would make me happy. I ran a business with my best friend previously for 5 years and it was a bit challenging to completely have to switch careers.

In photography and videography, there really isn’t a guide to make it which is beautiful and terrifying. I moved to Nashville in October of 2024 and told myself that I would do anything to make this my career, and I’m glad I saw the journey through.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve specialized working in the fitness realm, more specifically within the bodybuilding community. I now work on Hyrox’s Media Team and Tour with a comedian.

My background in nutrition and running social media for a food based e-commerce product lended very well to a skillset in working with food/restaurant photos and videos where I work with restaurants and small businesses in the Nashville area to create the content for their branding, website, and social media pages.

As far as what I’m most proud of is honestly just to be able to make this my life. I never thought or knew that I was a creative person. I come from a small country town and it was never something that I knew was an option for me. I used to run away from cameras (especially my mom’s) because I used to be shy when I was young, believe it or not.

I’m grateful that I get to honor my mother’s memory by creating and bringing joy in a field that was close to her heart.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
Pam Hysinger- For taking me on as an intern and allowing me to help run her company for nearly 5 years. I owe more than I can even say to her. Truly I have no idea where I would be without her support and how much she and her family have provided me over the years.

Kelsi Leppla(my sister)- You’ve always believed in me no matter what crazy plan I manage to come up with next. Mom would be proud of the both of us.

Tyler Edlin, Otti Bensghir, and Becca Hepner- For being some of the best friends I could’ve asked for in a dark time in my life and helping me grow to be the man that I am today.

Isaac Alexander- I would’ve never picked up or learned how to use a camera if it wasn’t for you pushing me to do so and growing together.

Cam Payne & Gracie Burnim- You’ve made Nashville feel like home in a short amount of time and introduced me to an amazing church community. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thompsonvisions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thompson_visions/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/korythompson/