Conversations with Cortina L. Seward

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cortina L. Seward.

Hi Cortina L., so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Where do I even begin?

I’m a passionate photographer who lives for capturing emotion, connection, and joy. My journey began in the small town of Covington, where teenage me could always be found with a disposable camera in hand snapping family moments, candid smiles, and everything in between. If someone needed to relive a memory, they came to me. I had the photos. I had the moment. Even back then, I knew the power of freezing time.

My passion deepened in high school, thanks to Mr. Armstrong, an amazing teacher who introduced me to the magic of the darkroom and the true art of photography. He didn’t just teach me how to develop film—he helped me see the world through a lens of curiosity, beauty, and meaning.

Then life took over. I fell in love, got married, and for a while the camera stayed on the shelf. But everything changed when I had my beautiful son, Elijah. Every little movement, every giggle, every quiet look I had to capture it. And that’s when it clicked all over again: this wasn’t just a hobby. This was my passion, reignited.

I started shooting sessions for free, just eager to learn and grow. A good friend fluent in camera settings and editing took me under his wing. We’d hit the town with our cameras, and he helped me sharpen my skills. Thank you, Eddie!. My village, family, and friends cheered me on encouraging me to take it further. And I did.

I built my business from the ground up, fueled by heart, hustle, and the desire to give people more than just beautiful pictures. I wanted to give them a whole experience. One they’d remember. One they’d feel.

Now, years later, I’m still in awe of how far I’ve come. I’ve grown not just as a photographer, but as a business owner, a storyteller, and an artist. And you know what? I’m just getting started.

Where will my lens take me next?

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As much as I’d love to say the journey has been all smooth sailing… it hasn’t. Building this business came with real challenges and I felt every one of them.

I’m the first person in my family to own a business, so there was no blueprint, no mentor (besides learning photography itself) waiting in the wings to guide me. Just a dream, a camera, and a whole lot of questions. The behind-the-scenes side of photography? Whew. Completely overwhelming at first. Which camera should I invest in? What lens do I really need? How do I file taxes? Wait, do I even owe taxes? (Spoiler: Yep. I sure did.)

Starting out, I turned to Google and forums for answers, and if I’m being honest… that sometimes made things more confusing than helpful. Licensing, branding, websites, editing software…it felt like a mountain of decisions I had to climb, one uncertain step at a time.

But I didn’t quit. I asked questions. I made mistakes. I learned. I cried a little, prayed a lot, and kept pushing forward. Every challenge stretched me. Every roadblock made me stronger. And looking back now, I’m proud…not just of the beautiful photos I get to create, but of the woman I’ve become through it all.

This journey has grown me. And I’m still growing with grace, grit, and a camera in hand.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a brand photographer with a passion for helping people show up boldly and authentically. I specialize in creating visually compelling images that not only capture your unique personality and style but also elevate your personal brand across business, social media, and beyond.

My work is known for being sharp, vibrant, and full of life with a high-end, polished finish that still feels real. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or influencer, I bring a creative edge to every shoot, blending artistry with strategy to help you stand out and connect with your audience and this is what sets me apart.

At the end of the day, it’s more than just taking photos it’s about telling your story in a way that feels true to you.

What I’m most proud of isn’t just the photos I’ve taken…it’s the hard work I’ve poured into building this business from the ground up. I’ve had to learn, stretch, and grow in ways I never imagined. And every time a someone chooses me to capture one of the most important moments of their lives, I’m genuinely humbled. It still blows my mind that out of all the incredible photographers out there, they saw something in me and trusted me to tell their story.

This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been so worth it. Every late night editing, every new challenge, every moment of self-doubt I pushed through …it’s all made me better. And I have to give credit where it’s due. My parents, and my siblings —they are the reason I show up with the drive and heart that I do. They raised me to work hard, stay grounded, and never quit. Without their love and example, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I personally don’t believe in luck but this business is rooted in faith. It has been since the beginning when I stepped out on faith to start this business. Every step I take, every decision I make, is guided by God. He’s at the center of it all. This isn’t just a business to me—it’s a calling. And I truly believe that the connections I make and the moments I capture are part of something bigger than myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cleshaphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clesha_images/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/c.leshaphotography?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr