I’m starting a new blog series called Creative Friends! Now I can show you what my awesome creative friends are doing.

First up is Holly Von Lanken. She’s a wedding, portrait, and lifestyle photographer based out of Atlanta. She’s a good friend and amazing photographer. We had her come shoot the shop last fall and the pictures were insanely beautiful. Check out her interview below.

1. How did you get started with what you do?

I got my first DSLR camera right after I graduated college in 2011.  Mostly, I just took pictures for fun.  Eventually, one of my friends got engaged and suggested that I take their engagement photos.  I absolutely loved taking photos for other people because I saw how much joy it brought them.  I slowly started honing my craft and learning from others and toying with the idea of photography as a business. I learned a lot from fellow creatives and took the opportunities that came.

2. How would you describe your aesthetic?

 My style is very clean, organic and natural.  I want to photograph life the way it is, while also being beautiful and timeless with a nod to the days of film.

3.What’s your favorite thing about being a photographer?

My favorite thing about being a photographer is really getting to know people. When you’re with someone and their entire crazy family on their wedding day, you get to know them really well.  I like getting to share those moments with them and hopefully be a calming and joyful presence.

4. What’s your least favorite?

taxes. yuck.

5. Business advice?

Make your business legit from the get go.  If you’re going to advertise yourself and you intend to make a profit, you need a business license.  You will look and feel more confident to potential clients, plus there’s some added liability protection.

6.What’s your favorite thing at Personify Shop?

Oh man.  So hard to choose!  I love all the Pendleton products and those P.F. Candles smell so good.

7. My favorite party question: If you could hang out with any three people this Friday night, who would you pick?

Monica, Chandler, Ross, Joey, Rachel, and Phoebe (Ok that was 6… but you can’t split them up!)

8. How do you know the ladies at Personify Shop?

I went to UGA with Maddie where we were both involved in Campus Outreach.