Meet Angela Medlin | Owner of Angela Medlin Photography LLC

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

Hi Angela, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
One of my first memories was drawing with crayons, exploring watercolors, and sculpting with playdough. The raw creative freedom art gave me always made me happy, so it only made sense to find a career in a creative field in some form or another. Art has a way of breaking barriers, it evokes emotions, it tells a story. It doesn’t matter if we speak different languages or have polar opposite lifestyles, a work of art can create a sense of unity between strangers. That’s the power of art.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

A lot of photographers will specialize in a specific type of photography but I find that I work best with changing environments.  I have photographed anything and everything that has come my way.  Babies to boudoir, events to engagement photos, real estate to pets.  One event that I am particularly proud of came from my cousin Scott who is a Marine. He asked if I was interested in being the photographer for the United States Marine Corps Ball and I leapt at the opportunity. Being able to give back to the individuals who serve our nation was a true honor.  At this time I was a relatively new photographer and got my first taste of package building, set designing, managing employees, payroll, tracking of business expenses, serious editing and photographing an event of that caliber. After I mailed off my last photo package and the job was officially over, this feeling of pride in myself and the people around me who helped me pull it off filled my soul. From that day forward I knew I wanted to work for myself and create a photography business.  It was only a few years later that I opened my LLC.

In the ten years that I have been a photographer, I have learned to trust your intuition, surround yourself with like-minded people, invest in yourself and your business, not sell yourself short, to know the difference between being a hard worker and being hard on yourself. There is no time for self-doubt; when you find yourself thinking those negative thoughts, you should immediately remind yourself of all your accomplishments, all the joy you get out of your work and stomp out any fears. You’ve got this! Positive energy attracts more positive energy so choose to look on the bright side of life.

Something I feel that sets my photographs apart from others is the energy that is created between myself and the client during a photoshoot. There is an opportunity to spend semi-intimate time with someone where we are both learning to look past the camera, to draw out true emotions, and to catch a moment in time that is uniquely beautiful. My goal is that you as a viewer should also feel that energy when looking at my work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

My go-to spots to show friends and family that are visiting Atlanta are grouped into categories, one being thrifting and the other food and beverage. I am an avid supporter of the environment so upcycled and thrifted items are life. I always love to support Second Life, a community-focused resale store that raises money to help animal rescue groups. They continue to save more lives, while also educating about adopting rescues and shelter animals. Another favorite spot is Highland Row Antiques, they have around 40 vendors who are true treasure hunters. They have traditional antiques as well as vintage modern furniture, art, lighting, decorative accessories, fashion, and more. A friend of mine Lindsey Short recently opened Mother Lode Atlanta, and it’s a true gem. She provides space for 30 vendors and I can honestly say I’ve spent hours and hours looking through all the amazing items, including vinyls, vintage clothing, antique furniture, and homemade items. Lindsey also owns and operates Bennett and Sudderth’s Estate Sales and I have found many gorgeous items to use on photoshoots from her. Lastly, I swing by Kudzu Antiques, they are an Atlanta Staple and have been around since 1979.

So, to my next love food and beverage! Two places I always try to take my visiting friends and family include Big Daves Cheesesteak and Slutty Vegan, not only because of the mouthwatering food but for all they have done for the community. Owners Derrick Hayes of Big Daves Cheesesteak and Pinky Cole of Slutty Vegan is an inspiration and are true gems of Atlanta. I also have a soft spot in my heart for Cafe Intermezzo. During the pandemic, the midtown location offered free food to individuals in the food and beverage industry. Having worked in this industry most of my career, I loved how they gave back in this truly touching way. I have to give a shout-out to Jaclyn Campbell, the mastermind mixologist behind Find The Rabbit, a bar pop up. Her craft cocktail knowledge is impeccable and her flavor combinations are whimsical and truly unique.  I love following the rabbit around the city whenever she hosts an event.  Another bar I take people for amazing drinks would be Highland Tap, their cozy cave life atmosphere mixed with delectable martinis is a personal favorite of mine.

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?

Some of my biggest inspirations are my friends. These individuals are my muses (many of whom I have photographed). They are all creative old souls and are the best support system I could ask for. While in art school one of my soul sisters Jennifer Woolard could spark my creativity when I thought for sure it was fizzling out (anyone who has ever been to art school knows what I’m talking about). She is an amazing graphic designer, photographer, and her craft and attention to detail are impeccable. We have this unique creative bond, some of my best work was accomplished with one of our 2 am brainstorming sessions. Jennifer has this drive and CEO mentality that I have always respected. She is building her empire and I am so proud and honored to have met her in this lifetime.

If you are into books like I am, two personal development books that really changed my mentality include, “A Year by the Sea” by Joan Anderson and “You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life” by Jen Sincero. I recommend journaling alongside reading any self-help book because you can go back to flip through your thoughts and inspirational quotes when feeling a little low. Sometimes reading your own motivational thoughts is all you need to boost morale.

Website: www.AngelaMedlinPhotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelamedlinphotography/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-medlin-30918172/

Image Credits
Angela Medlin Photography LLC.