Meet Heesun Sohn | Photographer /owner

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

Hi Heesun, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own photography business came from a major life transition and a deep desire to create something more meaningful.

For nearly ten years, I worked in California as an e-commerce fashion photographer. It was a fast-paced and creative industry, and I learned so much through that experience. But when I relocated to Georgia, I found myself reflecting on what I truly wanted to photograph in this new chapter of life.

I’ve always loved being around children, and I realized how special it is to capture their pure, joyful, and fleeting moments — the kind of memories families want to hold onto forever. I wanted to create images that feel warm, heartfelt, and timeless.

That thought process led me to start HA:ON Photostudio: a simple and minimal space dedicated to babies, children, and families. Building my own studio allowed me to combine my professional background with a more personal purpose — preserving love, connection, and precious family stories through photography.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Photography has always been more than just taking pictures for me — it is a way of preserving emotion, connection, and story. My background began in California, where I spent nearly ten years working as an e-commerce fashion photographer. That experience taught me professionalism, attention to detail, and how to create clean, polished imagery.

However, when I relocated to Georgia, I entered a new chapter of life and began asking myself what kind of art I wanted to create moving forward. I found myself drawn to something more meaningful and personal: capturing the fleeting, beautiful moments of childhood and family.

What sets HA:ON Photostudio apart is the heart behind it. My work is intentionally simple, minimal, and timeless — focused on genuine emotion rather than overly staged trends. I want families to look back years from now and still feel the warmth and love of that season of life.

I am most proud of creating a space where parents feel comfortable, children can be themselves, and memories are captured naturally. As a mother, I understand how quickly time passes, and that perspective deeply shapes the way I photograph babies and families.

Building my own studio in a new state was not easy. Starting over came with challenges, uncertainty, and the need to rebuild community from the ground up. But through faith, perseverance, and the support of my family and clients, I have continued to grow step by step. I’ve learned that meaningful work takes patience, and that success is built through trust, consistency, and genuine care.

What I want the world to know about my brand is simple: HA:ON is about preserving love. It’s about capturing the moments that matter most — quietly, beautifully, and with purpose.

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.
Since I recently relocated to Georgia, I’m still discovering new favorites, but I’ve already found so many fun spots that make the area feel like home.

If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d definitely start with a day around Perimeter Mall — it’s a great place to shop, explore, and even stop by stores like Pottery Barn for beautiful home inspiration.

We’d also make time for some relaxed café moments, and Paris Baguette is always one of my go-to places for coffee and something sweet. It’s the perfect spot to slow down and catch up.

For food, I love taking friends to casual local gems like Armando’s Taqueria — great tacos and such a fun, laid-back atmosphere.

Of course, we’d also spend time exploring nearby areas like downtown Duluth and Atlanta, enjoying the mix of culture, great food, and welcoming community spaces.

What I enjoy most about living here is how much there is to do — from cozy everyday places to exciting new spots still waiting to be discovered. It’s been a wonderful place to settle in, build connections, and create a new chapter.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout first to God, for guiding me through this journey and allowing me to experience His plan in my life. Starting a business in a new place has had many unknowns, but I’ve truly felt that each step has been led with purpose and grace.

I also want to give credit to my family, whose constant love, patience, and encouragement have supported me through every stage of building HA:ON Photostudio. Their belief in me gave me the courage to keep going, even during challenging moments.

I’m especially grateful to the families and clients who have trusted me with their most precious memories. As a mother myself, I deeply understand how quickly childhood passes and how meaningful it is to preserve those fleeting, beautiful moments.

Lastly, I want to recognize the local community here in Georgia for welcoming me so warmly. This business is not something I build alone — it’s shaped by connection, kindness, and the people who share their stories with me.

Website: https://www.haonphotostudio.com

Instagram: @photostudio_haon

Image Credits
HA:ON PHOTOGRAPHY