An Inspired Chat with Azalea Solan of Newbury Park, CA

We recently had the chance to connect with Azalea Solan and have shared our conversation below.

Azalea, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes, I would hire me. I’m someone who shows up with consistency, intention, and a lot of heart. Whether it’s work, creative projects, or supporting others, I always give my best. I’m reliable, organized, and I communicate clearly, but I also bring empathy and emotional intelligence into everything I do.

I don’t just complete tasks—I look for ways to elevate the experience, improve the workflow, and make things more efficient for everyone involved. I’m adaptable, self-motivated, and not afraid to take initiative when it’s needed. Overall, I’d hire me because I’m dependable, solution-oriented, and genuinely committed to creating a positive, productive environment wherever I am.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Azalea Solan, and I’m a Los Angeles–based couples, wedding, and portrait photographer who specializes in capturing love in its most authentic, cinematic form. I started photography after years of doubting myself, but once I finally took the leap, it became the one place where my creativity, empathy, and purpose aligned.

What makes my brand unique is the way I approach connection—I don’t just take photos; I tell stories. I document the small, emotional, in-between moments that couples and individuals often don’t realize are happening. My goal is to create images that feel warm, honest, and timeless—photos people can look back on and feel something.

My journey hasn’t been easy, and living with Multiple Sclerosis has shaped a lot of who I am today. It’s taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of slowing down to notice the beauty around me. That perspective pours into my work and the way I show up for my clients.

Today, I’m building a brand rooted in intention, storytelling, and community—whether through my photography, my feature page, or the creative spaces I try to uplift for others. I’m proud of the life and career I’m building with my wife by my side, and I’m excited for the stories I still get to tell.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My wife saw me clearly long before I ever learned to see myself. She recognized my strength, my creativity, and my potential at a time when I was still struggling with self-doubt. She’s the one who encouraged me to believe in my talent and reminded me that my voice—and my art—deserved space in this world.

Through every challenge, especially navigating life with Multiple Sclerosis, she has been the person who reminded me that I’m capable, resilient, and worthy of pursuing the life I want. Her support didn’t just help me step into photography—it helped me step into myself.

Because she saw all of that in me first, I’m able to show up today with confidence, purpose, and the heart I pour into my work.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, earlier this year there was a moment when I almost gave up. I was overwhelmed by health challenges, personal stress, and the pressure of running a business. I reached a point where I felt burnt out and disconnected from the creativity that used to come so naturally to me. For the first time, stepping away felt easier than fighting to keep going.

But everything shifted in July when I attended a photography retreat. Being surrounded by other creatives, learning, shooting, and reconnecting with the heart of why I started—something in me woke back up. That retreat brought my spark back. It reminded me that photography isn’t just my career; it’s the place where I feel most like myself.

I left feeling inspired, grounded, and proud that I didn’t walk away when things got hard. That experience taught me that it’s okay to pause, to rest, and to rebuild—but not to give up on something that truly lights me up.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire my friend Evan for his character more than anything else. In a creative industry that can sometimes feel competitive or isolating, he leads with kindness, humility, and genuine support for others. Evan shows up for people without expecting anything in return, and he carries himself with a level of authenticity that’s rare to find.

He’s the type of person who celebrates others’ wins, encourages their ideas, and offers help without hesitation. His honesty, work ethic, and steady presence have made a huge impact on me—not just as a photographer, but as a person.

I admire Evan because he reminds me that character matters more than titles, followers, or accomplishments. He’s proof that you can be talented, successful, and still be a deeply good human being. Those are the kinds of people I look up to.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing? 
What I will regret not doing is fully living the life I know I’m meant to live—creatively, intentionally, and without holding myself back. I’ve spent years doubting myself or shrinking to make others comfortable, and I don’t ever want to look back and realize I kept myself from experiences, growth, or opportunities out of fear.

I would regret not telling my story, not pouring into my art, and not giving myself permission to dream boldly. I would regret not documenting more love, more memories, more ordinary moments that become extraordinary with time. And most of all, I would regret not building the life my younger self wished for—one filled with love, purpose, creativity, and the courage to choose myself every day.

That’s the legacy I want to leave: that I didn’t just exist—I showed up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://capturedbyazalea.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/capturedbyazaleaa

Image Credits
Photo credit: @capturedbyazaleaa