Today we’d like to introduce you to Azalie (Azzie) Briseno.
Hi Azalie (Azzie), thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It all began my senior year of high school. To this day, I remember the moment I took my first photo. At that moment, I knew I wanted to pursue photography. Can you believe I went from wanting to pursue becoming an attorney to becoming a photographer? I could have never imagined that. As applying for colleges approached, I looked more into what I wanted to do with photography. I thought, “Maybe I can work for National Geographic.” Well, let me tell you, that changed too. LOL. On March 15, 2017, my brother bought me my first camera. It was a Canon Rebel T3i. Having a camera meant I was officially able to start on a portfolio. During my junior year of college, I asked couples if they would let me photograph them and began to build my portfolio. That’s when lifestyle photography sparked for me. Documenting important, intimate moments in people’s lives brought me happiness, and succeeding at bringing out their personalities made me feel like I was accomplishing my purpose. I strive to show my clients that they are beautiful. I love to see my clients leave our sessions with confidence and self-empowerment. Being able to experience vulnerability with them and see how they transform within minutes is such a magical experience. Aside from these magical moments with my clients, photography has a deeper meaning for me. I later found out my grandfather was also a photographer. I never had the opportunity to meet him but knowing he was a photographer made me feel closer to him. It was as if I felt connected. It was a confirmation for me. I knew this was the career I wanted to keep pursuing. It is amazing how a passion can build a connection with people on numerous levels.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh no! It has not been a smooth road. One of the biggest hurdles one faces as a photographer is getting rejected. Being rejected can be due to a lack of experience. You start to think. “Ok, how can I make my business grow?” It’s through experience. When I first started, I did a whole wedding for free. But that is what helped me. Even after I did one wedding for free, it did not mean I was getting hired by couples immediately. It just meant I had to keep improving my skills. I always encourage my mentees and tell them, “don’t give up.” I am honestly fortunate to have the support of my dad, mom, sister, brother, and husband. They have been there for me through thick and thin.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a photographer who specializes in lifestyle photography. Lifestyle photography, I would define it as having an exact script but no plan at all. I like to think of myself as a third-wheeler in your couples session, family session, or life event. I never pose my clients. Instead, I direct them. For example, during a couples session, I will give them a prompt such as, “You have 10 seconds to kiss your partner as many times in as many places as you possibly can only on their face while tickling them” The reactions I capture are endless smiles and giggles. I am honestly proud of my clients for getting in front of a camera and being able to get out of their comfort zone. I always make sure is that all my clients are comfortable. As a photographer, I’m not just clicking the shutter button. I have to make sure I am also paying attention to details and making sure I can read how my client is feeling. I would say building a connection with my clients is what sets me apart. As I had mentioned before, I strive to show my clients that they are beautiful. I love to see my clients leave our sessions with confidence and self-empowerment.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I have so many! I can’t think of just one. I’ll just generalize it. As a child, I loved the adventures I had with my family. From spontaneous trips to Mexico, Disneyland, and to the park. I have always been family-oriented. So as a child, my favorite childhood memories are the ones I spent with my dad, mom, sister, and brother.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azziesphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azziesphotography
Image Credits
Azzie’s Photography
